Premier League 2

Leeds United U21 2 (Chadwick 53’, Vincent 86’)

Brighton & Hove Albion U21 2 (Ibrahim 26’, Brett 74’)

Leeds: Mahady (GK), Douglas, Lienou, Pickles, Howard, Howson, Vincent (Lopata-White 89’), Cresswell (C), Gray, Chadwick, Chambers (McDonald 71’) Subs not used: Ombang (GK), Brockie, Enaharo-Marcus.

Brighton: Hall (GK), Mackley, Keogh (Kasvosve 90’), Barclay, Atom (Owusu 62’), Knight, Hayden, Albarus (C) (Middleton 33’), Belmont (Brett 62’), Ibrahim, Oriola (West 62’).

Referee: Richie Watkins

Booked: Barclay, Knight, Keogh (Brighton)

Sent off: Douglas (Leeds)

Venue: LNER Community Stadium

Leeds United Under-21s twice fought from behind to earn a thoroughly deserved draw with Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s.

After a month’s absence, Scott Gardner’s side returned to Premier League 2 action and earned a point thanks to second half goals from Rhys Chadwick and Harvey Vincent.

It was the Whites who started the brighter of the two teams as Jayden Lienou sprayed a diagonal pass for Vincent, with Leeds looking to target the Brighton back line for the first time on the afternoon.

The attacker retrieved the ball and beat his opposite man on the right wing, providing an inviting cut-back for the onrushing Harry Gray whose attempt was denied by the foot of Brighton keeper Steven Hall.

Gardner’s team imposed their high intensity from the off with Gray leading the press. It was continued one-way traffic as the hosts maintained the share of possession and control of proceedings for the opening 20 minutes.

The first opportunity for the Seagulls saw Nehemiah Oriola strike wide of the post from distance, with Rory Mahady untroubled in the Leeds goal.

The away side, however, clinically went ahead with their first meaningful attack of the afternoon as Younes Ibrahim struck a low driven attempt into the bottom right corner against the run of play.

Mahady was called into action as the half time interval approached, brilliantly preventing Ibrahim from grabbing a second as the Scotland youth international reacted quickly to a half-volleyed attempt.

The opening period concluded with Leeds searching for a leveller. Gray came closest with a well won headed attempt sailing narrowly over the bar and Vincent also tested the Brighton number one.

HALF TIME: Leeds United U21 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion U21

An unchanged United side emerged looking to find an early breakthrough after the interval and they weren’t to be waiting long for their well-deserved equaliser.

A fine Leeds attack started with experienced mentor Jonny Howson in the heart of defence who breached his way past the away side’s midfield, releasing Chadwick.

Breaking free, the midfielder sweetly struck a fine effort from the edge of the box which curled perfectly into the bottom right corner, bringing the hosts back on level terms!

The Whites had all the momentum onwards and next to test Hall was Vincent, dancing his way through the Brighton back line before releasing a left-footed strike which forced the keeper into an impressive save.

There was no let up from Gardner’s team as the pressure continued to mount. Skipper Alfie Cresswell then tried his luck with a thunderous drive from 25 yards which clattered the woodwork and ran away from danger.

Vincent would probe once more down the line, cutting a ball back across the face of goal that narrowly evaded the onrushing Gray and Chadwick, who were agonisingly close to putting the hosts ahead.

In harsh fashion, Brighton would retake the lead through Adam Brett. Similar to the earlier opener, against the run of play the forward struck low into the Leeds net.

As the full-time whistle fast approached, the hosts were reduced to 10 when Connor Douglas received his marching orders for a second yellow but, even down a player, Gardner’s side refused to let up and found an equaliser late on!

The hard-working Vincent got a well-earned reward for his efforts, lashing a flick on home to salvage a point for the Whites.

Gray went close to winning the clash with a last-gasp header that sailed just wide before Richie Watkins’ full-time whistle sounded.

Leeds are back in Premier League 2 action next weekend as they welcome Nottingham Forest to the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

FULL TIME: Leeds United U21 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion U21