Moors Academy side returned to action in style on Wednesday afternoon with a thumping win over Leeds United at Consett’s Belle View Stadium.

The youngsters had been frustrated by a period without any games in recent weeks but they more than made up for lost time with a ruthless performance.

Gavin Cogdon led the team on Wednesday, and he saw them defend with determination in the opening 15 minutes as Leeds began the game positively.

However, having held their visitors at bay, Moors stole in front on 20 minutes with an effective counterattack led by Hayden Oakes and finished off by Ethan Docherty.

The goal changed the tone of the encounter and Moors doubled their advantage just two minutes later when a great pass from Archie Dodds provided the chance for Leighton Hope to make it 2-0.

Cogdon’s side started expressing themselves more as the second half began, with Dodds showing his range of passing and beginning to dictate.

Just before the hour, Moors made it 3-0. Dodds slipped a lovely ball through for Shay Jackson who produced some great work down the right to set up Hope for this second of the afternoon.

Leeds were now on the ropes and Moors could have netted their fourth just minutes later when Oakes found space in an advanced area to drive a shot on goal which came back out off the post.

It was 4-0 on 60 minutes though when Docherty was in the right place to convert following a neat combination with Jaydin Fulton.

Docherty completed a brilliant hat-trick on 83 minutes when he was brought down the box and Moors were awarded a penalty. The youngster picked himself up to take the spot-kick which was initially saved by the Leeds keeper, but Docherty reacted quickest to score from the rebound for 5-0.

Moors’ main priority during the closing stages was to preserve their clean sheet and they put their bodies on the line in an attempt to do so as Leeds pressed forward looking for some consolation.

Zak Blair and Lewis Stapleton were in outstanding form at the back in front of goalkeeper James Brown and a superb clearance off the line looked like seeing Moors through to the final whistle.

However, Leeds kept on going and got some reward in the final minute when they pulled a goal back and add the only blemish to Moors’ copy book during an excellent afternoon.

“The headlines will always go to the strikers when you score five goals and they did take their chances well today,” said Cogdon.

“However, the biggest aim today was the development from the boys to show us how good they can be in both boxes and they’ve definitely done that.

“Leeds manager Noel Whelan was full of praise for our team for their aggression and desire to win, and it’s always nice to hear that from the opposition camp.

“It’s another step forward for us and the lads in their learning about the game and how to win football matches.”

Full Time: Moors 5 Leeds United 1

Moors: Brown, Stapleton, Blair, A Dodds, Yates (K Dodds 60), Lynch, Oakes, Fulton, Docherty, Jackson, Hope (Ousman 70).