Premier League 2

Leeds United 2 (Aaronson 41’, McGurk 84’)

Aston Villa 1 (Kellyman 49’)

Leeds: Klaesson (GK), Moore, Mullen, Monteiro, Ferguson, Gyabi, Spencer (Snowdon 68’), Aaronson (Greenwood 45’), Rutter (Allen 45’), Joseph (C), Perkins (McGurk 65’). Subs not used: Christy (GK). 

Villa: Zych (GK), Kesler, Revan (C), Feeney, O’Reilly (Swinkles 89’), Lindley, Raikhy, Alcock (Smith 89’), Frith (Kellyman 45’), Afoka, Young. Subs not used: Hammond (GK), Ealing.

Venue: Elland Road

Attendance: 3,214

Referee: Michael Barlow

Booked: Greenwood, McGurk, Gyabi (Leeds) Kellyman, Kesler, Lindley (Villa) 

Leeds United Under-21s faced Aston Villa Under-21s on Monday evening at Elland Road and came away with a valuable three points from an entertaining encounter! 

Coming into the match, Leeds had not won in their last four games in Premier League 2 Division 2, whilst opponents Villa had impressively won their last five in a row, elevating them into play-off and possible automatic promotion contention. 

Once the match got underway in West Yorkshire in front an impressive 3,214 spectators, the Whites were on the front foot early on. 

Top-scorer Mateo Joseph hit the bar after two minutes and then saw a shot saved well by Oli Zych in the Villa net moments later, whilst Georginio Rutter went within inches of scoring from a left-foot drive. 

Down the other end, Kristoffer Klaesson made his first impressive save of the night, denying Chisom Afoka who had done well to create space in the box for a shot. 

After Klaesson had once again made a solid stop to deny Kaine Kesler this time, the ‘keeper saw his side create a chance for themselves down the other end and go into the lead! 

Brenden Aaronson was the scorer shortly before the break, as he struck low into the bottom corner from inside the area. The build-up had seen Darko Gyabi and Kris Moore link up brilliantly to create the opening. 

In what had been a battling opening 45 minutes at Elland Road, Leeds were applauded off as they went into their dressing room with a deserved lead against a Villa side who had been in fine form of late. 

HALF TIME: Leeds United 1-0 Aston Villa

The second half saw changes on each side. Aaronson and Rutter were withdrawn, with Sam Greenwood and Charlie Allen coming on as their replacements. The away side swapped Declan Frith with Omari Kellyman in a change that would make an instant impact.

Just four minutes into the half, Kellyman levelled the scores for the visitors. A low cross into the box nearly evaded everyone, but the substitute was alert and found the space he needed to slot home with his left-foot to equalise. 

A number of corners followed as the hosts aimed to retake the lead. Recently introduced, Greenwood was busy in many areas - taking set-plays and getting on the ball in the heart of the midfield alongside partner Gyabi. 

At the other end, Klaesson was continuing to impress as he faced set-plays from the away side too. The ‘keeper stood firm and came through bodies on a number of occasions to claim the ball and take the pressure off his defence. 

With 25 minutes or so to go, another important change from the United coaching staff would prove to be vital in the final stages. Sean McGurk entered the action, with the lively Sonny Perkins going off.

Greenwood was the next to go close in the match as Leeds really ramped up the pressure in search of a winner. His 25-yard curling effort cannoned off the underside of the bar with the goalkeeper a bystander. 

Shortly after, Greenwood would be denied again, this time by a firm right hand from Zych between the posts. Klaesson was still busy at the opposite end, he made a strong stop to deny Kellyman a second of the game. 

The pressure finally paid off inside the final 10 minutes, as McGurk struck home the winner. Allen’s ball in from the right wasn’t dealt with and the recently introduced winger calmly and powerfully fired home at the back post to put Leeds back ahead. 

Despite eight minutes of added time being shown - and over 12 minutes being played at the end of the game - the Whites held firm to claim a deserved and important three points. 

Now second in the league, Leeds will now be back in action on Friday evening with a trip down the country to face top of the table Southampton, away from home at the Staplewood Football Development & Support Centre.

FULL TIME: Leeds United 2-1 Aston Villa