National League Cup Report: U21s prove too strong for Solihull Moors | OneFootball

National League Cup

Solihull Moors 2 (Wodskou 10’, High 90’)

Leeds United U21 3 (Vincent 19’, Lane 38’, 72’)

Leeds: Mahady (GK), Vincent (Render 85’), Lienou, Howard, Cresswell, Enahoro-Marcus, McDonald (Howson 68’), Pickles (C) (Matykiewicz 89’), Njinko, Lane, Mills. Subs not used: Kenyon (GK), Alker, Philpott.

Solihull: Ford (GK), Hanks (Warren 46’), Green (C), Worman, Carson, Farquhar, Woods (Hancock 39’) (High 46’), Shipston, Wodskou, McFarlane, Coffey (Sbarra 64’). Subs not used: Metcalfe (GK), Andrews, Watts.

Venue: ARMCO Arena | Referee: Steven Copeland | Booked: Worman, Shipston, Farquhar, Wodskou (Solihull) Lienou, Mahady (Leeds) | Sent off: Green (Solihull) Njinko (Leeds)

Leeds United Under-21s secured a first victory in this season’s National League Cup campaign with an impressive 3-1 success over Solihull Moors.

After finding themselves behind early on against the run of play, Harvey Vincent levelled before a Freddie Lane brace fired Scott Gardner’s side to all three points.

With both sides searching for a first win in Group C of the competition, the Whites had started the contest brightly but it was the hosts who took an early lead through Benjamin Wodskou’s close range effort, pouncing on the rebound after Rory Mahady had initially made a fine reaction save.

Searching for a response, quick feet from Josh McDonald saw the attacker evade a Solihull challenge and drive into the opposition’s half, releasing Alfie Cresswell. The midfielder raced onto the ball and let fly from distance, firing a powerful effort narrowly over the upright.

Leeds did level proceedings just before the 20-minute mark through the versatile Vincent. Marauding down the right flank, the wing back on the night sent a dangerous delivery into the middle which wrongfooted goalkeeper Nathaniel Ford and nestled in the far corner!

United had to be wise to prevent the Moors from retaking the lead when Wodskou found space and looked to burst through on goal. Louis Enahoro-Marcus had read play well however and got back to make a superb sliding challenge.

The lively McDonald then threaded an intricate pass through for goalscorer Vincent into the area. Choosing the low route this time, the full-back crossed towards the back post though Ford was able to gratefully gather.

Gardner’s side deservedly took the lead in the closing stages of the first half. Excellent play down the right eventually worked the ball into the middle where Carrick Njinko looked destined to score until a superb block by a yellow shirt. Luckily for Leeds, there was Lane to poke home following up!

Two very nearly became free and it was Lane again at the heart of it. Trying to pick out the top corner from the edge of the area, the wing-back would have done just that if not for Cameron Green’s header clear off the line.

HALF TIME: Solihull Moors 1-2 Leeds United U21

The Whites emerged from the break unchanged and the action was very end to end in the opening exchanges. First, Mahady got down to his left to parry a fizzing Solihull attempt before Leeds broke through Jayden Lienou.

The Wales international drove over halfway and released McDonald. Racing to the edge of the area, the attacker lashed a powerful effort that sailed just over the crossbar.

The visitors went within inches of adding a third and unsurprisingly, it was electric pace on the counter that caused the Moors issues. This time, Njinko worked a yard of space 20 yards from goal after an incisive move. His left-footed strike cannoned off an opponent and bounced agonisingly wide.

United thought they had extended their advantage when skipper Ollie Pickles was on hand to lash in from close range after an excellent mazy run from McDonald. The celebrations were cut short however as the assistant deemed the captain to be in an offside position.

After a Solihull effort deflected beyond the post, Mahady made a superb double save from the resulting corner, parrying a header before reacting to smother the follow up. Then, just after the hour mark, Enahoro-Marcus and Jacob Howard did enough to prevent Joseph Sbarra from having a sight of goal.

Leeds had a great opportunity to put daylight between the teams when the run of Callum Mills was found by Njinko. The midfielder forced a good sprawling save by the onrushing Ford. Moments later, a first change introduced experienced mentor Jonny Howson into the action, replacing McDonald.

The third did arrive with less than 20 minutes on the clock. Pickles was instrumental in the move, doing brilliantly to retain possession and find Lane. Having netted once already on the night, the full-back cut inside and drilled low beyond the dive of Ford!

The encounter, which had been feisty all evening, finally boiled over after a late challenge and both sets of players piled in, resulting in two red cards and several bookings. Despite a late Solihull consolation through Scott High, the Whites held on until the full-time whistle sounded!

FULL TIME: Solihull Moors 2-3 Leeds United U21