Premier League 2

Leeds United U21 1 (Gray 35’)

Nottingham Forest U21 2 (Whitehall 31’, Sinclair 54’)

Leeds: Cairns (GK), Firth, Lienou, Pickles, Lopata-White, Howson, Vincent (McDonald 49’), Cresswell (C), Gray (Wilson 71’), Chadwick, Chambers. Subs not used: Brockie, Enahoro-Marcus, Pirie.

Forest: Campbell (GK), Sinclair, Newton (Blake 90’), Thompson (C), Hanks, Hammond, Whitehall, Nwosu (McClure 45’), Sillah, Thompson (Anisjko 90’), Berry (Modupe 79’). Subs not used: Grainger (GK).

Referee: James Westgate

Booked: Cresswell (Leeds) Hanks, Thompson (Forest)

Venue: LNER Community Stadium

Leeds United Under-21s fell to a narrow defeat against Nottingham Forest Under-21s in the Premier League 2, despite enjoying large spells of possession at the LNER Community Stadium.

Ahead of the meeting in York, Scott Gardner named a side which included attacking trio Harry Gray, Sam Chambers and Rhys Chadwick.

First-team goalkeeping option Alex Cairns was also drafted in, passing on his invaluable experience alongside veteran mentor Jonny Howson to a youthful Whites side.

After an impeccably observed period of silence as part of Remembrance Weekend, action got underway with the hosts immediately on the front foot.

A marauding run by Jayden Lienou saw the Wales youth international release Chadwick on the left flank who in turn cut inside and picked out the back post run of Harvey Vincent with a pinpoint delivery.

The attacker drilled a fizzing half-volley goalwards, forcing Luke Campbell into a fine save before the ball agonisingly rolled across the goal line and somehow away from danger.

A glanced header from Lienou then called the busy Forest keeper into another important intervention, clutching the defender’s header after he rose highest to meet Chadwick’s out-swinging corner kick.

Chambers, having made a first start of the campaign last time out, had begun the encounter dangerously and a typical mazy run then created space for Vincent who, with the angle narrowing, drilled over the upright.

Gray was next to go close as United continued to threaten. Latching onto a chipped pass through, the striker produced an impressive piece of skill to evade a red shirt before lashing a left-footed effort on goal which Campbell was equal to.

From the visitors’ first meaningful attack of the afternoon, Cairns produced a magnificent save to deny Adam Berry’s long-distance strike. From the resulting corner, however, Archie Whitehall was on hand for Forest to fire home the opener.

No longer had Gardner’s team been behind, they were level and deservingly so when Gray converted from the spot following an off-the-ball incident in the penalty area.

Having been bundled to the floor, the England youth international got to his feet and showed great composure to send Campbell the wrong way, picking out the bottom corner!

The striker almost grabbed a second on the stroke of half time with an audacious chip from range though the backpedaling stopper was able to tip the ball over the bar in the final piece of action before referee James Westgate brought an exciting opening period to a close.

HALF TIME: Leeds United U21 1-1 Nottingham Forest U21

The Whites emerged from the break unchanged but were forced into an early substitution after a heavy challenge left the lively Vincent unable to continue, making way for Josh McDonald.

The attacker was immediately involved and went desperately close to scoring with his first touch. Gray had done brilliantly to find space on the left and flashed a teasing delivery across the face of goal which the onrushing McDonald was inches away from meeting just yards out.

Despite the Whites dominating possession, the visitors retook the lead as James Sinclair found the back of the net from inside the area with a left-footed finish.

Keen to level proceedings quickly once more, Chadwick arrowed a drive from distance which whistled beyond the upright as the clock ticked over the hour mark.

Further reinforcements from the dugout then saw Marley Wilson make a long-awaited return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, replacing Gray as Gardner refreshed his attacking line.

With Leeds beginning to pile bodies forward in search of an equaliser, Forest were sitting in and looking to use pace on the break. Berry went close, forcing Cairns into a superb close-range save to parry the forward’s fierce strike.

United threw everything at a stubborn Reds defence but were unable to find the leveller before the full-time whistle sounded.

The Whites return to action on Tuesday evening, heading to Lancashire to face Accrington Stanley in the final match of the Vertu Trophy group stage campaign.

FULL TIME: Leeds United U21 1-2 Nottingham Forest U21