Leeds United's U21 side were eliminated from this season's EFL Trophy at the Group Stage last week, falling to a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Salford City.
The young Whites had beaten Oldham Athletic in the preceding Group B fixture, following a 4-1 loss at Tranmere Rovers in September.
Unfortunately, their three-point haul and inferior goal difference was insufficient and an early exit was sealed.
The team's performances - and results - did symbolise progress from last season, however.
Leeds were beaten handsomely by Accrington Stanley and Blackpool in last year's edition of the EFL Trophy, whilst drawing with Barrow.
This year, they competed well against three League Two opponents, despite fielding starting XIs made up of 17 and 18 year-olds.
Leeds' exit at the Group Stage has once more raised questions over the EFL Trophy as a competition, though, which includes U21 sides from Premier League academies.
This season, 16 Category One academy sides entered the tournament alongside the 48 teams making up League One and League Two.
Only three of those U21 outfits have made it into the knockout stage - the worst return since the competition first integrated academy sides in the 2016/17 season.
Everton, Leeds, Wolves, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Leicester, Newcastle, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Southampton and Spurs have all seen their U21 teams bow out at the Group Stage.
Although, it must be said West Ham's elimination came in conjunction with a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
Only Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa have progressed to the knockouts.
While the competition is seen as an opportunity for young footballers to test themselves against seasoned professionals of the Football League, this year the gulf has been as insurmountable as it ever has.
Liverpool's U21 squad managed just one goal over the course of three games, conceding thirteen in the process.
During Leeds' opening fixture in the competition this season, 15-year-old substitute Archie Gray found himself up against 39-year-old Tranmere Rovers defender Peter Clarke.
After U21 sides' worst performance on record in this competition, evaluating the benefits of their involvement and the potential impact on players is something which will need to be considered.
