Keighley u-17s 1 Leeds u-17s 4

KEIGHLEY Minors’ quest to bring home the County Cup ended in disappointment as they were beaten by a strong Leeds FA outfit.

Looking for a fifth cup triumph in their history, Keighley started brightly without carving out clear-cut chances.

At the other end, goalkeeper Matthew Fleetwood was looking assured in front of a strong back line.

Sam Fox’s free-kick, which did not trouble the goalkeeper, and Ben Cox’s slight indecision while bearing down on goal, were the only two main threats in the opening period for Keighley.

As the first half wore on, Leeds began to gain the upper hand. A full-blooded challenge left the influential Lewis Hopkinson struggling and the disruption led to the opening goal for Leeds.

Hopkinson did not return and the major blow left Keighley to change tactically as Conner Mitchell and Callum Franklin were introduced.

Leeds continued to press but Keighley’s neat passing led to an equaliser, the ball breaking for Keann Shaw, whose sweet strike found the bottom corner.

Keighley held parity for just 60 seconds as a lapse of concentration saw Leeds go in front again and, before Keighley could regroup, they conceded a third.

Matthew Klava and Callum Holmes tries to instil some life back into Keighley and, although they were now playing their best football, it was too late as Leeds broke away to score again.

Keighley manager Charlie Wysocki said: “We never really got going, but got ourselves back in the game at 1-1, only to not manage the game properly and the most disappointing aspect is we all know we are a much better side than what we showed.”

Keighley FA thank all supporters that travelled. Although the result was disappointing, it has been another successful season in reaching the final. Their end-of-season game and presentation will hopefully be in mid-May.