The impacts of Storm Boelo were there for all to see on Sunday afternoon at the Stadium of Light as Daniel Farke’s Leeds United played out a goalless draw with Sunderland.
Both teams’ defences came out on top in a game that won’t live too long in the memory but the Whites had chances to win it late on, notably through Sean Longstaff, though it wasn’t meant to be on Wearside.
Throughout the encounter, James Trafford continued his fine form with a series of crucial saves. United have the second-best defence in the Premier League this campaign, conceding just six goals in eight games, behind only to reigning champions Arsenal.
Speaking after the stalemate, the goalkeeper was quick to point out the impact the blustery weather had, explaining: “It was obviously extremely windy. The conditions were a bit much, to be fair. It is one of them games that both teams were fighting. We had some great chances at the end and we always finish really, really strong. On another day, we win.
“We tried to keep the ball a bit flatter but the wind was all over the place. Sometimes the kick went long and sometimes it held up – it was a bit mad. We need to score more and concede less. We are trying every day to improve that. So, we will just keep trying to edge on and improve it.”
For our Women’s team, the FA Cup First Round meeting with Rotherham United fell foul of the weather. The clash with the Millers has been rearranged for this coming Sunday, a week on from the initial scheduling. Norton & Stockton Ancients await the winners in the Second Round.
With no Under-21s fixture, our Under-18s were the only other Leeds side in action. Like the senior team, Rob Etherington’s young Whites travelled to Sunderland as they took on the Black Cats at the Academy of Light.
Two stunning free-kicks from Logan White continued the attacker’s 100 per cent record of scoring in every game this campaign, taking him to 10 goals in just seven games. Despite the 18-year-old’s display, Leeds fell to a narrow 4-3 defeat, bringing a two-match winning streak to an end.
How does this week look?
Simon Wood’s Women return to FA WNL Division One North on Wednesday evening. They welcome local rivals York City to the BD Community Stadium, live on LUTV. The Whites then host Rotherham in that rearranged cup tie.
Saturday promises to be a busy day with three teams in action. The U18s kick off the day with an 11:30am Thorp Arch clash with Derby County. Then, at 2pm, the U21s take on Stoke City at Guiseley’s Nethermoor Park. At 3pm, Farke’s Men take on AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
