Premier League International Cup
Leeds United U21 0
RSCA Futures 3 (Sternal 33’, 46’; Van De Ven 61’)
Leeds: Ombang (GK), Lane (Njinko 81’), Firth (Bird 62’), Howard, Lopata-White, Enahoro-Marcus, Mills (Morris 75’), Whitehead, Wilson, Pickles (C), McDonald. Subs not used: Cook (GK), Matykiewicz.
Anderlecht: Haentjens (GK), Sternal (De Corte 73’), Onia-Seke, Barry, Ede Eriyo (Van De Ven 60’), Vroninks, De Ridder (Mujangi-Bia 82’), Dacosta, Akomolede (Mahroug 61’), Tajaouart (C), N’dao (Kana 73’). Subs not used: Gijsbers (GK), Putu.
Venue: LNER Community Stadium
Referee: Zac Kennard-Kettle
Booked: Enahoro-Marcus, Wilson (Leeds)
Leeds United Under-21s rounded off their Premier League Group D campaign with a defeat against a very strong RSC Anderlecht side.
Ahead of the meeting with the Belgian outfit, Scott Gardner named a very youthful starting XI and substitutes bench, including a number of players who featured in FA Youth Cup action just days ago.
On a sodden evening in York, the Whites almost had an early sight of goal when Josh McDonald raced into the area though, under pressure from Basile Vroninks, the attacker was unable to get a shot away.
The visitors then drove forward themselves through Pape N’dao who in turn released Jayden Onia-Seke. The retreating Will Firth did enough, forcing the Anderlecht forward’s attempt wide of the upright.
With the opposition beginning to enjoy longer spells of possession, United goalkeeper Darryl Ombang had to be at his best as he got down well to parry Anas Tajaouart’s low drive from a narrow angle, before Onia-Seke curled narrowly beyond the far post from 20 yards out.
Impressive last-ditch defending from several white shirts, including a fine intervention by Reuben Lopata-White, saw three crucial blocks made inside the penalty area moments later.
There was nothing Gardner’s team could do to prevent the opener, however, just after the hour mark when Onia-Seke found Enzo Sternal in space and the attacking midfielder fired past Ombang into the back of the net.
The Whites again had to show their defensive qualities as the Belgians searched for a second, standing firm until referee Zac Kennard-Kettle’s half-time whistle sounded.
HALF TIME: Leeds United U21 0-1 RSCA Futures
In the early stages after the break, Anderlecht added a second through Sternal once more, stooping to glance the lively Tajaouart’s deftly chipped cross into the far corner despite the best efforts of Ombang.
Still showing a spirited display, clever play down the right flank released skipper Ollie Pickles who flashed a dangerous delivery across the face of goal.
The initial low cross was hacked away before the onrushing Marley Wilson could pounce. The captain then again played a testing ball into the middle which RSCA stopper Michiel Haentjens claimed well.
A third for the visitors arrived as substitute Terry Van De Ven bundled in from close range, following a swift break on the left involving Pape N’dao.
A first change from the Leeds dugout introduced Coban Bird into the action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury, replacing Will Firth. Callum Mills also made way after featuring in the FA Youth Cup as Jack Morris entered proceedings.
The action simmered down during the closing stages with the eventual full-time whistle bringing the Whites’ Premier League International Cup campaign to a close. Gardner’s side are back on league duties on Sunday, facing Liverpool away from home.
FULL TIME: Leeds United U21 0-3 RSCA Futures
