Match Preview: Leeds United U21s

4 October 2022

After three consecutive league wins including a 1-0 win at home to Barrow last time out, Rovers face another test on home soil against Leeds United under 21’s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

It’s the second game Tranmere have played in the competition this year with the previous being a penalty victory over League One side Bolton Wanderers, whilst Leeds have yet to feature in the competition.

But with a trip to Wembley the end prize of this competition, Micky Mellon will be keen to put on a good performance under the lights on Tuesday night whilst attempting to extend the winning run which has included two wins on the road.

As for Leeds, they may well use some senior players to pick up some much-needed fitness levels as they look to help boost their first-team playing squad who currently sit 12^th in the Premier League under Jesse Marche.

The under 21s have played six games so far this year and are unbeaten in all, winning five whilst scoring a remarkable 24 goals.

Ticket information:

Tickets can be bought online here or in TRFC Store. Adults: £10 and concessions £5.

Manager: Michael Skubala

Highly rated Skubala has held positions within the FA for a number of years, firstly being in charge of the national Futsal side before moving over to work with the national team’s youth set-up, becoming a coach for the England Under 18 team.

He took over of the under 21s in the summer following the departure of Mark Jackson who moved up work with the first team on a full time basis and he couldn’t have got off to a much better start with the youthful side.

With it being Leeds’ first game in the competition this year, Skubala will be keen for his side to be tested against some senior experience after winning the large majority of this season’s games with ease so far.

Match Coverage:

Tuesday's game will be streamed live on iFollow in both the UK and abroad! Click here to get your match pass now for just £10

You can also follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.

Twitter: @tranmererovers

Facebook: @trfcofficial

Instagram: @tranmererovers

Match reaction from Micky Mellon and a player will follow on our website and YouTube channel.

Match Previews

Match Reports

Tranmere Rovers 3-5 Leeds United U21s

4 October 2022

Tranmere Rovers were on the wrong end of an eight goal thriller at Prenton Park in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday night as Leeds United U21s claimed a 5-3 victory.

Rovers opened the scoring on the 12th minute through Paul Lewis. The midfielder turned smartly on the right wing before curling a cross which actually crept in at the far post after coming off the inside of the post to give Tranmere an early lead.

Just seven minutes later and Micky Mellon’s side doubled their advantage. A lovely sweeping move resulted in Rhys Hughes finding space on the right, he cut inside and bent a left footed shot into the far corner giving the keeper no chance from 20 yards.

The visitors fought back almost immediately. A fortunate ricochet fell into the path of Drameh inside the box who forced a reaction save from Hewelt but Sonny Perkins was on hand to cooly place the rebound into the top corner.

Moments later and Leeds were on level terms. Gelhardt, with Premier League experience to his name, drove forward, twisting and turning, before rifling a shot into the top right corner beyond Hewelt who stood no chance.

The quick fire turnaround was complete for the away side when Gelhardt again broke the offside trap and rounded Hewelt to slot into an empty net during a crazy five minute period.

On the verge of half time, Tranmere drew level. Rhys Hughes’ free kick from the left was met by Nevitt which the Leeds stopper reacted to but there was Neill Byrne to prod home from close range.

It was a slower start to the second half but Leeds edged in front once again on the 56th minute. Sam Greenwood, another player with first team experience, beat his man in the box before cutting back to Joseph who couldn’t miss inside the six yard box.

On the 65th minute, Leeds increased their advantage. Cody Drameh was allowed the freedom of the right hand side of the pitch before beating his man and poking the ball past Hewelt and in off the post.

Sam Greenwood was sent off for Leeds with 20 minutes to go for a rash challenge on Paul Lewis but ultimately this wouldn’t make a difference as Leeds managed the game well with Rovers not able to break them down.

Leeds would stand strong and take all three points in Northern Group B of the Papa John’s Trophy

Tranmere team: Hewelt, O’Connor, Byrne, Jameson, Merrie, McAlear, Nolan, Hughes, Lewis (Taylor 78’), Burton (Lomax 60’), Nevitt