Leeds United U21s were beaten 4-2 by League Two side Oldham Athletic in the EFL Trophy at Boundary Park. The defeat leaves the young Whites third in Northern Group G with one match remaining, needing a win in their final fixture to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Scott Gardner's side had fought back from an early deficit to lead 2-1 early in the second half, but three quickfire goals from the hosts turned the game around. Noah Chilvers opened the scoring for Oldham from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. Callum Mills levelled for Leeds just five minutes later, and Carrick Njinko, introduced at half-time, put the visitors ahead in the 51st minute.
The lead lasted only two minutes. Kane Drummond equalised for Oldham in the 53rd minute before Josh Hawkes and Kai Payne struck within a minute of each other just after the hour mark to seal the win for the senior side. The attendance was 601, with 150 travelling Leeds supporters making the trip.
Gardner highlights physical lesson
U21s manager Scott Gardner told reporters the match was a key test his players cannot replicate in regular academy football. "There were a lot of individual actions where we don’t get that type of test in Under-21s football," Gardner said. He described the night as a "massive learning opportunity for us with the physicality, the aggression and dealing with moments where they maybe got on top a little bit."
Gardner made a tactical switch at the interval, bringing on Njinko for Louie Philpott and moving defender Jahmari Lienou to a flank role. Despite the eventual scoreline, the performance followed a 4-3 win over Barnsley in the competition's opening round. The young squad now has three points from two games.
Qualification scenario
The result sets up a decisive final group game. Leeds United U21s host Fleetwood Town next, knowing only a victory would see them overtake their opponents and potentially finish in the top two to qualify. The first team's focus, meanwhile, is on the Premier League, where they sit seventh with nine points from six matches. The senior side's recent form reads one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings.
Rory Mahady started in goal for the U21s, with a back line of Connor Pickles, Charlie Cresswell, Lienou and Callum Egan-Riley. The midfield featured Josh Vincent, Divine Enahoro-Marcus and Mills, supporting an attacking trio of Kylan Chadwick, Philpott and Josh Lane. Substitutes included Filip Matykiewicz and Archie McDonald. Oldham's match-winner Payne was one of several experienced professionals in their lineup, which was captained by Alex Pett.
The young Whites' final EFL Trophy group game is scheduled for early November.
More detail at Leeds United.com
