Premier League U18 North

Leeds United U18 1 (Cotcher 56’)

Sunderland U18 0

Leeds United: Mahady (GK), Richards, Toulson (C) (Billet 60’), Pickles, Cresswell, Lopata-White, Pirie, Chadwick (Chambers 46’), Gray, Cotcher (Brown 76’), McDonald (Vincent 60’). Subs not used: Baird (GK).

Sunderland: Cameron (GK), Sekete, Jones, Jones (Lightfoot 65’), Bell, Beattie (Bell 80’), Creamer, Mitchell, Ogunsuyi (Geragusian 80’), Whittaker, Obolo (Hunt 65’). Subs not used: Metcalf (GK).

Booked: Gray, Pirie (Leeds) Jones, Geragusian (Sunderland)

Venue: Thorp Arch

Leeds United Under-18s extended their unbeaten run as they edged past Sunderland Under-18s in the U18 Premier League North thanks to Mason Cotcher’s second half strike.

Leeds got out the blocks quickly in the opening five minutes with the first chance falling to Harry Gray. The striker attempted to chip the keeper from 25 yards out but his effort went just over the bar.

Sunderland had an opening of their own shortly after some smart play down the right-hand side saw Jack Whittaker fire a shot goalwards, only to find the side netting.

The visitors almost took the lead when Ben Creamer whipped an out-swinging free kick into the box and Cuba Mitchell headed wide.

On the half hour mark, the Whites had an opportunity to open the scoring. A burst down the right wing from Lewis Pirie saw him drill a low ball across the face of goal that found Gray at the back post who was unable to fire home.

With both sides unable to take their chances in the first half, the referee blew his whistle and it was goalless at the break.

HALF TIME: Leeds United U18 0-0 Sunderland U18

It was the perfect start to the second half for Rob Etheington's side. Mason Cotcher was played in on goal and he slid a low left-footed shot past the Sunderland keeper to give the Whites the lead.

United came close to a second after Gray skipped past defenders inside the box and stuck an effort goalwards but good defending from Luke Bell saw the Sunderland centre-back clear the ball of the line.

The pressure kept mounting on the Sunderland defence when Leeds took a quick free kick, with the ball falling to Gray who fired over from the edge of the box.

Despite the visitors looking for an equaliser, the Whites controlled the final minutes before the referee brought the match to a close.

Leeds are back in FA Youth Cup action at Elland Road on Thursday when they take on Liverpool. Information about that tie can be found HERE.

FULL TIME: Leeds United U18 1-0 Sunderland U18