Leeds United’s U21 side propelled themselves to the top of their National League Cup group with a draw against Halifax Town on Tuesday night, securing an extra point with a penalty-shootout win.
Scott Gardner’s side had won their previous two National League Cup games against Boston United and Gateshead and on Tuesday night, they went to Halifax to take on the 10th-placed National League side.
Gardner named a strong side that included the likes of Reuben Lopata-White, Alfie Cresswell and Rhys Chadwick. Leeds took the lead twice thanks to goals from Chadwick and the returning Joe Snowdon.
But, Halifax pulled Leeds back on two occasions including a late 95th-minute equaliser from Jack Senior. That saw both sides earn a point – but in this competition, clubs can win another point on penalties.
Ben Parker heaps praise on latest Leeds talent Sam Chambers
Leeds secured a second point thanks to a 5-3 win on penalties, with Rory Mahady saving the first of Halifax’s four penalties. Scott Gardner praised Mahady after the match, expecting him to save at least one.
With Leeds looking as if they were going to win, Chambers ran past former Leeds midfielder Jack Jenkins into the corner even when it looked like he could go through on goal, to run the clock down for Leeds.
A lung-busting run that earned praise from former Leeds left-back Ben Parker, who said Chambers had been “brilliant” on LUTV: “That was brilliant play. He looked like he had the beating of Jack Jenkins.
“But he showed maturity beyond his years to go into the corner. You can see he was tired himself, he came off on Friday night, but he showed good energy. Invaluable for your team, pushing up the pitch.”
Sam Chambers surely in line for first senior Leeds star in January
Rewind to the summer, and Scotland U19 talent Chambers had come on for Leeds in a senior friendly against Harrogate – scoring in a 3-0 win. In the 3-0 win against Plymouth, Chambers made his debut.
He came off the bench in the victory over Wayne Rooney’s side with Charlie Crew. A brief cameo that saw Daniel Farke praise Chambers for his efforts, and now Leeds have drawn Harrogate in The FA Cup.
Farke is sure to hand a few starts to some# fringe players in the new year against the League Two side and one of those pushing for a start or at least more minutes, is Chambers after another solid U21 outing.
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