U18 Premier League North
Leeds United U18 0
Sunderland U18 2 (Neill 33’, Neild 89’)
Leeds: Baird (GK), Dudley, Bird (C), Pickles, Billett, Matykiewicz, Render (Pirie 46’), Brown, Brockie, Morris (Boast 72’), Lane (Simo 83’). Subs not used: Kenyon (GK), Howard.
Venue: Thorp Arch
Referee: Macauley Gibson
Leeds United Under-18s fell to a narrow defeat against Sunderland Under-18s in their second match of the campaign, with a late Joe Neild goal ensuring the visitors left Thorp Arch with all three points.
As the action got underway, the home side started the stronger of the two, with Jack Morris finding space on the left early on. The Whites’ number 10 invitingly cut the ball back for Devon Brockie, who saw his fierce strike saved well by Daniel Cameron in the Sunderland net.
Within minutes, Brockie almost had another chance to open the scoring after Morris crossed dangerously, but the ball just evaded the Leeds forward.
For all the early pressure from the hosts, Rob Etherington’s side had goalkeeper Alex Baird to thank for keeping the scores level, as he made a quick reflex dive down to his right to deny Marcus Neill of the opener.
Despite the Whites dominating possession, a stubborn Sunderland backline defended resolutely, before the Black Cats opened the scoring against the run of play just after the half-hour mark.
A congested battle in the middle allowed Neild to find space, sliding a fine pass in behind for striker Neill who, under pressure from Joe Billett, finished well into the bottom corner.
Looking to respond before the break, Morris came close as he headed narrowly over, before referee Macauley Gibson brought the opening half to a close.
HALF TIME: Leeds United U18 0-1 Sunderland U18
An instant injection of pace and intensity into Etherington’s side was evident straight from the off in the second half, with Brockie and winger Freddie Lane having efforts well saved by Cameron as United pushed for an equaliser.
Despite the wave of attacks from the home side, the visitors still posed a threat on the break. The impressive Baird’s services were once again called upon for his team, making a fine close range stop to prevent Sunderland from doubling their lead.
Leeds continued to push for a leveller but were continued to be frustrated by the Sunderland defence and a strong performance from Cameron.
With the hosts committing bodies forward late on in search of a last-gasp equaliser, a quick break from the visitors saw Neild go through one on one, slotting past Baird to secure all three points.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take for the young Whites, whose attention turns to a trip to Stoke City after the international break.
FULL TIME: Leeds United U18 0-2 Sunderland U18
