Tyler Roberts spot on but Ian Poveda injured in eventful victory for ten-men Leeds United under-23s

Experienced first team squad members Roberts, Helder Costa and Kiko Casilla all started whilst Jamie Shackleton and Poveda were both brought on at the break.

Wales international Roberts was only given half an hour before being replaced by Sam Greenwood in what looked like a planned change.

By then, Mark Jackson's Premier League 2 Division Two table-toppers were already 1-0 up though a 16th-minute penalty converted by Roberts.

The spot kick was won by the very bright Joe Gelhardt who was brought down after latching on to a through ball from Costa.

Gelhardt then grabbed the ball to take the penalty but Roberts took over and calmly slotted his strike into the bottom right corner.

Leeds completely dominated the first half and should have been out of sight but Costa was denied by the post before shooting wide from close range from a Leif Davis cross.

Poveda and Shackleton then replaced Costa and Davis at the break but Poveda then went down following a collision in the middle of the park.

The winger was clearly in some discomfort and unable to continue meaning Leeds played the final 34 minutes with ten men after Poveda was helped to hobble off the pitch.

Sunderland looked to take advantage and only a smart save from Casilla prevented the Black Cats scoring with their first shot at goal through Cieran Dunne in the 58th minute.

Yet Leeds bagged their second goal five minutes after the hour through Niall Huggins who slammed home a fierce finish into the top left corner following a terrific run and cross from Shackleton from the right flank.

The Whites then twice saw claims for a second penalty ignored as both Crysencio Summerville and Greenwood were felled.

Sunderland also wanted a spot kick in the 89th minute as the visitors looked to finish with a flourish.

But Leeds held firm to record their sixth victory in a row that put Jackson's side ten points clear at the top of Division Two of Premier League Two.

Leeds United under-23s v Sunderland: Casilla, Drameh, Cresswell, Casey, Davis (Shackleton 46), Jenkins, Huggins, Costa (Poveda 46), Summerville, Gelhardt, Roberts (Greenwood 30). Subs not used: Caprile, Kenneh.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/fresh-injury-concern-marcelo-bielsa-ian-poveda-helped-leeds-united-under-23s-game-against-sunderland-3119953

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Thank you Laura Collins