Ghanaian midfielder Darko Boateng Gyabi, was on target for Leeds United U21 in their defeat against West Bromwich Albion.
Leeds United Under-21s suffered defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion, with the visitors scoring a last-minute winner under the lights of the LNER Community Stadium, in York.
Coming into the match, the Whites knew a point would have taken them back to the top of the league after Southampton had previously claimed top-spot in the division, following a strong run of form.
Michael Skubala’s side started on the front foot and were strong throughout the opening half, pinning in the Baggies for long spells of pressure and shots on the visiting net.
Sean McGurk and recent first-team goalscorer Sonny Perkins were the first to go close. Each player found the side netting though, or were denied by Baggies ‘keeper Ted Cann.
Darko Gyabi and Perkins were then also linking up well, with top-scorer Mateo Joseph creating space in behind with his pace and late runs. Gyabi picked up the ball just outside the box, controlled, and struck left-footed only to see Cann deny him again.
When the away side did get forward, Rico Richards had an opportunity, but his volley sailed well over the bar after Alex Williams found him with a low cross into the middle.
Before the break, Leeds did find the back of the net. McGurk crossed into the box and it was Perkins who flicked home a header into the far corner, but the celebrations were cut short as the offside flag went up.
That was it before the whistle and despite the domination for much of the half, the teams went in goalless with work for each side to do.
Back out for the second half, the minus temperatures in York weren’t stopping what was an entertaining match. The visitors had the first real opportunity of the half though, but were denied by strong defending from Cody Drameh.
The game took a drastic change and that would result in goals to come, with referee Paul Marsden pointing to the penalty spot and showing a controversial red card.
Kris Moore was the player dismissed for what was deemed a last-man foul and that gave the visitors an opportunity from the penalty spot, which Rayhaan Tulloch stepped up and slotted home to put his side ahead.
Despite going behind, Leeds remained on the front foot and were eager to equalise as quickly as possible. Further chances came, with Gyabi and McGurk forcing saves again, along with a pinpoint Cann stop to deny Joseph.
Entering the final 10 minutes, the pressure finally paid off and Skubala’s side were back on level terms. McGurk created the chance and Gyabi finished it in style with a rocket of a strike into the top corner.
From there, Leeds kept pushing forward in search of a winner. However, that was to ultimately undo them, as the Baggies broke forward themselves and from a three-on-one chance, Richards converted.
That goal sent the points back to the West Midlands, with both teams set to do battle again next Monday, in the reverse fixture.
©Leeds United
