FAYC Preview: Leeds United U18 vs Millwall U18
Whites face the Lions in the semi-finals.
Leeds United Under-18s have a chance to make history, as the young Whites take on Millwall Under-18s looking to book their spot in the FA Youth Cup final.
Should Rob Etherington’s side overcome the Lions at Elland Road, the club will reach the final of the prestigious competition for the first time since 1997, where United beat Crystal Palace to lift the trophy for the second time, four years after triumphing over rivals Manchester United.
It has been a memorable campaign for the Whites so far, with Marley Wilson and captain Dan Toulson firing Leeds to victory over Norwich at Carrow Road, before recording a resounding 4-0 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion thanks to a Max McFadden brace, an Alfie Cresswell header and Wilson's second goal of the tournament.
Despite Wilson then putting his side in front at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United, the Blades hit back to take the tie all the way to penalties, when Scotland youth international Rory Mahady made himself a hero, saving twice from the spot to set up a quarter-final clash with Liverpool.
The Reds would prove to be another stern test for Etherington’s side, but a well-taken brace from Rhys Chadwick and a Freddie Lane header fired United into a commanding three-goal lead, with the visitors grabbing a late consolation at Elland Road, as it finished 3-1.
Millwall, meanwhile, kicked off their campaign with a 5-3 win over London outfit Barking after extra time, as Kavali Heywood grabbed a hat-trick for the Lions at The Den.
A 4-1 win on the road at Grimsby Town followed for Larry McAvoy and Chris Perry’s side, before two more goals from Heywood helped Millwall to a 3-0 victory away at Coventry City to book their spot in the last eight of the competition.
Hosting London rivals Chelsea in the quarter-finals, Jack Howland’s second half leveller forced extra time in Bermondsey, with neither side able to break the deadlock as the tie went to a shootout.
After four perfect penalties for Millwall, misses from Leo Cardoso and Michael Golding signalled the end of the road for the Blues, as the Lions set up the mouth-watering final four clash at Elland Road.
In league action, the Whites sit sixth in the U18 Premier League North standings, just four points adrift of third-placed Liverpool, who United beat in the previous round.
In a battle for top spot in the U18 Professional Development League South, Millwall find themselves second in the standings, just a win behind leaders Charlton Athletic.
The winners of the tie will travel to Manchester City for a shot at FA Youth Cup glory.
Victory over Liverpool in the previous round:
🍿 #LUFCU18 𝟯-𝟭 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 29, 2024
Chadwick (34’, 70’)
Lane (53’) pic.twitter.com/CZJO3gclO7
Ticket information:
- Adult: £6
- Concessions: £3
Tickets for this match are now on sale online HERE and supporters can purchase 10 tickets each.
How to watch:
Fans in the UK can watch the game for free on LUTV and across our social media channels. Supporters can also follow all the updates live on leedsunited.com with our online blog throughout the match. For those outside the UK, please check local fixtures and listings.
Important supporter information:
Discriminatory language or chanting is not acceptable and you could be breaking the law. The club condemns this behaviour and has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination abuse of all kinds.
To report an incident, text LEEDS along with any relevant information including ticket details, your name and description of an incident to 60006. You will then receive an automated response which means that your report has been logged and will then be looked into.
Tough measures and sanctions are in place across all English football leagues to tackle dangerous and illegal behaviours within football grounds, and this involves but is not limited to, discriminatory behaviour, tragedy chanting, fans entering the pitch, the use of pyros and throwing objects.
