Our Under-21s extended their unbeaten run in February to three games with a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Thorp Arch on Monday afternoon.

Eoghan Stokes’ second goal in as many matches proved decisive in an end-to-end contest, which saw Paul Hart’s side move up to fifth in the table.

It was the home side who started the brightest, winning a couple of early corners and Stokes testing Ross Durrant in the Forest goal from distance.

And the United youngsters were able to capitalise on their early dominance, taking the lead in the 18th minute with a classy move between Stokes and Frank Mulhern.

The two Irishmen combined on the edge of the area, playing a neat one-two to put Mulhern through on goal - and he made no mistake with the finish.

That goal forced the visitors to push further forward, leaving Leeds a lot more space on the counter attack.

Luke Parkin, on his return to the side, almost took full advantage of that after Mulhern played him through, bringing Durrant into another good save despite the tight angle.

Moments after Stokes’ shot was deflected wide, Forest found an equaliser through Ryan Yates - the midfielder finding space at the far post to apply a decent finish ten minutes before the break.

The Whites looked to step up the tempo once again early on in the second half, Casper Sloth avoiding a couple of challenges before unleashing an effort from outside the box which flew agonisingly wide of the post.

Another swift counter-attack from the home side ended with Mulhern going down in the box after having appeared to be bundled to the ground from behind, but the referee wasn’t interested.

A spell of pressure from the away team was followed up with Phillips and Parkin going close to breaking the deadlock.

But it was Stokes who popped up with the decisive moment in the 61st minute, meeting Parkin’s perfect cross with a bullet header to give the keeper no chance.

Parkin then nearly put the game out of reach with a goal of his own – a fine sweeping move involving Sloth and Mulhern. The latter’s cushioned header fell right into the path of the onrushing Parkin, his shot beating the keeper but cleared off the line with a great piece of defending.

A late flurry from Forest put the home team under pressure, but a disallowed goal and two brilliant saves from Eric Grimes secured three points for Leeds. 

Under-21s team: Grimes, Purver, Vann (Vieira 45), P McKay, Denton, Phillips, Sloth, Stokes, Botaka, Parkin, Mulhern. Subs not used: Skelton, Lyman, J McKay, trialist.