Leeds United’s highly-rated Under-23 side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Reading in Premier League 2 away from home as Mark Jackson’s side were foiled by the woodwork on numerous occasions.
The Whites looked good in possession but it was clear that they failed to score when it was crucial to do so at the start of the second-half, when the scoreline read 1-1. It meant Reading took advantage, but here are three Leeds winners from the loss.
Versatile Huggins
Normally an attacking midfielder or even a striker, 19-year-old Huggins lined up on the left side of Leeds defence with the number three shirt on. An unusual position for the midfielder, but one he seemed to grasp every time he touched the ball.
Going forward, Huggins – who has been recently called up to Wales’ Under-21 side – was excellent but he also remaind defensively solid and aggressive. With his contract ending next June, he may have shown some crucial versatility.
Rooney-like Gelhardt
Since his £1million move to Leeds, Gelhardt has easily been the Under-23’s best player. Although Sam Greenwood has scored a hatful of goals in his first few games under Mark Jackson, it is Gelhardt that has impressed.
The former Wigan man was unlucky not to score today, with him and Olly Casey rattling the woodwork in the second half. Aggression, popping up all over the pitch and power, Gelhardt looked like Leeds very own version of Wayne Rooney.
Inspired Caprile
Though the Italian goalkeeper conceded three times, he will be feeling very pleased with his personal performance. The camera angle of a first-half save may have helped Caprile, but one of the moments of the match was his left-handed save.
A Reading winger cut inside onto his left foot and with the camera angle right behind the curling strike, Caprile stuck out an arm and finger-tipped the ball past the post. He was excellent – other than the save, too – and deserves plaudits.
