Leeds United Victoria (to soon be renamed) have capped off a brilliant pre-season by defeating local hard nuts Stonerbashers 4-1 in a midweek friendly at the club’s home base, the Nou Camp.

Coming into the game there were several concerns over squad members but all pulled up fine to take their place in the starting line up. After a tough week on the track, sore bodies were aplenty and manager Peter Cass again dipped into the loan market to snare Ross Wilding on an emergency loan from sister club Peaking FC. The rumour mill had hit overdrive during the week amidst claims that Peaking boss Rhys Walczak was going to be scouting the talented Yorkshire men but claims is all that they were with the big Pole “forgetting” it was his sister’s 21st birthday.

The game was off to a frenetic and pacey start with LUV defenders Liam Carolan and James Willoughby marshalling the play from the heart of defence. It took a while for the Leeds Vic train to move gears but when they did it was to superb effect – dazzling left-foot winger and captain Chris Kenner firing the boys into an early 1-0 lead. With just minutes remaining before half-time the Stonerbashers snuck a goal despite the best efforts from Scotland’s number one Dave McCabe. The Stonerbashers had been constantly at the boys but the pressure was soaked up and it was a sweet all round move that saw Kenner score a late stoppage time goal in the first half to have things 2-1 at the long break. Wilding’s impact had been noticeable and the shrewd signing from Cass almost proved to be a masterstroke as the enigmatic hardman narrowly missed the chance to score a third on the stroke of half time.

The pre-season fitness camp this year implemented by new captain Chris Kenner has been nothing short of first rate. In stark comparison to last years pie and chips pre-season diet compiled by former skipper James Willoughby, Kenner has performed a Wise-like transformation of the squad. With plenty of energy left in the tank, LUV took over the second half. Carolan was in particular brilliant with his surging runs from deep whilst Uhe ran his heart out and showed some deft and clever touches.

However the man of the moment was Kenner. As the game was petering out, the ultras behind the goals ignited the boys. It is rumoured that Wilding may have been involved a flare display from Level 3 as the 30,000 strong crowd willed on the boys to victory. A chorus of ‘Marching on Together’ greeted Kenner’s third strike finishing off a superb one-two with Uhe. Despite drug problems, on the field Kenner’s game is nothing short of perfect and his left-foot beauty gave LUV a healthy two goal cushion.

At 3-1 up, LUV seemed home. Cue a brain fade of the highest proportions – one somewhat similar of local personality Chris Marraffa who let a self-titled “46 year old slut” dry root him on the dancefloor of the Royal Melbourne Hotel only weeks ago. However this one was commited by Willoughby who after realising the ball was miles over his ahead stuck his hand out. In possibly the worst disguised handball of all time, the referee pointed to the spot and awarded the ex-skipper a yellow card. McCabe, fresh from a trial with Scottish club Dundee psyched the penalty taker out and his “watch the eyes” method succeeded with the graphic designer palming the penalty onto the bar and away to safety.

Carolan wrapped a cracking night’s work with a late free kick which nestled into the back of the net and brought a sense of quiet optimism amongst the home fans. With things looking bright under new captain Chris Kenner, LUV fans have every reason to believe the title will be heading to the back of Dave’s boot anytime soon.

LUV 4
Kenner 3
Carolan 1

Def.

Stonerbashers 1
MVFCMUFC 1

Great report Jimmy spot on, and in good time too - quicker than the official site.

Solid performance, it was a defensive game as me and Jimmy sat back alot and relied on the skill and speed of Kenner and Sammy and briefly Ross which payed dividends. We didnt really give them a sniff, they were disciplined with the ball but didnt move it quick enough or smart enough to cause Dave many problems but he still pulled off plenty of smart saves and his distribution was spot on every time.

I like what I'm seeing boys, we've seen both sides to our game (attacking/defensive) and we are comfortable at both and still making heaps of chances.

Dave is immense to have in goals, you've really grasped that position mate and have improved out of site in these two weeks - it gives me and James confidence at the back so that we can pass it around and if need be pass it back to you.

Looking forward to Sunday week already!

And Ross, if you're reading sorry about the lack of game time! Next time I see ya I'll grab you a beer mate.

On on fucking on.

pure class jimmy..

so good to be playing again, team is working well, 2 from 2, going to be interesting to see what divvy they chuck us in.

with the name do we want 'Leeds Service Crew' or just 'Service Crew' ??

Great fun tonight lads. Fine work with the report Jimmy. Quick turnaround time. Keep the puns coming too. So cheesy!

I reckon 'Leeds Service Crew' sounds good.