Leeds United Under-21s know what they must do in their final Premier League 2 Division 2 fixture of the season to secure promotion back to the top tier of youth football. The Whites had hoped to get the title wrapped up on Sunday as they took on Middlesbrough at the LNER Community Stadium in York, but their 3-1 win wasn’t enough to get over the line.
The Whites needed Southampton to fall short at Norwich City on the day, but the Saints powered to a 5-2 victory at Carrow Road to end their campaign by moving back to the top of the table. Leeds still have one game remaining, though, with a rearranged clash against West Bromwich Albion due to be played on Friday afternoon at the Baggies’ training ground.
As United have amassed the same amount of points as Southampton, they know that a draw in the West Midlands would be enough to see them get their hands on the title and the only automatic promotion spot available. Defeat and Paco Gallardo’s side will have to come through the lottery of the play-offs if they are to reclaim a spot in Division 1 just one year after their relegation from it.
Read more: Leeds United U21s player ratings as Archie Gray shines against Middlesbrough despite red card
It’s a game that is heaped in pressure for the young Whites, then, and they’ll have to play it without Archie Gray, who was sent off in the win over Boro. Gray was Leeds’ best on the day, scoring their second in sublime fashion by beating three players before turning the ball home, and setting up Sonny Perkins’ effort a few minutes later.
However, he received two yellow cards in the second half to ensure his game came to an end in the 70 th minute. Despite what the commanding scoreline might suggest, Leeds found the going tough for periods of the contest against Boro and the visitors took the lead in the first half through Rio Patterson-Powell.
Leeds rallied and found an equaliser as Charlie Allen saw his teasing cross turned into the Boro net by defender Afonso Lindo. Gray then put Leeds in control in the second half before Perkins made sure of things with his 12th goal of the campaign.
Promotion wasn’t to be this weekend, but assistant coach Michal Pujdak insists his players will be ready to get the job done on Friday afternoon.
“We started not in the way that we wanted to, obviously we conceded the first goal,” Pujdak told LUTV. “But, it was a really good reaction from the players, to score three goals after conceding early is always a positive.
“We won the game so we’re very happy and pleased. Obviously we know what we need to do going into the next game. We’re going to be ready and we’re looking forward to it.
He added: “The lads enjoy coming into work every day, we’re at the stage where they’re maturing nicely and we’re getting them ready for the next stage of their careers. Real football is about winning week after week and being able to repeat it on a consistent basis, so we’re looking forward to it.”
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