Premier League 2

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 (Moran 33’)

Leeds United 0

Brighton: McGill (GK), Offiah, Furlong, Turns, Roberts, Leonard (C), Peupion, Moran (Moran 90'), Ferguson (Wilson 45’), Spong, Miller (Baker-Boaitey 89'). Subs not used: Beadle, McConville. 

Leeds: Klaesson (GK), Sutcliffe, McCarron (Dean 45’), Hjelde, Cresswell (C), Kenneh, Miller, Jenkins, Joseph, Bate, McKinstry (McGurk 60'). Subs not used: Van Den Heuvel, Allen, Mullen. 

Venue: American Express Elite Performance Centre

Attendance: Behind-closed-doors

Referee: Gary Parsons

Booked: Furlong, Turns, Spong, Leonard (Brighton) Miller, Jenkins (Leeds)

Leeds United Under-23s were beaten away from home against Brighton & Hove Albion Under-23s, in their penultimate away game of the 2021/22 Premier League 2 Division One campaign. 

A first half goal from Andy Moran was enough for the Seagulls to take all three points on the south coast, despite a spirited second half performance from the Whites, who created a number of chances.  

When the game got underway, the early chances inside the opening 10 minutes of the game fell to Leeds. Mateo Joseph curled an effort on target which was well saved, before Jack Jenkins flicked the ball narrowly wide from a Stuart McKinstry cross. 

Down the opposite end, Kristoffer Klaesson was out quickly to deny both Cameron Peupion at first, then moments later the ‘keeper dived at the feet of Evan Ferguson to deny him too. 

Both players were then the next to go close again for Brighton. This time Peupion’s back-post effort was deflected wide, then Ferguson forced another save from Klaesson as the ‘keeper stopped him at the near post. 

The goal came just after the 30-minute mark in the game. After Ferguson pushed forward down the right and cut into the penalty area, the ball fell kindly for Moran, who finished low into the back of the net despite Klaesson getting fingertips to the effort. 

Looking for a response the Whites went close through Nohan Kenneh, with the midfielder pushing forward and striking wide on his left-foot. That would be the final chance of the half and the hosts went in at the break with the advantage.

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

The Whites made a change for the second half, with Max Dean coming on to replace Liam McCarron. The Seagulls made a change of their own, with Ferguson going off for Ben Wilson to come on. 

Andy Taylor’s side were on the front foot from kick-off in the second half and went on the attack instantly. McKinstry tested Tom McGill between the posts with the Brighton ‘keeper dealing well with the opportunity. 

The winger was involved again for Leeds as he skipped forward and was brought down this time on the edge of the box. Lewis Bate whipped the free-kick over the wall but frustratingly, also over the bar. 

A huge chance came with 25 minutes or so remaining. Bate was the orchestrator as he pushed forward and created an opening for Dean, who did everything right when shooting on goal, but saw his shot deflected wide of the goal. 

McGill was called into action again as Bate struck from 25-yards into the goalie’s arms, before another big chance came when Amari Miller was played into the box by Joseph, but the winger also put his strike wide of the goal. 

Despite a second half domination with the ball and plenty of chances created, the Whites went into the final 10 minutes still searching for the equaliser and they almost had it when second half substitute Sean McGurk curled his strike against the crossbar. 

The minutes ticked down and with plenty of stoppages throughout, five minutes of added time was shown. However, no more clear openings came in the final few seconds and the home side clung on for three points. 

Next up for Leeds is their final home game of the season against Manchester City at Elland Road, next Friday. 

FULL TIME: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Leeds United