Harry Gray decision made as Leeds United U21s learn harsh lesson vs European giants
Leeds United Under-21s’ perfect start to their Premier League International Cup campaign ended on Tuesday.
Harry Gray’s return to the Leeds United Under-21s team was not enough to stave off a 3-0 Premier League International Cup defeat at home to Borussia Dortmund II on Tuesday.
Gray was not involved in the young Whites’ previous game, a 3-0 National League Cup victory over Gateshead last month, although he did feature in the U18s FA Youth Cup win over Bristol City a week ago. The reason behind his U21s absence is unknown but it didn’t last long, with the 17-year-old back leading the line against European opposition as one of five changes.
Key squad members Jonny Howson and Rory Mahady also returned to the starting line-up for the big occasion, with the academy side of Leeds’ twin city emerging victorious. Goals in minutes 11, 33 and 87 proved enough to hand Borussia Dortmund II a convincing 3-0 win at the LNER Community Stadium in York.
Dortmund dominated early proceedings and took the lead inside 11 minutes when Taycan Etcibasi found Ayman Azhil who fired beyond Mahady. Gray and full-back Jayden Lienou impressed for the Whites with the former hitting the side netting from a free-kick while the latter was regularly bursting forward.
Leeds were starting to get back into the contest but conceded a second just after the half-hour mark, with Mathis Albert arrowing a finish into Mahady’s top corner from around 15 yards. Scott Gardner’s side continued to push for a goal of their own either side of half-time but were largely kept at bay.
As full-time approached, Etcibasi added a goal to his first-half assist, finishing into the bottom corner of Mahady’s goal to make it 3-0. The defeat is Leeds’ first of their Premier League international Cup campaign, following victories over Sporting CP and Athletic Club.
After a busy autumn, Gardner’s young Whites have another extended break away from competitive action with no game until the New Year. Leeds Under-21s next face Reading in Premier League 2 on January 10.