U21s Report: Leeds United 4-3 West Bromwich Albion | OneFootball

Premier League 2

Leeds United U21 4 (Njinko 16’, 47’, 61’; Render 56’)

West Bromwich Albion U21 3 (Colesby 41’, Parmar 43', Bray 89’)

Leeds: Ombang (GK), Vincent, Philpott, Pickles (C), Enahoro-Marcus (Howson 46’), Trialist (Lane 79’), Render (Bird 74’), Chambers, Njinko, Alker, McDonald. Subs not used: Kenyon (GK), Mensah.

West Brom: Wallis (GK), Maughan, Dupont (C), Blackshields (Lucas 46’), McNeil, Colesby, Parmar (Bray 64’), Francis-Caesar (Letlat 74’), Iddrisa (Mohammed 75’), Pinnington, French. Subs not used: Brady (GK).

Venue: Thorp Arch | Referee: Harrison Blair | Booked: Trialist (Leeds) | Sent off: Philpott (Leeds)

Carrick Njinko was the hattrick hero for Leeds United Under-21s who overcame West Bromwich Albion Under-21s in an astonishing Premier League 2 curtain raiser.

Having taken the lead through the forward, Scott Gardner’s side fell behind before wrestling back momentum and then having to negotiate a nervy ending a man down to see out the dramatic victory.

Ahead of kick off at Thorp Arch, both teams came together in a poignant moment to remember former Baggies player Quevin Castro, who tragically passed away recently aged just 25. The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Quevin’s friends, family and former teammates at this very difficult time.

In a fast-paced opening, West Brom went desperately close to taking the lead after a quick break down the right. Following a cross low into the middle, Jaiden Francis-Caesar fluffed his lines before Rio Parmar saw a powerful follow up effort deflect narrowly beyond the post.

Parmar again was involved moments later as he looked to round Ombang but between the goalkeeper and Louis Enahoro-Marcus, United did just enough to crowd the forward out before Francis-Caesar dragged a low strike wide of the upright.

Within moments, Scott Gardner’s side would reap the rewards of their defending. Spearheading an incisive move to the edge of the Albion penalty area, Njinko cut onto his left foot and drilled a powerful finish into the back of the net!

Searching for a quickfire response, Harry French raced in behind but miscued attempting to lift the ball over the onrushing Ombang. The goalkeeper then produced a magnificent close-range sprawling save to deny Remar McNeil.

Leeds would have doubled their advantage if not for last ditch defending by the Baggies. Sam Chambers threaded a fine pass through for Josh McDonald who raced into the area, picking out Sam Alker who was dispossessed just as he shaped to shoot from yards out.

Approaching the break, Louie Philpott flashed a dangerous delivery across the middle which somehow evaded everyone in white, though the next goal would come for the visitors as Ryan Colesby struck from distance.

Minutes later, West Brom took the lead in controversial fashion through Parmar who appeared to be in an offside position but the assistant’s flag wasn’t raised, in the final action of the opening period.

HALF TIME: Leeds United U21 1-2 West Bromwich Albion U21

The Whites emerged from the interval with a change to the personnel, calling on the experience of mentor Jonny Howson as United looked to respond to falling behind.

And they did exactly just that within minutes through opening goalscorer Njinko! This time, Harvey Vincent had embarked on a marauding run in-field from the right flank, twisting and turning one way before finding the forward on the edge of the area.

Receiving the ball with his back to goal, Njinko still had it all to do, chopping onto his left and arrowing another impressive low strike into the bottom corner!

Gardner’s side almost completed the turnaround immediately when Chambers forced a strong diving stop by Joe Wallis. Then, immediately down the other end as the game became stretched, it was Ombang’s turn to make a great save, this time from McNeil.

With United knocking on the door for a third, the pressure eventually told and in stunning fashion. Chambers drove from deep and found Jacob Render who fired a terrific drive into the top corner, leaving the Baggies’ goalkeeper with no chance!

The Whites extended their advantage as it proved to be a memorable afternoon for Njinko. Render darted in behind the opposition’s backline, unselfishly squaring for his teammate to net his third of the afternoon!

The lead was very nearly increased as the impressive Alker drilled a powerful attempt that cannoned off the inside of the post and away from danger as a red shirt hooked clear.

With the hosts seemingly in a commanding position, the game took another turn when Philpott received a second yellow card. Reacting accordingly, Render made way for defender Coban Bird.

From then on, United had to show their steel, producing a series of crucial blocks and last-ditch challenges to frustrate Albion, though Jack Bray’s late goal would ensure a nervy finish to proceedings at Thorp Arch.

More heroic defending, a few fantastic Ombang saves and several clearances later, Harrison Blair’s full-time whistle finally sounded to bring an enthralling Premier League 2 encounter to a close.

FULL TIME: Leeds United U21 4-3 West Bromwich Albion U21