U18 Premier League North
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3 (Bradbury 38’, Harper 55’, Salmon 58’)
Leeds United 1 (Gray 66’)
Wolves: Benjamin (GK), Okoduwa (Braden 46’), Diomande, Rawlings, Voice (C), Igbinoghene, Reynolds (Patterson 84’), Bradbury, Salmon (McLeod 71’), Harper (Ayman 71’), Edozie (Plank 62’).
Leeds: Mahady (GK), Billett, Cresswell, Lopata-White, Richards, Toulson (C), Chadwick (Wilson 59’), Chambers (McDonald 68’), Gray, Pirie, McFadden (Vincent 80’). Subs not used: Grainger, Hamilton.
Venue: Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground
Referee: J. Brookland
Booked: Okoduwa, McLeod (Wolves) Lopata- White (Leeds)
Leeds United Under-18s travelled to Wolverhampton on Saturday afternoon in what was set to be a close encounter, as both teams were only separated by a point in the league.
The visitors got off to a fast start and were creating chances early in the game. Lewis Pirie slipped Harry Gray through on goal, but he directed his effort straight at the keeper.
Leeds were pressing high and winning the ball back in dangerous areas. Max McFadden did just that and produced a pinpoint delivery for Rhys Chadwick, who was there at the back post, but he couldn’t get a clean connection on the ball.
Leeds started to really knock on the door. The pressing was proving to be effective as Gray floated a lovely cross towards Chadwick, but he couldn’t keep his header down from close range.
A brilliant save from Lewys Benjamin prevented the Whites from taking the lead, this time it was Max McFadden’s turn to strike at goal.
His free Kick from the Edge of the box was travelling towards the top corner, but Benjamin was equal to his effort, as he tipped it round the post.
Against the run of play the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty. Mackenzie Bradbury stepped up and converted into the bottom left corner.
Wolves nearly doubled their advantage minutes later, Fabian Reynolds played through Fabian Salmon, but he dragged his effort wide of the post.
After a half that was dominated by the Whites, it was the home side who took a one goal advantage into the break.
HALF TIME: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Leeds United
After a good start to the second half from Leeds, they once again conceded against the run of play. Fraser Harper cut in from the right wing, and from 20-yards out he sent a curling effort into the bottom right corner, leaving Rory Mahady with no chance.
Wolves made it 3-0 in the 57th minute. The Whites committed bodies forwards leaving them open to a counterattack. Wolves took advantage of this as they broke away and Harper played Salmon through, from which he made no mistake as he slotted past Mahady.
Just nine minutes later, Leeds finally found the net and pulled a goal back. Gray weaved his way inside the box and was tripped, resulting in a penalty. The striker stepped forward and converted the spot-kick himself, scoring his second goal in as many games.
Leeds continued to push forward to try and reduce the goal deficit, the closest being Gray who couldn’t convert after a cross across the face of goal from Josh McDonald.
Chances kept coming for Leeds late in the game, Marley Wilson did well to set Pirie away, but he couldn’t keep his effort down, as it went over the crossbar.
Despite a dominant performance from Scott Gardner’s side, they returned to West Yorkshire with no points. Attention will now turn to the Premier League Cup when they host Nottingham Forest in two weeks’ time.
FULL TIME: Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 Leeds United
