U18 Premier League North
Leeds United 3 (Ogunneye 9’ og, Andreucci 88’, 90+2’)
Manchester United 3 (Nolan 26, Williams 59’, Biancheri 85’)
Leeds: Mahady (GK), Diboe (Richards 76’), Toulson, Buchan, Godden, Douglas (McFadden 57’), Chadwick, Coleman (Lopata-White 82’), Thomas (Chambers 66’), Wilson, Andreucci. Subs not used: Ombang.
ManUtd: Harrison (GK) (Myles 80’), Ogunneye (Norkett 61’), Kingdon, Jackson, Berry, Nolan, Scanlon (Biancheri 61’), Williams, Aigbomian (Wheatley 61’), Fitzgerald, Mantato. Subs not used: Kamason.
Venue: Thorp Arch
Referee: L. Hible
Booked: Nolan, Jackson (Man Utd)
Leeds United Under-18s battled from 3-1 down to take a point in their latest Under-18s Premier League North match, after Ben Andreucci netted twice in the final few minutes of the game at home to Manchester United Under-18s.
The away side had the first chance of the match and went close to taking the lead from a set-play. An in-swinging free-kick from the right saw Victor Aigbomian jump highest, but he flicked his header wide of the post.
After that let-off, Scott Gardner’s side settled into the game and went into the lead themselves, with a quick break that saw Reece Chadwick play a good ball down the line for Connor Douglas.
Douglas crossed dangerously into the penalty area looking for Andreucci and the presence of the Whites’ number nine forced Habeeb Ogunneye into a mistake, as he turned the ball past his own goalkeeper to put Leeds in front.
That forward pairing combined brilliantly moments later and went close to doubling the lead. Andreucci was the one to go on an excellent run this time and he fed Douglas with a brilliantly crafted ball, but the winger’s shot was denied by Elyh Harrison in the opposition net.
Midway through the first half, the away side drew themselves level. Good interplay to work a chance was seen from Aigbomian as he played in Ethan Williams, who took the opportunity finishing low and hard across the goal.
Aigbomian was the most lively player for Manchester United and he came close to putting his side ahead. After racing clear into the box, he struck low, only to see the alert Rory Mahady make a good save.
A final big chance before the interval went the way of Leeds. Constant pressure on the box eventually allowed the ball to fall kindly for Scot Godden, but he struck agonisingly past the past, sending the teams in level at the break.
HALF TIME: Leeds United U18 1-1 Manchester United U18
The second half would prove to be another hard-fought 45 minutes, with goals coming at either end. Leeds could have instantly retaken the lead, as Luca Thomas curled an effort just past the post.
Shortly before the hour mark in the match, the away side went into the lead in the game. Again it was the lively Aigbomian who caused the problems, dribbling into the box before cutting the ball back for Williams to slot into the back of the net.
Looking to respond instantly, Leeds pushed forward through Thomas on the left wing. He picked out Andreucci who had found space on the edge of the box, but his shot was then well saved by Harrison.
Into the final five minutes, it looked like the away side had secured the three points, after scoring their third of the game. Gabriele Biancheri’s first effort was blocked, but he picked up the rebound and made no mistake this time, firing low into the back of the net.
The Whites refused to be beaten though and would show the character and fight needed to make a comeback in the match, to get themselves a point.
Pressing high up the pitch, Andreucci was the player to be alert enough to steal possession off goalkeeper Harrison, before slotting home left-footed into the back of the net to reduce the deficit.
The match now entered stoppage time and Leeds were continuing to push forward. They were rewarded for that effort when Marley Wilson chipped a ball into the middle, for Andreucci to rise highest and head home and claim the point.
FULL TIME: Leeds United U18 3-3 Manchester United U18
