U18 Premier League North

Leeds United U18 3 (Mills 50', Vincent 54', Boast 57')

Nottingham Forest U18 2 (Powell 24', Boulter 61')

Leeds: Kenyon (GK), Lane, Firth, Whitehead, Billett, Howard (Hamilton 65’), Vincent (Morris 64’), Pickles (C), Boast, Mills, White. Subs not used: Wood (GK), Simo, Brown.

Nottingham Forest: Willows (GK), Sanneh (C), Bartley, Boulter, Broomes (Whiteley 65’), Davies (Robinson 84’), Daly (Bailey 85’), Bradshaw, Powell, Smith, Brandy (Hamilton 73’). Subs not used: Bradshaw.

Venue: Thorp Arch

Referee: Samuel Clayton

Leeds United Under-18s triumphed against Nottingham Forest Under-18s thanks to a whirlwind few minutes which saw Rob Etherington’s side complete an impressive turnaround at Thorp Arch on Saturday afternoon.

The tie began as a tight affair with the possession shared in the middle of the park in the opening stages. A congested midfield meant opportunities were sparse for either side early on.

That was until the first chance of the afternoon fell to Fuad Smith on the edge of the Leeds box who struck from distance but was unable to alarm George Kenyon in between the posts for the Whites, who collected the attempt comfortably.

Down the other end of the pitch, the hosts had their first sight of goal through Harvey Vincent who latched himself on the end of a pinpoint cross from Oliver Pickles. Side footing his strike down low, the attacker called Keenan Willows into action, with the keeper's outstretched left boot keeping the scores level.

The 20-minute mark saw a shift in tempo between the two sides as the fixture began to open up. It was Jayden Powell who capitalised on the space first for the away side, breaking away to give the game its first goal.

Despite going behind, United almost responded immediately. George Kenyon found the run of a marauding Logan White down the wing who drove in-filed to unleash an attempt which sailed narrowly wide.

Callum Mills then tested Willows from distance after some neat build up with Freddie Lane but was unable to find the net.

Lane would continue to cause the visitors problems, using Vincent out wide well who zipped a ball across the six-yard box that was begging to be bundled home, though it evaded the onrushing Oliver Boast.

HALF TIME: Leeds United U18 0-1 Nottingham Forest U18

Looking to continue their persistent pressure on the Forest defence, Etherington’s side returned to action unchanged and keen to restore parity.

This idea was evident straight from the off as it was the combination of Lane and Vincent once again who fired strong warning signs towards the opposition.

The duo then crafted some incisive build up play down the right, allowing a fast-footed Mills to strike in space beyond Willow to level proceedings!

Appearing energised and hungry, Leeds had complete control of possession and were looking to take advantage of the ever-growing momentum. Showing off plenty of free-flowing football, the Whites dissected their way through the Forest midfield with Pickles at the heart of the action.

The skipper slid Boast behind the away team’s back line, cutting a ball back for Vincent who struck home to complete the lightning-fast turnaround!

Moments later, Boast extended the Whites’ lead! Another dangerous delivery from Vincent returned the favour, meaning the number 9 had the simplest of tasks, passing the ball into the back of the net to put daylight between the two.

In a period of the tie which saw three goals in quick succession, Forest then added to the hectic nature, pulling one back through Evan Boulter who struck well from distance, teeing up a grandstand finish to what had been an enthralling encounter.

Not intent on sitting back and soaking up pressure, Leeds were back on the front foot in no time when Boast won a free kick deep into the Reds’ territory. Up stepped White to strike, looping a fierce effort over the wall which cannoned off the crossbar, inches away from what would have been a memorable goal to put the encounter to bed.

As the game entered its closing stages, the Whites’ impressive work rate and desire was visible. Mills and Jack Morris had shots saved late on, but it wasn't to matter as Leeds saw out the clash to earn a deserved three points.

FULL TIME: Leeds United U18 3-2 Nottingham Forest U18