Leeds United U-21s play out hard fought draw at Crystal Palace

LEEDS UNITED under-21s played out an entertaining goalless draw with Crystal Palace in a hard-fought Professional Development Squad League 2 clash at Selhurst Park.
Kalvin Phillips.Kalvin Phillips.
Kalvin Phillips.

United’s line-up included Lee Erwin, Casper Sloth and Kalvin Phillips, while former Whites target Jason Puncheon made his return from injury for the Eagles, making his first appearance since January after being out with a hamstring problem.

The hosts clipped the woodwork on 14 minutes through Luke Dreher and the young Eagles player then went close when he saw his header cleared off the line.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United eventually started to make their mark on proceedings with midfield pair Ronaldo Vieira and Sloth seeing efforts blocked before play moved up a notch on the start.

The woodwork spared Leeds again after striker Freddie Ladapo crashed an effort against the post before Luke Parkin went close twice for the visitors with fierce strikes.

Vieira, influential in the second period, then tested tested the home keeper as Leeds staked their calm for back-to-back league victories for the first time since the opening month of the season.

Phillips then fired an effort wide before highly-rated keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell made a smart save to deny Ladapo.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

United almost snatched it seven minutes from time when Vieira’s effort shuddered the post.

United: Peacock-Farrell, Coyle, Purver, P McKay (Skelton 73), Denton, Phillips, Sloth, Vieira, Mulhern, Erwin (J McKay 90), Parkin (Lyman 86). Subs not used: Grimes, Oduor.

Leeds return to action on Thursday when they host Birmingham City at Elland Road, kick-off 1pm.