Oldham Leeds U21: young Whites lose 4-2 after taking lead

The Oldham Leeds U21 EFL Trophy match ended 4-2 to the hosts, after Leeds briefly took a second-half lead through substitute Carrick Njinko.

The result leaves Scott Gardner’s side needing a win at Fleetwood Town next month to progress, according to the club’s official report. Callum Mills and Njinko scored for Leeds, but Oldham recovered with three goals after the break.

First half finishes level at Boundary Park

In the Oldham Leeds U21 match, Noah Chilvers put Oldham ahead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute. Leeds responded five minutes later when Mills headed in a deflected Harvey Vincent cross from close range.

The goal followed Mills’ hat-trick in the opening group victory at Barnsley. He nearly scored again before half-time, but could not direct another Vincent delivery on target.

Rory Mahady had earlier denied Mike Fondop with his foot, while Kai Payne struck the woodwork for the home side. The teams reached the interval level at 1-1.

Njinko lead is quickly cancelled out

The Oldham Leeds U21 game turned after the break, when Gardner brought Njinko on for Louie Philpott at half-time, with Jayden Lienou moving to the flank. The attacking change paid off in the 51st minute.

Mills helped release Njinko down the left. With his back to goal, the substitute turned away from his marker and finished past Aston Wilson to put Leeds 2-1 ahead.

Kane Drummond equalised in the 53rd minute, lifting the ball over the advancing Mahady. The contest remained open before Oldham made the decisive breakthrough.

Oldham Leeds U21 defeat settled by quick double

The Oldham Leeds U21 defeat was settled quickly. Josh Hawkes struck in the 67th minute after a clearance reached the edge of the area. A minute later, he supplied Payne, who finished to make it 4-2.

Mahady denied Zain Tahir as Oldham looked for another goal. Josh McDonald shot wide late on as Leeds searched for a route back into the match.

Leeds and Fleetwood are both on three points after two games. The club says a win at Highbury next month would still take the Whites into the knockout stages.

Read the Oldham preview for the group background. Match details are from Leeds United’s official report.