In front of a watching Sam Allardyce, Leeds United's Under-21s secured a swift return to Premier League 2 Division 1 thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Elland Road. It was a performance of flair, technical ability and capped with more than one eye-catching goal.
Yet, for all the impressive play, it was the mentality and response in the face of bitter disappointment which impressed most about Paco Gallardo’s side over the past week. Beaten on the final day of the regular season to a league title they looked destined to win earlier in the campaign, this young Leeds outfit had to lift themselves off the floor and show the perfect response to ensure their year of hard work had not been for nothing in terms of their promotion aspirations.
Over two decisive games they found the resolve and confidence to beat Aston Villa and then Forest to join Southampton in winning promotion to once again be alongside the big guns next season. It's the exact same scenario facing Allardyce's men, with the manager no doubt watching from his box last night hoping the same sort of resolve and determination is shown by his first team squad in their crucial final two games.
