During the group stages the team played some excellent opposition in some very close matches, eventually progressing to the plate semi-finals on Friday.

Drawn against CTA Select from Leeds, the Youth Development side found it tough going after three previous days of football and the first half was a close affair. After a rallying team talk at half-time the Leek side stepped up their performance and eventually ran out 3-0 winners to seal a place in the final and a repeat of last years Keele International Cup Plate Final versus Walsall Academy.

The game started brightly for Leek with some excellent possession based football in the first 10 minutes. After some early chances, Dylan Bath made an excellent break down the wing and cut the ball back to Joseph Burke and after some neat footwork and a quick pass Oliver Griffiths slotted the ball home to take the lead.

Credit to the Walsall side they immediately pressurized the Leek Team but found the Leek Goalkeeper Owen Wyatt in outstanding form.

The half ebbed and flowed with both teams creating chances, with Leek unlucky not to extend the lead with a shot from Dylan Bath cleared off the line at the last minute.

The second half was more of a one-way affair with Walsall extending the pressure of the Leek defense, a strong defensive display and some excellent goalkeeping get the opposition at bay.

As the half progressed Leek were limited to the odd break away and Jack Harding rattled the bar from 30 yards.

With the legs now tiring after a tough week of football, Leek rallied and some excellent team spirit saw all the players contributing in defensive work and keeping an excellent team shape to see the game to the end.

Leek Town would like to thank the organizers and officials of the Nottingham International Cup for an excellent tournament and it is always nice to start the season with a Trophy.