FA Youth Cup Round Four

Newcastle United 4 (Stephenson 12’, 42’, 45’, White 63’)

Leeds United 1 (Snowdon 43’)

Leeds XI: Dani Van Den Heuvel, Ethan Kachosa, Connor Ferguson (Ronnie McGrath 45’), Nohan Kenneh (c), Harvey Sutcliffe, Kris Moore, Alfie Hughes (Keenan Carole 70’), Charlie Allen, Max McMillan, Joe Snowdon, Stuart McKinstry. Subs not used: Will Brook, Morten Spencer, Cian Coleman, Lui Bradbury, Ben Andreucci.

Leeds United’s youngsters are out of the FA Youth Cup, after defeat away from home against Newcastle United. 

Scott Gardner’s Under-18s made it to Round Four with a convincing victory over MK Dons in Round Three. Newcastle progressed to the same stage by beating Huddersfield Town on penalties, after the match had finished in a 1-1 draw. 

At a sun-soaked Whitley Park, it was the hosts who went into the lead just after the 10 minute mark, following an early period of both teams working one another out.

Dylan Stephenson was the player to get his side ahead, with a powerful finish inside the area. The striker was a constant threat throughout and would have more chances as the half went on. 

Dani Van Den Heuvel ensured the score remained at one with a couple of excellent saves, keeping out Joe White and Elliot Anderson. 

Charlie Allen was the first to force Max Thompson into action at the other end as he turned an effort goal-wards, but the ‘keeper was equal to it. 

In an all-action spell before the whistle, three goals came in five minutes. Firstly, The Magpies doubled their lead as once again Stephenson found space in the box to fire home and get his and his teams second of the game. 

With the next attack, the Whites were back in the match as Joe Snowdon continued his scoring from the Third Round by tucking away into the far corner, from Ethan Kachosa’s cross. 

However, in stoppage time at the end of the half, Stephenson completed his hat-trick. The forward was able to find more space in a crowded box to turn home a cross as it trickled across the six yard box. 

HALF TIME: Newcastle United 3-1 Leeds United 

Leeds were sent out in the second half with clear instruction as they looked to fight back in the match. A change at the interval saw Connor Ferguson come off, with Ronnie McGrath his replacement. 

However, it was the hosts who extended their lead, despite an even opening 15 minutes of the second half. Joe White was the player who created the chance himself, running into the box before firing into the back of the net to make it four.

After shooting over the bar earlier in the match, second half substitute McGrath then connected well with a cross, powering a header beyond the ‘keeper, but against the crossbar to his frustration. 

In the final 10 minutes, Leeds were continuing to push men forward which made them vulnerable on the break, with Elliot Anderson the danger-man for Newcastle. 

Despite their best efforts, the Whites were limited to set-pieces as they searched for chances to reduce the deficit and the match ended without them finding the net in the second half. 

FULL TIME: Newcastle United 4-1 Leeds United

Venue: Whitley Park