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.
13. Joel Piroe (sub)
7 - Showed his finishing prowess, turning his one chance into a vital second goal. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
14. Ao Tanaka (sub)
N/A - Didn't get a chance to shine in another brief cameo but wanted to get on the ball. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
15. Joe Rothwell (sub)
N/A - Busy, took responsibility but couldn't produce any late magic. Photo: Stu Forster
16. Isaac Schmidt (sub)
N/A - Came on for his debut very late in the game. No opportunity to make much of an impact. Photo: LUFC
17. Josh Smith (referee)
7 - Got the Leeds penalty decision right. Cardiff will debate the red card fiercely, Leeds won't, but Gnonto playing on shouldn't reduce the seriousness of the foul. Photo: Ryan Hiscott