Leeds United U21s gained three points in Northern Group B, after running out 5-3 winners at Tranmere Rovers last night.
Michael Skubala’s side edged an entertaining game that included 8 goals and a late red card for Sam Greenwood. The game at Prenton Park was highly entertaining with both sides having numerous chances, with the Whites, despite having the lion’s share of the ball quickly going two behind. A cross-shot on the right side of the pitch from Paul Lewis eluded everyone and sailed into the net off the far post, and it was 2-0 shortly after when a superb curled effort from the edge of the box from Rhys Hughes flew into the top corner past Klaesson in the Leeds net.
However, a four-minute spell saw Leeds pull level, and then take the lead. Sonny Perkins started the comeback, maintaining his 100 per cent record in front of goal, smashing home a volley after Mateo Joseph had his effort blocked. Joe Gelhardt levelled within a minute of the restart when he was found in the middle by Darko Gyabi and after taking a touch he smacked a 25-yarder into the top bins. It was soon 2-3 when Gyabi again won possession and being slotted in again, this time via Perkins, Gelhardt found himself in on goal, he rounded Mateusz Hewelt in the Tranmere goal to put the Whites ahead.
The game, entering into the final minutes of the half, saw Tranmere level. A set-piece from the wing saw Klaesson make a good stop only to see Neill Byrne fire home the rebound from close range. The half ends 3-3.
The second half started and Willy Gnonto was stopped via a foul resulting in a free-kick for Leeds. Quick thinking saw it taken quickly allowing Greenwood to weave his way into the box and his cut-back saw Mateo Joseph take a touch, set himself and fire into the back of the net to make it 4-3 to Leeds. Both teams were searching for more goals and the game was fast becoming end to end, with Leeds having the most possession and looking all the more likely to score next. A superb team goal saw the game go out of sight for Tranmere, Perkins flicked on the ball to Gyabi who slipped in Cody Drameh who controlled the ball expertly and dispatched a low strike past the keeper and finish the host’s hope of an equaliser.
As the game drew to an end it became scrappy, with fouls and yellow cards ensuing. Sam Greenwood went in late to thwart a Tranmere attack in the middle of the park and saw red for his lunge. After multiple substitutions from both sides, 7 minutes of added time was shown with the 10 men hoping to hold on to claim a vital victory. Tranmere rallied late on but was unable to force any real clear chances and the game finished, 3-5.
Leeds team: Klaesson, Perkins, Gyabi, Gnonto, Gelhardt, Drameh, Greenwood, Joseph, Spencer, Moore Sutcliffe. Subs: McCalmont (72), Allen (90), Snowden (90), Miller (79), Debayo (79). Not used: McGurk, Christy.
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