Leeds United’s Under-21 side were in action on Tuesday night in the National League Cup against fifth-tier side Halfiax Town, and Scott Gardner’s side secured two points on the night.
Gardner named a Leeds side that included Sam Chambers, Reuben Lopata-White and Alfie Cresswell as The Whites did battle with National League side Halifax Town, who currently sit 10th in the fifth tier.
Having beaten Gateshead and Boston United in the eight-team Group C, Leeds had the chance to go top and did just that, without winning in the 90 minutes. Leeds took the lead twice on the night, drawing 2-2.
Goals from in-form Rhys Chadwick and then the returning Joe Snowdon looked as though Leeds would secure all three points. But Halifax equalised in the 90th minute, taking the game to a penalty shootout.
Leeds goalkeeper Rory Mahady shines again as form continues
Rory Mahady has made the step up to the U21 side this season after making just one appearance for the second string last term. Dani van den Heuvel’s move to Club Brugge opened up a space for Mahady.
Clocking up 12 games for the 21’s and keeping two clean sheets, he was crucial on Tuesday night as The Whites not only secured a point from the draw, but won another point by winning the penalty shootout.
Mahady made one crucial save in the shootout while Leeds scored five, to win 5-3. It comes after Mahady has been impressing with Scotland’s U19 side including performances against Netherlands and France.
National League Cup Group C, top half (eight teams):
| Position | Points | Games played | Wins | Draws | Losses | GD |
| 1. Leeds United U21’s | 8 (point won in shootout) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2. Boston United | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 3. Newcastle United U21’s | 5 (point won in shootout) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 4. Sunderland U21’s | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Scott Gardner raves about Rory Mahady after Halifax clash
Mahady was hardly to blame for Halifax’s two goals on the night, the first coming from close range as former Leeds academy man Owen Bray scored, before Jack Senior netted a 90th-minute equaliser.
Speaking to LUTV after the match, Gardner raved about his goalkeeper after he saved a penalty in the shootout. It came after making a number of saves throughout, and playing superbly with possession.
“We knew he would save at least one. I think his overall play, he has really developed this season especially his playing out from the back and it gives us a real platform to build from,” Gardner said.
Mahady is currently the fourth-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road, sitting behind first-team trio Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns. The teenager has a contract at Leeds until the end of the season.
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