U23 REPORT: UNITED 1-0 FOREST
United survive late scare to secure win.
Leeds United 1 (Stokes 45) Nottingham Forest 0
An Eoghan Stokes strike on the verge of half time and a last minute penalty save from Ross Turnbull secured Leeds victory over Nottingham Forest in an entertaining game at Thorp Arch.
Forest had a great chance to take the lead inside 15 minutes, Turnbull denied Charlie Jemson’s header at a corner from close range, with a great save.
The visitors again went close soon after, Anthony Wright crossed for Ben Brerton who teed up Toby Edser, but he could only fire over.
Leeds forward Mallik Wilks then forced Forest goalkeeper Tim Erlandsson into action, his near post effort from a wide angle forced the Nottingham stopper into a good save.
Leeds took the lead on the stroke of half time, Luke Murphy picked out Bobby Kamwa in the box and he set up Stokes who curled his effort into the top right corner.
Half Time: Leeds United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
After the break Leeds dominated and nearly went in front further through Tom Pearce, his fizzing 25 yard drive went just over the crossbar.
Against the run of play Nottingham striker Brerton burst down the field on the counter attack, he got himself into a good position for a shot on the edge of the area, but couldn’t find the target.
Pearce was a threat for Leeds throughout at set pieces and Jack Vann and Paul McKay both went close, seeing headers go wide.
In the 76th minute substitute Robbie Gotts almost doubled the lead for United, he was played through by Murphy, but Erlandsson made a great save to keep Forest in the match.
In the first minute of added time Forest were then awarded a penalty as Stokes felled Edser. Brerton stepped up to take the spot kick, but Turnbull made a fantastic save low to his right, to secure Leeds the win.
Under-23s team vs Forest: Turnbull, M. Taylor, Pearce, Murphy, Vann, P. McKay, Whitehouse (Gotts 63), Stokes, Wilks, Nicell, Kamwa (Abioye 87). Subs not used: Huffer, Haidara, Vieira.
Booked: Whitehouse, Stokes (United).
Referee: J. Hull
Venue: Thorp Arch
LUTV subscribers can see highlights of the game on Tuesday and a full interview with Under 23's head coach Jason Blunt below:
