Premier League North

Middlesbrough 2 (Bridge 81’ pen, 90’)

Leeds United 2 (Dean 11’, Buchan 49’)

Middlesbrough: Connor (GK), Myers-Smith, Gitau (Samuels 85’), John, N. Simpson (Howe 76’), Evans, Finch (McCabe 65’), Bridge, Costello, MacCarthy, Traore. Subs not used: Lennon, C.Simpson.

Leeds United: Christy (GK), Sutcliffe, Debayo, Littlewood, Godden, Buchan, Allen (Mullen 46’), Bradbury, Wilson, Dean (Andreucci 46’), Carole. Subs not used: Ombang, Cline, Spencer. 

Venue: Rockliffe Park

Referee: T. James

Leeds United Under 18s finished honours even with Middlesbrough in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Rockcliffe Park, but will have been disappointed not to have come away with all three points after establishing a two-goal lead in the game. 

The Whites went into this game off the back of an enthralling 3-3 draw with Manchester City, as Lui Bradbury scored a last gasp equaliser last time out in the league. After that came a convincing 4-1 FA Youth Cup victory away at Coventry City.

The hosts had been in indifferent form, with two wins and two defeats in their previous four matches and in three out of those four games, they had conceded three times.

With goals then looking likely based off the previous few matches, Scott Gardner’s side took the lead through a superb free kick from Max Dean from just outside the area, with just 11 minutes on the clock. 

The striker had been a constant threat throughout and that moment of magic from the 17-year-old was the only major talking point in the first half. Leeds had dominated for the majority of the first half, but couldn’t convert their chances, so went in at the interval with a one-goal advantage. 

HALF TIME: Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

Both teams came out unchanged in the second half and with just the one goal separating the pair, everything was still to play for. Just minutes after the restart through, United midfielder Jay Buchan extended the lead with a header from close range.

That goal saw Gardner’s side gain a two-goal lead and his side appeared to be heading for victory, until the game spun on it’s head with 10 minutes to go. 

The hosts were awarded a penalty as the match entered the final 10 minutes, and up stepped AJ Bridge to convert the spot-kick, sending Harry Christy the wrong way to reduce the deficit to one and set up a grandstand finish. 

With virtually the last kick of the game, a goalmouth scramble ensued and Bridge grabbed his second of the match to snatch the three points away from the Whites and earn a point for Boro. 

The equaliser meant that Mark Tinkler’s side stayed above Leeds in the table in fifth, whilst the Whites were in sixth. Next up for Gardner’s side is Sunderland away which till take place in January, after the Christmas break. 

FULL TIME: Middlesbrough 2-2 Leeds United