Premier League Cup

Mansfield Town 1 (Johnson 30’)

Leeds United 1 (Littlewood 71’)

Mansfield: Stech (GK), Charles, Wauchope, Perch (C), Collins, Carter, Wallace (Davies 74’), Law, Scott (Deakin 87’), Johnson, Caine (Kruszynski 70’). Subs not used: Mason (GK), Pitts. 

Leeds: Van Den Heuvel (GK), Sutcliffe, McCarron (Carole 72’), Littlewood, Moore, Jenkins (C), McKinstry, Snowdon, Dean, Allen, Miller (Joseph 69’). Subs not used: Christy (GK), Coleman, Hughes.

Venue: RH Academy, Mansfield 

Referee: S. Jackson

Booked: Perch (Mansfield) McCarron (Leeds)

Leeds United Under-23s went into their final Premier League Cup fixture knowing that a point would be enough to see them quality from Group E, into the knock-out stages. Thanks to Joe Littlewood’s second half equaliser, that’s exactly what they got to go through.

The match was the first one in charge for newly-appointed Andy Taylor, who takes over until the end of the 2021/22 season from Mark Jackson, following his progressing up to the first team coaching staff.

This Cup clash was being played away at Mansfield at the third time of asking, after the previous two clashes were postponed due to the adverse weather conditions that had a major impact on the UK throughout February. 

Getting underway with windy conditions in Nottinghamshire, there were very few early chances. The first keeper to be tested was Dani Van Den Heuvel and he made a smart save at his near post to deny Danny Johnson’s low shot. 

Leeds went even closer moments later. Ever lively up top, Max Dean controlled and turned his man brilliantly before unleashing a curling effort at goal. With Marek Stech well beaten in goal for the Stags, the post wasn’t, as the ball clipped the upright and went wide. 

Johnson would then go close again for the home side, before his next effort put Mansfield ahead. The forward found space in the box from a clever move and finished well to give his side the advantage. 

Looking to respond, Taylor’s team had chances to get level. Dean was continuing to cause problems up top, whilst both Stuart McKinstry and Amari Miller put shots over the bar from the edge of the box, before the whistle went for the interval.

HALF TIME: Mansfield Town 1-0 Leeds United

The Whites came out in the second half knowing they needed a response if they were to continue within the competition. The permutations of the table meant that Mansfield also needed to not only win, but get a second goal to overtake Leeds on goal-difference. 

Neither team made a change as both went in search of vital goals that would send them into the knock-out stages. Mansfield’s Jason Law had two early efforts on goal, but powered both of his free-kick opportunities over the bar. 

Leeds responded with Liam McCarron charging forward into the box, beating multiple challenges on the way. When he created a shooting opportunity though the full-back fired well over the bar. 

United did find the leveller their play had deserved just under 20 minutes from time. McKinstry’s clever corner routine found the impressive Kris Moore at the near-post and he flicked the ball goalwards, finding Littlewood who was alert to turn home at close range. 

With just under 10 minutes remaining, Leeds nearly extended their advantage further. Charlie Allen struck the crossbar with a composed curling effort, and seconds later Dean’s quick shot went into the side netting. 

The match continued to provide chances but no further goals came, meaning Leeds United’s Under-23s progressed into the knock-out stages of the Premier League Cup. 

FULL TIME: Mansfield Town 1-1 Leeds United