U18s: United v Leeds

In a match delayed by just over two hours due to a motorway closure leading to the visitors’ late arrival, Darren Fletcher’s young Reds were indebted to goalkeeper Fred Heath’s superb save to deny Logan White’s second-half penalty.

Both sides also hit the post and had players sent off after the final whistle as a hard-fought contest, in which goalscoring opportunities were largely at a premium, ended all square.

FIRST HALF - GOALLESS BUT REDS ON TOP

Both captains laid wreaths in the centre circle and a minute’s silence was impeccably observed before the game to pay respects to servicemen and women, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The morning rain made way for pleasant autumnal sunshine and there was a bright start to proceedings, as we looked to settle into the contest. After Jacob Watson was fouled 20 yards out, Jim Thwaites took aim but his goalbound free-kick was repelled by Leeds goalkeeper Alexander Baird.

James Overy - who received his first senior call-up for Australia this week - was released through the centre and clipped a finish over the onrushing Baird into the net, but the offside flag was raised.

The Reds’ consistent tenacity and high press made life difficult for Leeds to build from the back in the opening 45 minutes. Last-ditch defending by Luke Matykiewicz and then Aiden Thompson for the visitors prevented dangerous low crosses by Samuel Lusale and Amir Ibragimov from finding their intended targets.

United captain Ibragimov warmed the gloves of Baird with a low effort from the edge of the area at the end of a near passage of play.

However, the closest United came in the first half was in the 41st minute when Noah Ajayi’s fine right-footed effort from outside the box rebounded back into play off the post. It was Ajayi’s last notable contribution before he was replaced at the break by Gabriel.

SECOND HALF - HEATH SAVES PENALTY AS BOTH TEAMS SEE RED

Our rivals from across the Pennines were ruthlessly beaten 13-1 on their last visit to Carrington in April, but Rob Etherington’s side were a much tougher proposition on this occasion.

Continuing to apply pressure as the action resumed, as Ibragimov and Bailey seeing shots from just outside the area blocked by the Leeds defence, United had more defending to do of our own as the Whites improved as an attacking force.

Leeds were awarded a penalty by referee Daniel Halton in the 70th minute, when Jacob Render was adjudged to have been fouled by Jacob Watson, but White’s effort was brilliantly kept out down to his right by Heath. Shortly after, Render’s close-range header from Kenneth Mensah’s cross struck the outside the post.

It was an open end to the game as both sides searched for a winner. For the Reds, Ibragimov’s low effort was kept out by Baird, Gabriel curled a right-footed effort agonisingly wide and substitute Jay McEvoy missed the target when picked out from a Thwaites corner.

At the other end, Heath was called into action from a cushioned left-footed effort from Callum Mills and a near-post shot from Carrick Njinko.

Despite our best efforts, the winning goal proved elusive but, after the final whistle, United’s Bailey and Njinko for the visitors were shown straight red cards as both sets of players clashed on the pitch.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Our Under-18s return to action on Saturday 22 November in the U18 Premier League Cup, with a tie against Birmingham City at Carrington which kicks off at 12:00 GMT. Subscribe now to MUTV here to watch the game live.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Heath; Overy, McCormack, Kukonki, J.Watson; Thwaites, Ibragimov (c), Bailey (McEvoy 64); Lusale (Abdoulaye 82), Ajayi (Gabriel 46), Brown (Plunkett 64).

Subs not used: Z.Watson.

Booked: Bailey, Ibragimov, Kukonki (United); Njinko, Philpott (Leeds)

Sent off: Bailey (United); Njinko (Leeds)