Diego Llorente scores as Leeds United Under-23s extend Premier League 2 lead with Stoke City win

The Whites made it back-to-back victories to start 2021...
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips in action against Stoke City. Pic: LUFCLeeds United's Kalvin Phillips in action against Stoke City. Pic: LUFC
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips in action against Stoke City. Pic: LUFC

Leeds United's Under-23s outfit extended their lead at the top of the Premier League 2 second division to eight point with a 1-0 win over Stoke City.

Mark Jackson's side were boosted by the inclusion of a number of first team players on Monday afternoon as Diego Llorente made a goalscoring return from injury.

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Llorente, Kalvin Phillips, Helder Costa, Tyler Roberts and Ian Poveda all started the fixture at Thorp Arch with no senior action until next Tuesday when Marcelo Bielsa's tea, travel to Newcastle United.

Leeds began on the front foot as forward Sam Greenwood signalled the hosts intent with an early effort that crept just wide of the goal.

Blondy Nna Noukeu was forced into a string of impressive saves to keep the scores level but United finally broke the deadlock through Llorente.

A corner fell to Phillips who floated a brilliant ball to the back post leaving the Spain international to meet the cross with a cushioned header into the far corner of the goal.

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Greenwood again tested the hands of the visiting goalkeeper before Llorente, Phillips and Roberts were replaced at the break.

The Potters responded after the interval, stepping up the pressure on United's backline with Elia Caprile making a string of saves to keep his side's lead intact.

United saw two penalty appeals turned down as Greenwood hit the floor and substitute Nohan Kenneh saw a cross stopped on the left by a stray arm.

City, though, should've been level with 20 minutes to go as Ethon Varian turned a cross over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

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Tom Sparrow then hit the woodwork late on with a looping header but Leeds held on to secure all three points in what was a battling second half performance.

Leeds United Under-23s: Caprile, Huggins, Davis, Phillips (Kenneh), Cresswell, Llorente (Casey 45'), Costa, Jenkins, Greenwood, Poveda, Roberts (McKinstry). Subs not used: Van den Heuvel, Summerville.

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