Premier League 2 Division 2
Leeds United U21 3 (Allen 45’, Gray 53’, Perkins 63’)
Middlesbrough U21 1 (Patterson-Powell 20’)
Leeds: van den Heuvel (GK), Allen (Crew 75’), Moore, Monteiro, Mullen, Spencer (Debayo 59’), Gyabi, Gray, Perkins (Ferguson 90’), McGurk (Thomas 75’), Joseph (C). Subs not used: Christy (GK).
Boro: Metcalfe (GK), Gitau, Collins (Cartwright 83’), Lindo, Myers-Smith (Tawiah 51’), John (James 83’), Simpson, Bridge, Sivi, Howells (Lennon 76’), Patterson-Powell. Subs not used: Popple.
Venue: LNER Community Stadium, York
Referee: Danny Middleton
Booked: Allen, Gray, Debayo (Leeds) Gitau (Boro)
Sent-off: Gray (Leeds)
Leeds United Under-21s secured an important three points at the LNER Community Stadium in York on Sunday afternoon, coming from behind to run out comfortable winners against Middlesbrough Under-21s.
After Boro had taken the lead 20 minutes in, Charlie Allen, Archie Gray and Sonny Perkins scored the goals to see Paco Gallardo’s side run out 3-1 winners, despite playing the final 20 minutes or so with 10 players.
Coming into the match, Leeds knew a win would see them go into an excellent position to win the league title. However, things didn’t go to play straightaway with the visitors starting the match strongly, forcing Dani van den Heuvel into an excellent save from AJ Bridge’s free-kick.
Boro did take the lead following early pressure, with a good move and finish. Rio Patterson-Powell picked up the ball just outside the box and struck low, with precision into the bottom corner, to put his side ahead.
Sean McGurk and Perkins looked to lead the charge for a response, both having shots go close, but Max Metcalfe was on hand in the Middlesbrough goal to deny the efforts thrown at him.
That was until the final five minutes of the half, when Allen was able to draw his side level. He broke into space down the right, burst into the box before shooting and finding the back of the net via a deflection.
The goal came right on the stroke of half-time and sent Gallardo’s side in on level terms, knowing they needed to come out in the second half to find a winner.
HALF TIME: Leeds United U21 1-1 Middlesbrough U21
No changes at the break meant the second half got underway with the same players looking to get on the front foot and find a way to go ahead in the game.
Just eight minutes into the half, Leeds did go into the lead for the first time. Picking up the ball on the halfway line, Gray burst forward at pace and showed great feet to beat the Boro defence, before then showing the calmness needed to find the back of the net when in the box.
It would then only take another 10 minutes before the advantage was extended. This time Gray was the provider, picking out Perkins through the middle. The forward still had plenty to do but after some excellent control, he curled right-footed into the top corner.
Despite being well on top now in the game, Gallardo’s side were dealt a blow with 20 minutes remaining. Having already been booked, Gray was shown a second yellow card after it was adjudged he had committed a foul on the halfway line, meaning the Whites were down to 10 players.
The player advantage didn’t change the flow of the game thankfully, with Leeds still on top. Fresh from the bench, Luca Thomas had a good chance, but Metcalfe produced a good stop to deny the young forward’s effort on goal.
Down the opposite end, van den Heuvel was called upon again and made the save of the match. George Gitau was well placed and smashed a low effort on goal, which the ‘keeper somehow reached low to his right to turn away.
That was the final chance of what had been an entertaining final home match of the Premier League 2 Division 2 season for Leeds. They now know a point away at West Bromwich Albion on Friday would see them promoted and claim the league title.
FULL TIME: Leeds United U21 3-1 Middlesbrough U21
