Premier League International Cup

Leeds United 2 (Allen 72’, McGurk 85’)

OGC Nice 0

Leeds: Klaesson, Coleman, Hjelde, Monteiro, Mullen (Ferguson 71’), Crew (C), Allen (Debayo 86’), Gyabi, McGurk (Carole 86’), Bate, Douglas (Thomas 63’). Subs not used: Christy (GK).

Nice: Zelazowski, Louchet, Rousseau, Nahounou, Doumbouya, Alvarenga (Bony 58’), Boudache (Marmorat 75’), Wattel, Gnoan (Pereira 58’), Belahyane, Talbi (Benlesbir 58’). Subs not used: Poleri. 

Venue: Elland Road

Attendance: 3,738

Referee: Aaron Jackson

Booked: Wattel (Nice)

Leeds United Under-21s faced their counterparts from OGC Nice in a first Premier League International Cup clash for each side.

Under the lights of Elland Road, an entertaining match was played out, one in which Leeds largely dominated. It would take until late in the second half for the points to be secured though, after goals from Charlie Allen and Sean McGurk. 

When the game got underway, Michael Skubala’s side looked composed and ready to settle into this cup clash. They saw plenty of the ball and had the early chances.  

McGurk had the first sighter, nutmegging Amidou Doumbouya before striking just past the post. Down the opposite end, Reda Belahyane had a good chance himself, but couldn’t hit the target.

Leeds then had a long spell in possession and looked to create openings at all opportunities, whether that was set-plays or intricate passing around the box.

Again, it was McGurk who looked to begin the scoring but this time his effort struck the post. Moments later, Leo Hjelde had an effort cleared off the line, before Allen’s strike was deflected narrowly wide in a sustained spell for the Whites. 

Despite their best efforts, the score remained goalless at the interval and all would be left to play for in the second half. 

HALF TIME: Leeds United 0-0 OGC Nice 

Back out for the second half, neither side made a change. For Leeds, Lewis Bate and Darko Gyabi continued to control the game from midfield and push their team forward at all opportunities. 

When the Whites did find the net, through the ever-dangerous McGurk, the only thing that denied them this time was an offside flag against the forward. 

Midway through the second 45 minutes at Elland Road, the changes began to flow. The visitors made a triple substitution, whilst Skubala swapped Connor Douglas for striker, Luca Thomas. 

The breakthrough finally arrived and saw the 3,738 strong crowd cheering in the 72nd minute. Bate set up Allen to shoot from the edge of the box and he did, seeing his effort parried, only to then rush in and finish the chance himself from close range. 

Leeds weren’t happy with just the one and wanted to go in search of a second to secure the three points, and they did just that. 

With five minutes left to play, McGurk had finally got the goal his play deserved and it was from an Allen assist this time. The winger played a pinpoint cross into the middle where McGurk collected and smashed into the top corner. 

That goal wrapped up the points and confirmed a winning start for the Whites in this Premier League International Cup Group A encounter. Next up, they will face Hertha BSC at the end of October.

FULL TIME: Leeds United 2-0 OGC Nice