Town's U18s progressed to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after defeating Leeds 1-0 at Elland Road. Irish striker Billy Clarke netted from the penalty spot to beat the home side who by the end were down to eight men.

The Blues ought to have won more comfortably and the Leeds youngsters, coached by former Town full-back Neil Thompson, were kept in the game by keeper Jonathan Lund.

The only goal of the game came not long after half-time, Ben Parker having pushed Danny Haynes, one of four Town players with first team experience, inside the area. Billy Clarke, who made his senior bow at Cardiff on Monday, sent Lund the wrong way from the spot.

Leeds midfielder Robert Bayly was red-carded for dissent after Clarke's goal, then on 85 Gavin Rothery was shown a second yellow card and then the inevitable red for a foul.

Late on, keeper Lund was forced from the field after dislocating his shoulder saving a shot from Haynes. Neil Thompson's team had already used their three subs and were reduced to just eight players for the final exchanges.

Owen Garvan managed 50 minutes before being replaced by Oliver Fenn and seemed to come through unscathed. Town are hopeful that the Irish midfielder will be fit enough to be in the senior squad for Saturday's home game with Wolves.

U18s: Pétursson, Moore, Ainsley, Garvan (Fenn 50), Casement, Short, Haynes, Trotter, Clarke, Knights, Upson. Unused: Leabon, Plummer, Haverson, Sheringham.

Photo: Action Images

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