Leeds United reserves were denied a winning start to the totesport.com East Division campaign following a last-gasp leveller at Grimsby on Wednesday.

Neil Thompson's defending champions were on the verge of kicking off with a victory, but Matt Heywood struck in the 90th minute to cancel out Enoch Showunmi's opener for United.

Showunmi had struck shortly after the half-hour when he pounced quickly after a Tom Elliott shot was saved, but Leeds could have had the game wrapped up long before the final minute.

With Neil Kilkenny pulling the strings in midfield and Andy Robinson looking sharp on the left, United created the better chances throughout.

Elliott had a couple of early opportunities, and the striker also missed a penalty before half-time. Elliott had won the penalty after latching on to a David Prutton ball, but he stepped up to take the spot kick and clipped the bar from 12 yards.

He was also foiled by Grimsby goalkeeper Leigh Overton before half-time, while a header was also cleared following a Kilkenny cross.

In the second period, Robinson had a shot saved and he also hit the bar. The former Swansea man was also the architect when Elliott played in Mike Whitwell, but Overton made another good save to thwart Leeds.

United still appeared to be heading for victory when Casper Ankergren handled outside of the box in the final minute, but Thompson's side failed to clear the free-kick and Heywood was on hand to smash the ball home with virtually the last kick of the game.

United: Ankergren, Darville (Milne 81), Michalik, Huntington, Sheehan, Prutton, Falkingham, Kilkenny (Hatfield 63), Robinson, Elliott, Showunmi (Whitwell 65). Sub (not used): R Jones.

See extended highlights plus reaction on LUTV on Thursday...