Premier League 2
Leeds United U21 1 (Debayo 90’)
Brighton & Hove Albion U21 1 (Bashir 30’)
Leeds: Mahady (GK), Moore, Ferguson, Cresswell (C), Monteiro, Debayo, Douglas (Vincent 84’), Chadwick (McFadden 71’), Gray, Chambers, Nfonkeu (McDonald 71’). Subs not used: Ombang (GK), Lopata-White.
Brighton: Cahill (GK), Tasker, Slater, Simmonds, Penman, Knight, Howell, Chouchane, Robertson (Belmount 73’), Mullins (C), Bashir (Oriola 79’). Subs not used: Fisher (GK), Owusu, Vickers.
Referee: John Mulligan
Booked: Monteiro, Chadwick, McFadden (Leeds) Chouchane, Knight, Belmount (Brighton)
Venue: LNER Community Stadium, York
Attendance: 213
Leeds United Under-21s secured a last-gasp draw against Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s in Premier League 2 action at the LNER Community Stadium in York.
The visitors had taken a first-half lead but entering the final seconds of stoppage time, Scott Gardner’s side drew level to take a point from the game thanks to James Debayo's close range strike.
After starting the game brightly, Sam Chambers was pushing forward from central areas. The midfielder picked up the ball and ran at the opposition defence, before seeing his attempt well-saved by Killian Cahill in the Brighton net.
The best chance of the game's early stages came a third of the way through the first half. Jamie Mullins looked up and saw Rory Mahady slightly off his line and struck an audacious effort which looked to be heading in, but the ‘keeper backtracked superbly to tip it over the bar.
In what was a competitive match in the first half under the lights in York, attacking opportunities were exchanged. Connor Douglas tested the Seagulls defence but his shot was blocked, before Joe Knight struck just past the post at the opposite end.
Having had the better of the chances in the first half, the away side did then take the lead. A low ball from the right made its way across the box to Sahil Bashir, who in turn found the bottom corner.
Looking to respond as the encounter approached half-time, Gardner’s side had a big chance. Down the right, Douglas whipped an excellent cross into the box and up from left-back, Connor Ferguson met the ball, but his header sailed over the bar.
HALF TIME: Leeds United U21 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion U21
No changes were made at the interval and the sides returned to the pitch, looking to battle once more in this Premier League 2 encounter.
The match remained competitive and both teams looked to change the scoreline, but defences remained on top in the opening stages of the second half in York.
Looking to take advantage from a set-play, Rhys Chadwick stood over a free-kick on the right and whipped in a dangerous ball to the back post. It went through bodies, but narrowly evaded everyone before sailing agonisingly past the post.
Having seen very few openings created, Gardner freshened up the attack, going to his bench with 20 minutes to play. Both Max McFadden and Josh McDonald were introduced, as the Whites searched for a leveller.
Entering the final 10 minutes, Harry Gray worked his way into the box. He was stopped in his tracks but the ball fell for the recently introduced McFadden, who struck wide on his left-foot.
Also looking to find the net with a left-footed effort was Harry Howell. The Seagulls winger cut inside and lined up a strike, which flew well over Mahady’s crossbar to safety.
Throwing everything forward in stoppage time, Gardner’s side levelled in the final seconds from a corner.
With everyone, including Mahady, up for the set-piece, after a scramble in the box James Debayo was credited with the last touch as the ball was turned home to secure a point for United!
FULL TIME: Leeds United U21 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion U21
