The U21s of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest met at Thorp Arch this afternoon. Resulting in a demolition of Forest that ended 5-1 to The Whites.
Goals from Charlie Allen, Darko Gyabi, Sonny Perkins, Alfie McCalmont and Max Dean cancelling out Forest’s early opener from Detlef Esapa Osong.
A brilliant display from Michael Skubala’s side, the second time they have hit five already this season was nothing short of superb as they took apart Nottingham Forest’s U21s. Leeds had gone behind to an early strike from Osong. Great work down the wing from Alex Gibson-Hammond and his cross was met by Osong to sweep home. Leeds scored the crucial equaliser just on the stroke of half-time through Charlie Allen, firing his low shot into the corner after a great pass from Archie Gray. Leeds had a host of chances in the first half, but came up against a resilient Hammond in the Forest net. Kris Moore, Sonny Perkins , Mateo Joseph and Sean McGurk all going close for The Whites.
The second half started where the first ended and it wasn’t level for too long. Darko Gyabi struck Leeds into the lead with a fiercely driven shot that the keeper got fingers to but was unable to prevent the strike hitting the net. Forest had defended well but now they were behind, they would have to come out and try and force the issue, Leeds were looking to exploit those spaces.
Sonny Perkins continued his rich vein of form in front of goal with another to add to his tally, picking up Gyabi’s pass on the edge of the box before smashing an unstoppable left-foot drive past Hammond in the Forest sticks. The keeper had no chance with that one, 3-1. Surely only a matter of time until the youngster is included in the first team set-up?
Soon after it was four. Again, the impressive Gyabi creating another, this time for Alfie McCalmont. A perfect ball was latched onto by McCalmont, and after a great first touch, he curled a superb effort into the net. The points were wrapped up in the dying minutes, and the result put in no question of doubt when Max Dean finished well at the back post in stoppage time.
Leeds’s unbeaten run now extends to four and next up is a trip to The Hawthorns to Play West Brom on Friday 9th September.
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