Late Leeds strike denies Under-18s in six-goal thriller

City took the lead through an early goal from Adedire Mebude before Leeds equalised shortly afterwards through Lui Bradbury. 

Second-half goals from Josh Adam and Kian Breckin looked as though it would be enough, but a Marley Wilson strike and a late Bradbury equaliser denied Ben Wilkinson‘s side. 

WHAT HAPPENED

Right from kick-off, both teams set out by pressing each other high, capitalising on loose balls to launch counterattacks. 

And City were able to capitalise early on, when we latched onto a loose ball through Daniel Ogwuru. The striker was able to play in Mebude inside the area, and the winger made no mistake with a clinical finish under Leeds keeper Harry Christy. 

However, Leeds would level the scores just six minutes later, as they latched onto a loose ball through Bradbury, who slotted calmly past George Murray-Jones. 

Leeds’ typical high press was causing problems for City as we worked out ways to get around them, but we were still able to fashion out chances, with Mebude in particular looking dangerous down the right. 

He fizzed a ball across the area, but Luca Barrington‘s effort was blocked by Leeds captain Cian Coleman, before Christy made a crucial double save to deny Mebude and Barrington respectively. 

Moving into the second half, Ben Wilkinson‘s side managed to seize control of the game and retook the lead just four minutes after the break, with Adam converting from close range after a pass went across the face of goal. 

We continued to hunt Leeds down in numbers, keeping up the high intensity that we saw in the first period. 

And we managed to double our advantage, with Breckin sliding the ball past Christy with a composed first touch finish. 

We looked in control of the game, but Leeds’ Marley Wilson equalised in the 72nd minute to set up a nervy finish at the City Football Academy. 

And the visitors were able to grab a late equaliser when Bradbury bundled the ball home from close range to ensure that the points were shared. 

HOW WE LINED UP

George Murray-Jones was named in goal behind a back four of Rico Lewis, Lakyle Samuel, Issac Smith and Tomas Galvez. 

Mahamadou Susoho sat deep in a midfield three alongside Adam and Breckin. 

Daniel Ogwuru was named as the striker and he was flanked by Medbude and Luca Barrington. 

WHAT IT MEANS

The draw sees us remain in third in the Under-18 Premier League North on 15 points. 

We are eight points behind current leaders Blackburn Rovers, but we do have two games in hand over our Lancashire rivals. 

UP NEXT

Next up, the Under-18s will be in Premier League Cup action against Liverpool as we look to secure qualification to the next stage.

Kick off is at 11am (UK) on Saturday 27 November.