After beautiful tributes to former Leeds and Cardiff star Sol Bamba, Cardiff were reduced to ten men in just the 23rd minute as Joel Bagan was shown a straight red-card for a heavy late challenge on Willy Gnonto as the last man. Brenden Aaronson’s attempt from the subsequent free-kick was tipped wide but Leeds went ahead on the half hour mark through Largie Ramazani who was played in by Mateo Joseph and advanced on keeper Jak Alnwick before applying a neat finish to cap his full Whites debut with a goal.
Leeds took a 1-0 advantage into the break, after which Brenden Aaronson squandered a glorious chance to double United’s lead when sliding a shot wide from close range following Jayden Bogle’s cutback. Leeds were then awarded a penalty in the 65th minute after Bogle was tripped in the area but Pascal Struijk saw his spot kick saved by the legs of Alnwick.
His save gave Cardiff fresh hope but Leeds finally doubled their lead in the 87th minute through Joel Piroe who smashed home past Alnwick from Aaronson’s pass to put the Whites out of sight. Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores from a third league win of the season at the CCS.
7. Ilia Gruev
6 - Played on the left of Ampadu. Busy, some tidy bits but a similar story to the skipper, couldn't provide anything really incisive. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
8. Willy Gnonto
7 - Leeds' most creative and influential player going forward but even he had quieter spells. Photo: Lewis Storey
9. Largie Ramazani
6 - Took his goal beautifully but should have added a second from a great chance and then struggled to create. Too quiet in the second half. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
10. Brenden Aaronson
6 - Tidy. Should have scored from Bogle's low cross. Influence waned in the second half, before he claimed an assist with that ball for Piroe. Photo: Lewis Storey
11. Mateo Joseph
6 - Important flick to set Ramazani away for the opener. Some nice link-up play but couldn't find a way into the game for large parts of the second half - even if service was lacking. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
12. Sam Byram (sub)
6 - Tried to give Leeds the same threat high up the pitch as Bogle. Got stuck in straight away. Photo: Jess Hornby