Shane McLoughlin and trialist James Alabi netted as Town’s U21s began their season with a 2-1 win at Leeds, however, the game was marred by what looked a serious injury suffered by Blues midfielder Monty Patterson.
Patterson (pictured) was stretchered off on 63 after receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch having suffered what reports suggest may be a broken leg when landing awkwardly.
The 18-year-old had come on as a sub having only recently returned from spending much of the summer away with the New Zealand U20 and U23 squads.
Leeds went ahead early on via Frank Mulhern in the second minute but Irish U18 international McLoughlin equalised on the half hour when he turned home Cameron Stewart’s cross.
On-trial striker Alabi sealed the win eight minutes from time. Alabi, who started up front for the Blues, was released by Stoke at the end of last season with out making a senior appearance for the Potters.
Never seen anything like that on a football field personally 😩 really hope monty recovers well 🙠horrible for anyone 😔– Alex Henshall (@AlexHenshall11) August 10, 2015
@PattersonMonty wish you all the best bro 👠rest up, speak soon x– Alex Henshall (@AlexHenshall11) August 10, 2015
Great 1-2 win away at Leeds yesterday!
Also wish @PattersonMonty a speedy recovery 🙌ðŸ½
— Michael Crowe (@MichaelCrowe95) August 11, 2015
A big thank you to everyone for there best wishes on a speedy recovery, it means alot thank you all very much 👖 Monty Patterson (@PattersonMonty) August 11, 2015
The 20-year-old Londoner played youth football with Stoke and Celtic before returning to the Britannia Stadium and then spending spells on loan at Scunthorpe (twice), Mansfield, Forest Green Rovers and Accrington Stanley. In January he had a trial with Dutch side De Graafschap.
U21s: Crowe, Hammond, Bombelenga, Fowler, Robinson, Stewart, Dozzell, Blanchfield, Henshall, Alabi, McLoughlin. Subs: Hayes, Woolfenden, Ramadan, Ford, Patterson.