Leeds United youngsters go top of European group as German opponent defeated in front of 'ultras'

Michael Skubala’s young side welcomed the likes of Leo Hjelde and Mateo Joseph back into the starting XI on the night, with the latter finding the back of the net for his first goal of the season to round off a convincing win. Leeds had previously defeated French outfit OGC Nice II at Elland Road by two goals to nil, and on Tuesday evening went to the top of their eight-team PL International Cup group after seeing off Hertha.

The German side, who compete in the fourth tier of their professional league system, brought a small section of away fans, decked out in all-black attire, who sang in unison for large periods at York’s LNER Community Stadium. They were finally given something to cheer in the closing stages as Hertha pulled a goal back, but only after Keenan Carole, Lewis Bate and the aforementioned Joseph had found the back of the net for the home side.

Leeds have two fixtures remaining in the group stage, against current holders Jong PSV and Sparta Praha’s reserve side. The competition – designed to pit players in English clubs’ academies against their continental peers – is split into three groups of eight, comprised of four English teams and four European sides each. Two clubs progress from the group stage automatically, while the two best third-placed sides also make it to the quarter-final knockout stage.

As the competition is governed by the Premier League, all matches are played in England. Leeds – and the other domestic academies – only face the foreign invitees during the group stage.

Leeds XI: Van den Heuvel (GK), Moore (C), Hjelde (Sutcliffe 59’), Monteiro, Mullen, Bate (Crew 85’), Carole (Douglas 66’), Gyabi, Joseph, McGurk (Thomas 68’), Allen.

Unused sub: Christy (GK)