Mark Jackson hails Barrow experience for Leeds United's youngsters in the EFL Trophy

The Whites were in EFL Trophy action on Monday night.
Leeds United coach Mark Jackson.Leeds United coach Mark Jackson.
Leeds United coach Mark Jackson.

Mark Jackson has hailed a 'great experience' for his Leeds United Under-21s outfit following a battling 2-2 draw with Barrow in the EFL Trophy.

The Whites travelled to Holker Street on Monday evening in Group G of the competition to take on the League Two side.

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United put out a strong team for the clash as Jackson gave starts to Pascal Struijk, Leif Davis, Cody Drameh and captain Jamie Shackleton.

Attackers Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood were absent following their recent form which warranted call-ups for the England Under-19s.

Youngsters such as Max Dean, Crysencio Summerville and Elia Caprile all featured and it was the former who struck twice in the first half for the visitors.

Barrow fought back after the break in what was a competitive contest as Dior Angus and Josh Taylor ensured the points would be shared between the two.

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David Dunn's side then won the resulting penalty shootout in sudden death to claim the extra point.

Jackson, though, reflected afterwards on what was a positive night for a lot of United's up and coming Thorp Arch stars.

"It was a great experience for the players," he said.

"I thought it was a good game of football. It was a really competitive game where we had long spells in the game where we showed our stuff and played some good football.

"First and foremost the boys have worked their socks off with and without the ball. What they've had tonight is a great experience of playing against a Football League team.

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"It's what we feel this competition should be about. We were really young against Accrington but we had more experience in the team today with the youth as well.

"I thought that blend was really good and it showed and helped us create a good experience for the players."

Asked about what lessons could be taken away for his youngsters, he added: "It's playing against men.

"You're playing in the league games against other academies but I think that is what this competition is about. It's to give the players that experience and even the penalty shootout at the end with a bit of pressure on the players is good.

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"They get to experience that. We encourage players to reflect on their own performances and as staff we help them do that.

"It's a development phase for the players and we're trying to improve them and get them ready to perform in the first team and in the Premier League."