Live from Tadcaster: One player gets 4/10 – Leeds U18 player ratings v Sheffield Weds
Leeds United Under-18s welcomed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday to Tadcaster on Thursday in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
It was a scrappy first half in the rain, with neither side getting a real grip on the contest. That led to few chances on goal for either team in a battle for authority.
The visitors took the lead early in the second half, with Charles Hagan slotting home after being sent through on goal. Leeds equalised late in the half, with Jack Jenkins heading home a ball back into the box from a corner.
It finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, sending the game to extra time. Leeds jumped ahead through an own goal but were quickly dragged back by Wednesday to take the clash to penalties.
Cooper Skerry saved the very first spot-kick, and it turned out to be the only save as the Whites progressed to the next round of the cup, winning 5-4 on penalties.
Here are our MOT Leeds News player ratings:
Cooper Skerry – 8
Had very little to do in first half, hard to remember a real contribution in the opening period. He came to life in the second half, making a number of crucial saves – including the match-winning penalty save.
Aaron Pilkington – 6
Hardly touched the ball, but stayed strong after early pressure from the visitors. Switched flanks in the second half and went about his business quietly.
Charlie Cresswell – 8
Leading by example, we continue to be impressed with the defender. His menacing figure helped him dominate the Wednesday forwards as he played a vital role in guiding his side through the tie.
Nohan Kenneh – 7
Was strong alongside Cresswell, but in a free role didn’t have much to do. Kenneh was very calm in possession and often took on his man when given the chance.
Joshveer Shergill – 5
Lucky to be on the pitch after an early tackle. He struggled throughout and was consistently beaten by his man on the break – was at fault for the first goal.
Jack Jenkins – 7
Hard evening, but remained disciplined. Jenkins had much more responsibility compared to the under 23s, and that showed as he wasn’t allowed to bomb forward as often. He did get the equaliser with a close-range header though.
Josh Galloway – 6
The first of three quiet players in midfield and attack. He showed bursts of speed and missed a guilt-edged chance but otherwise struggled.
Cole Gibbon – 5
It’s hard to remember Gibbon affecting the game. The youngster backed out of a number of challenges and will get himself hurt if he continues to do the same.
Max McMillan – 6
Struggled in the final third as he was very isolated. The ball never stuck at his feet, and that was one of the reasons Leeds struggled to create chances.
Stuart McKinstry – 7
A more central role for the Scot, who was a bright spark – running at the Wednesday defence. He had a couple of long-range efforts but the final touch was always missing. His ball forced an own goal in extra-time.
Niklas Haugland – 4
Shocking first half. Nearly every one of his first touches let him down as he lost out on possession too many times. Was taken off early in the second on a night to forget for the winger.
In other Leeds United news, a player is set to undergo a medical with the Whites this weekend.