Colchester U21s 1-2 Leeds United U21s highlights: Whites fight back to all but clinch knockout spot after red
Tonight's Premier League Cup fixture between hosts Colchester and Leeds takes place at the Wallace Binder Stadium in Essex, home of Maldon and Tiptree Football Club. The U's youngsters have already faced Leeds' 21s this season, losing out 3-2 to then-coach Michael Skubala's side at York City's LNER Community Stadium back in September.
Goals from Darko Gyabi, Lewis Bate and Sean McGurk ensured the Whites took all three points from their opening fixture in this year's PL Cup, which was followed up by a 4-1 victory over Luton Town - also in York.
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Hide AdThe young Whites were, however, beaten at home by fellow Group D side Chelsea last month, as big-money teenage signing Deivid Washington bagged a brace in a 2-1 win for the Blues. Leeds currently sit second in the standings, three points ahead of tonight's opponents, but are expected to be without striker and talisman Mateo Joseph who missed last week's PL International Cup defeat to Sparta Praha due to involvement with the senior squad.
Joseph is likely to travel with Daniel Farke's group to the Stadium of Light this evening ahead of tomorrow night's Championship fixture against Sunderland.
Team news, build-up, goal and score updates from Leeds' latest PL Cup outing will be right here throughout the evening. Kick-off is at 7pm.
Colchester United U21 vs Leeds United U21 LIVE
Important stop
58' Van den Heuvel down low to his left to deny Colchester a second from range. A real fierce strike from the hosts' No. 4 which Leeds' Dutch 'keeper had to watch all the way.
Nothing given
55' Penalty shout from Leeds players inside Colchester area as Sutcliffe chops back onto his left foot well and releases a pass to Bate, but is taken out in the process. Game carries on & ball worked to McGurk whose pocket is picked, decisively so.
Reaction
52' Leeds playing with a bit more urgency and intensity this second half. Bate with a speculative effort shortly after the restart, hit the stand populated by a handful of Leeds fans.
HT: Colchester U21s 1-0 Leeds United U21s
Against the run of play, Colchester are in front at the break. Disappointing manner in which to concede from Leeds' perspective. Bradley Ihionvien with the game's only goal so far.
GOAL. Colchester 1-0
45' Ihionvien shoots on the counter and gives the hosts a lead. Bate dispossessed in the centre circle, Colchester react fastest and a simple straight ball to Ihionvien has the striker in on goal. Van den Heuvel - minutes after that smart stop from close range - will be disappointed he didn't get more of his body behind that.
41' Best chance so far. McGurk skips past a challenge in the middle, then plays a through-ball into the path of Thomas whose one-touch finish round the onrushing goalkeeper trickles wide of the post.
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