U18 Premier League North

Newcastle United U18 2 (Harrison 90’, O’Donovan 90’)

Leeds United U18 1 (Chambers 40’)

Newcastle: Harrison (GK), Watts, Durrant (Old 82’), Johnson (Epia 69’), Powell, Palmer (C) (Alabi 71’), Bloomer, O’Donovan, Brayson, Harrison, Taylor (Wooster 69’). Sub not used: Jones.

Leeds: Mahady (GK), Dudley, Bird, Crew, Billet, Lopata-White (Simo 75’), Douglas (Morris 60’), Chadwick (C), Brown, Chambers (Pickles 46’), McDonald (Vincent 60’). Sub not used: Grainger.

Booked: Palmer, Durrant (Newcastle) Lopata-White (Leeds)

Venue: Newcastle United Training Centre

Leeds United Under-18s were narrowly beaten in their final game of their league campaign after two late goals proved to be enough for Newcastle United Under-18s, despite Sam Chambers’ first-half effort.

The Whites thought they had an early goal when Lleyton Brown finished off a well-worked move but the linesman had his flag up to deny Leeds the perfect start.

After a period of dominant possession, Chambers would have been through one-on-one, if not for a superb sliding tackle to deny the midfielder having a chance to take the lead.

Despite Leeds’ pressure, the hosts still looked dangerous and Rory Mahady had to be alert, pulling off a fantastic fingertip save when Darren Palmer found space on the edge of the box to drive a shot goalwards.

Leeds deservedly had their breakthrough after determined play down the right-hand side from Louie Dudley allowed the fullback to cut the ball back to the edge of the box where Chambers was well placed to drill a low shot into the bottom corner!

The well-deserved goal rounded off a controlled first half for the away side and they led going into the break.

HALF TIME: Newcastle United U18 0-1 Leeds United U18

Brown had the first chance of the second half when the striker turned past his defender and curled an effort narrowly wide of the far corner.

Leeds went close to a second once more after Joe Billet clipped a cross towards Coban Bird, but Adam Harrison palmed the full-back’s diving header away.

The Magpies keeper then denied Jack Morris moments later, after smart play from the Whites down the right flank allowed the winger to get a shot off from a tight angle, stinging the palms of Harrison.

With minutes to go, Alfie Harrison equalised for the home side as the attacker found space inside the area, took a touch and slotted past Mahady.

The Magpies completed the turnaround moments later, when Alex O’Donovan scored in impressive style, curling a right-footed effort into the top corner from outside the box to claim all three points.

Defeat in their final fixture leaves Rob Etherington's side sixth in the U18 Premier League North standings. Focus now turns to Friday 10th May where the team travels to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup Final.

FULL TIME: Newcastle United U18 2-1 Leeds United U18