Professional Development League

Leeds United 1 (J. McKay 18) Bolton Wanderers 0

Jack McKay’s first half strike ensured Leeds United Under-23s picked up their first win of the season at Thorp Arch.

After an even opening, Leeds had a big chance in the 14^th minute, Madger Gomes played the ball across goal to Oliver Sarkic and he looked certain to score, but his effort deflected over the bar.

Four mintues later the Whites did take the lead, Jamie Shackleton made a worked his way into the box superbly, before teeing up Jack McKay who found the bottom right corner.

Eoghan Stokes looked to double United’s lead, he drove forwards before firing on goal from range, but he couldn’t find the target.

Oliver Sarkic then had an opportunity from a well-worked Leeds corner, he got a strike away, which was well saved by Jake Turner.

Will Huffer was then called into action after Hugo Diaz almost turned a Bolton cross into his own net, before Sarkic tried to put Leeds further ahead with a spectacular turn and volley on the edge of the box, but his effort went narrowly wide.

Ogo Obi had an opportunity for the visitors when he went through on goal, but defender Paul McKay raced back and made a superb challenge to keep the Whites in front.

Just before the break Stokes broke into the Bolton box, he squared it looking for Oriol Rey, but Joe Muscatt makes a great interception.

Half Time: Leeds United 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

After the break Leeds had a glorious chance to double the lead, from another well worked set-piece, Shackleton crossed and the ball fell to Diaz six yards out, but he fired his effort over the crossbar.

Oriol Rey then tried to play in Stokes into the box with a neat through ball and the Irishman was just inches from getting on the end of it.

Substitue Tom Pearce then tried a long range effort and he was just inches away from finding the top corner.

Fellow substitute Alex Machuca played in Stokes, but he could only slice his effort wide from a narrow angle.

Madger Gomes then made a good interception before charging up-field, he played in Stokes, but Turner produced a super stop to deny him.

Machuca then played Pearce into the box in the dying minutes and he had a great opportunity to seal it, but he blazed his effort over the bar.

The Whites then saw out over six minutes of added time, to secure a first win of the campaign.

Full Time: Leeds United 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

Leeds United Under-23s team v Bolton Wanderers: Huffer, Hosanna, Kitching, Diaz, P. McKay, Rey, Shackleton, Stokes, J. McKay, Sarkic, Gomes.  Subs not used: Trialist, Ballboa.

Referee: S. Maher

Venue: Thorp Arch