Sutton United 1-2 Leeds United U21 highlights: Whites lift inaugural National League Cup
The young Whites are in action against non-league Sutton United in what is the first-ever final of the National League Cup.
Introduced for the first time this season, the competition sees Category One academies take on National League clubs throughout a group stage and knockout format. Academy sides, made up of 16 Premier League 2 outfits, exclusively face senior non-league teams and vice versa, while games are staged at National League clubs’ stadiums.
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Hide AdThis season, Leeds’ youngsters were placed in the eight-team Group C, finishing second behind Newcastle United’s U21s. Only the top two teams from each group qualified for the quarter-finals.
During the group stage, Leeds faced Boston United, Gateshead, Halifax Town and Tamworth en route to booking their place in the knockouts where they defeated Aldershot Town. In the semi-final, Leeds U21s played Altrincham, triumphing with a 2-1 scoreline in their favour to set up this evening’s fixture with Sutton.
Team news, live match coverage and reaction here throughout the evening. Kick-off at the VBS Community Stadium is 7pm.
Sutton United vs Leeds United U21
Eating up minutes
90+3’ Gray knocks the ball over the last man’s head and makes a beeline for goal. Has players in support but makes a tired pass which is cut out. Leeds throw.
Into stoppages
90’ Five added minutes as Monteiro is fouled deep in the Sutton half, alleviating the recent home pressure.
Danger averted
88’ Delivery comes all the way through bodies and fizzes away for a goal kick. Nervy last couple of minutes for Leeds.
Final knockings now
87’ Snowdon fouls on the edge of the Leeds penalty area. Sutton to swing it into the danger zone.
Magic sponge
81’ Leeds left-back Ferguson requiring treatment as Sutton, with the wind in their sails, have a corner.
No penalty
80’ Gray felled inside the area as three Leeds shirts steal possession and spill forward as a unit. Referee says nothing doing and play carries on.
74’ At the other end, Kris Moore slides in to divert a low Sutton cross behind Mahady’s goal, via the side-netting.
Nearly a third
73’ Douglas fizzes a ball back into the mix after a Leeds corner is cleared. Debayo controls it and shapes to shoot before the flag for offside goes up.
CROSSBAR!
66’ Cresswell rattles the frame of the goal from Chadwick’s cut-back. Yet more impressive build-up in transition from Leeds.
Almost one-on-one
63’ Leeds have the chance to break away with Debayo after successfully defending a Sutton corner. His pass should be cut out but it trickles through for Chadwick. However, the Sutton goalkeeper Sims is on hand to hoover up the loose ball.
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