Leeds United learn semi-final opponents after beating Liverpool at Elland Road in FA Youth Cup
Leeds United Under-18s eased past Liverpool 3-1 in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals to show the future looks incredibly bright.
With some youngsters having already made an impression at senior level – namely Archie Gray – there are more gems on their way to the top.
A brace from Rhys Chadwick and a Freddie Lane header helped the Whites to victory as they reached the semis for the first time since 1998.
Leeds United beat Liverpool with ease
Awaiting them in the final four is fierce rivals Millwall, and it presents an opportunity for fans to pack out Elland Road and support the youngsters.
Some academy graduates were in the stands for the Liverpool game on Thursday (29 March), which proved an inspiration for those on the pitch.
Liverpool’s young guns have had plenty of adulation of late, but Leeds’ next generation of talents were undoubtedly the better side in this tie.
Speaking to LUTV [29 February] after the game, manager Rob Etherington said: “I’m feeling great. The feeling in the dressing room is fantastic.
“The lads have worked really hard for it so as staff we’re delighted.
“What we’ve tried to do is build the pressure a little bit because that’s what it’s all about, learning how to win and get through in competitions.”
Liverpool await Leeds at Elland Road
Etherington added: “Liverpool are a fantastic football club who have had a lot of success as an academy. But we are also a fantastic club with a fantastic academy.
“I’m incredibly proud and I know the players are as well. But tonight was our night.”
Around 3,500 fans were in attendance at Elland Road for the Liverpool game; hopefully well over double that make it to the Millwall showdown.
A date has yet to be set, but it must be played by 6 April – so within the next month.
Quite how many of those on show will make it to Leeds’ first team is of course unknown, but they deserve the backing of a healthy crowd on home soil in this push to reach the final.
In other Leeds United news, a youngster is surely now in Daniel Farke’s thoughts after news earlier this week.
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