Professional Development League

Leeds United 1 (Downing 68) Barnsley 0

Substitute Mattie Downing netted the winner in a tightly fought contest at Thorp Arch against Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, to secure a second league win in succession.

It was the visitors who made the brightest start to the game and nearly went in front inside the first minute.  Callum Evans did well on the wing before picking out Omari Patrick, who forced Ross Turnbull into a really good save.

Five minutes later Evans again combined with Partick who had a free header in the box, but he was unable to guide his header on target.

Jack McKay created a really good opportunity for Leeds, he turned brilliantly on the edge of the box, before firing at goal and he was only denied by a great save from Barnsley stopper Nick Townsend.

Conor Shaughnessy was next to go close for United, he tried a lobbed effort from range, but he didn’t get enough dip on the shot, which went over the crossbar.

Half Time: Leeds United 0-0 Barnsley

After the break Malik Wilks created an opportunity by driving into the Barnsley penalty area, before forcing Townsend into action with a low effort.

Defender Julio Rodriguez gave Leeds a scare when he carried the ball up the field, before unleashing a strike from the edge of the box, bringing out the best of Turnbull to deny him.

The deadlock was broken in the 68^th minute, Tom Pearce laid the ball off to substitute Romario Vieira to strike from the edge of the box, Townsend made a great save, but the ball landed at the feet of Downing who kept his cool to slot home, sparking a big celebration.

Barnsley kept rallying and almost hit back through Tom Rosenthal, he robbed the United defence of possession on the edge of the area, before firing at goal and United again had Turnbull to thank.

Pearce almost doubled the lead three minutes from time with a long range effort which was well saved by Townsend and United saw out the victory, the second win over a Yorkshire side in eight days.

Full Time: Leeds United 1-0 Barnsley

Under-23s v Barnsley: Turnbull, Haidara (Downing 58), Nicell, Diagouraga, Vann, P. McKay, Whitehouse (Wollerton 46), Shaughnessy (Romario Vieira 58), J. McKay, Wilks, Pearce.  Subs not used: Richardson, Abioye.

Booked: Nicell, Pearce

Venue: Thorp Arch