Leeds United U23s turned in an uncharacteristically limp performance away to Blackburn Rovers U23s at the Lancashire FA County Ground on Monday evening, eventually losing 4-0.
The Whites went a goal down inside two minutes, before conceding a second shortly thereafter. A third followed before half-time, while Leeds struggled to break down Blackburn's sound defensive structure.
Five minutes into the second half, Blackburn scored their fourth of the night, ensuring a job well done and a first home league win of the campaign.
Sean McGurk and debutant Mateo Joseph were late substitutions for the visitors, while Archie Gray was brought on at half-time.
Here are the Leeds United full-time player ratings.
Kristoffer Klaesson - 5
A difficult evening, Klaesson began with little experience in front of him but shipped four goals. One or two could have been prevented.
Stuart McKinstry - 5
Struggled in the unfamiliar position of right-back. Went up against Harry Chapman - a Rovers first-teamer with plenty of EFL experience - and it showed. A learning curve for the young Scotsman.
Kris Moore - 6
Made a few timely interceptions when defending on the front foot but found it more difficult tracking Blackburn's runners from deep.
Jeremiah Mullen - 5
A similar performance to Moore, with added forays forward with the ball. Substituted at half-time.
Leo Hjelde - 5
Began at left-back before moving to left-sided centre-half at the break. A meek defensive display on the whole. Booked late on for a scything challenge as Blackburn countered.
Nohan Kenneh - 8
Generally handled Bradley Dack rather well, and was up to the physical battle. One of the few players to come out of this one with any credit; made plenty of firm but fair tackles to alleviate pressure and stop Rovers attacks.
Jack Jenkins - 5
Performance lacked cohesion. Always seemed to be caught on the back foot as Blackburn committed bodies forward during their fast-paced, zig-zagging attacking moves.
Lewis Bate - 6
Tried to pick locks with his passing, receiving deep and trying to spray into the final third, but Blackburn's deep, default setting rendered plenty of them inaccurate. Controlled the middle better in the second half - sharp movement in possession.
Amari Miller - 5
Tried to beat his man on the right flank with direct running, but found Georgie Gent a tricky customer to deal with. Interplay with McKinstry down that flank had teething problems.
Liam McCarron - 6
As per usual, plenty of pace in transition but slowed down as things became congested in Blackburn's third. Better in the second half when moved to left-back, powering up for his trademark surges as well as executing important recovery runs.
Max Dean - 5
Gave the ball away inside Leeds' half which led to Blackburn's opening goal. Struggled up against two goliath central defenders, finding it difficult to get on the ball. An off day.
Subs:
Archie Gray - 7
One of the better players on the night after coming on at the break. Threw his weight around in the middle and tried to make things happen in the final stages of moves, but to no avail.
Sean McGurk - N/A
Introduced for the final 15 minutes. Some neat touches and one curled attempt which was saved.
Mateo Joseph - N/A
Desire and energy in his 10-minute cameo off the bench.
