Leeds United's Under-23s were back to winning ways, ending a two-month spell without a win, beating Barnsley 2-0 at Thorp Arch on Monday afternoon.
Carlos Corberan named a strong starting XI featuring senior players Pablo Hernandez and Barry Douglas, who both completed 45 minutes before being brought off at half-time, with fellow first teamer Gaetano Berardi coming on at the break.
Ryan Edmondson opened the scoring early on with a well-struck finish and Jordan Stevens cheekily capitalised on a slow Tykes defence failing to play to the whistle to double the lead in the second-half.
Here's how we rated the players on the day.
Leeds United Under-23s (3-3-1-3)
Kamil Miazek - seven
A couple of questionable moments aside, he looked much more assured than against Derby last time out. Made a few decent saves and one exceptional one to deny a well-placed Barnsley free-kick late on.
Bryce Hosannah - seven (off for Robbie Gotts HT)
Some very positive moments going forward in the early stages. Perhaps a little unfortunate to be hooked at half-time.
Barry Douglas - six (off for Gaetano Berardi HT)
Linked up quite well with McCarron, and played him into space in the build-up for the opener. Nothing earth-shattering from the left-back, but getting there.
Oliver Casey - six
Occasionally guilty of overplaying and looking a little uneasy as Barnsley enjoyed a spell of pressure in the first half, but wasn’t cowed. Showed versatility to move further forward after the half-time changes.
Pascal Struijk - six
Was thought to be carrying a knock but didn’t look it here. Largely solid.
Charlie Cresswell - seven
Justifying the step-up to the Under-23s. Showed positional awareness to cut out a couple of Barnsley through-balls and looks at ease playing out from the back as Corberan demands.
Jordan Stevens - eight
Very lively. Was eager throughout, and that quality was rewarded when he doubled United’s lead, running in to take advantage of the Barnsley back four stopping play. Unfortunate not to score more with some well-placed strikes from outside the box.
Jack Jenkins - six
Quite composed and tidy, but flew under the radar a little as the game drew on. Didn’t do anything noticeably poor or wrong.
Ryan Edmondson - seven
His one touch to put Leeds ahead early on is what we’ve come to expect from the striker, who is proving to be brilliantly clinical. He let it run across his body and was in doubt where to place it. Worked hard throughout but could work on holding his run to stay onside.
Pablo Hernandez - six (off for Niall Huggins HT)
It looked like an exercise in building up his match rhythm than anything else. Got through 45 minutes with no issues, but didn’t look overly interested in getting out of second gear. Fair enough at the age of 34.
Liam McCarron - eight
A really dynamic, positive showing from the former Carlisle man. Many of Leeds best moments came with him bursting forward down the left, and he kept up the intensity throughout. Looking like a canny addition.
Substitutes
Robbie Gotts (HT) - seven
Clearly an adept dribbler, he caused the Barnsley defence a few problems carrying the ball forward in their third
Gaetano Berardi (HT) - seven
What you’d expect from the experienced Swiss, helped the backline settle down once he was introduced. He looks fine to replace Liam Cooper for the first team on Saturday if necessary.
Niall Huggins (HT) - six
Had one good moment in particular in which he set up a chance for Edmondson.
Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.
