Leeds United U23s' four-game unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday afternoon as the young Whites were defeated in the capital by Chelsea's development squad. The match hosted at Stamford Bridge in front of a small number of spectators - including travelling Leeds United fans - ended 1-0 to the home side.
Thierno Ballo's 14th-minute strike was enough to seal all three points for the Blues, lifting them out of the two-team relegation places in Premier League 2 Division 1. Leeds have four league matches before the end of the season, and are not yet safe from the threat of an immediate return to PL2 Division 2.
U23s head coach Andrew Taylor was left frustrated by the youngsters' inability to defend better in transition, as well as a few profligate moments in the final third: "It lacked quality, it lacked pitch personality, is what I've just said to them in there," Taylor said. "It was almost like we were waiting for something to happen rather than making it happen.
