Leeds United's badge seen on the side of Elland Road
Leeds United's badge seen on the side of Elland Road
Jess Hornby/Getty Images
Leeds United Under-21s boss Scott Gardner has welcomed his players’ disappointment following their EFL Trophy defeat, insisting his side possess the quality to produce considerably better performances.
The young Whites suffered a frustrating 4-2 loss against Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park on Tuesday night, falling to defeat in their second group-stage fixture of the competition.
The sides went into half-time level at 1-1, before Leeds moved ahead in the 51st minute.
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However, Oldham responded emphatically, scoring three more times to take control of the contest and leave the visitors empty-handed.
Callum Mills was among Leeds’ standout performers, opening the scoring for the Yorkshire outfit before setting up Carrick Njinko’s goal to register a goal contribution in both of his side’s strikes.
The defeat leaves the Peacocks third in Group G of the EFL Trophy with three points.
Reflecting on the contest, Gardner stressed that his side needed to improve their handling of Oldham’s physicality and aggression, noting that they struggled to maintain their approach when put under pressure in the second half.
Game Competition
Crystal Palace (H) Premier League 2
Aston Villa (A) Premier League 2
Stoke City (H) Premier League Cup
Gardner nevertheless believes the experience will prove valuable to his young players, while their frustration at the result gave him confidence that they understood the need to raise their level.
The boss told Leeds’ official website: “A massive learning opportunity for us with the physicality, the aggression and dealing with moments where they maybe got on top a little bit.
“So, that was probably the most disappointing thing for us, that we maybe changed our way of playing in the second half when they had a little bit of pressure.
“But that is why we are in this competition, it is why we want to have these games.
“We can’t recreate that. They have to learn and build. They will get loads from that experience tonight and we can review with them.
“I think we are flat in the changing room because we know that we can play better.
“I thought for maybe 45 to 50 minutes we saw probably 75 per cent of what we are capable of but there is definitely more in there for us.
“I am pleased they are disappointed because they know they can do better.”
Leeds will not return to EFL Trophy action until late November, when they face Fleetwood Town in their next group fixture.
The Whites did secure a victory in the National League Cup against Tamworth last week, although Gardner acknowledged that his side had lacked creativity during the encounter.
Meanwhile, Daniel Farke’s side came up short against Arsenal at the weekend, bringing their unbeaten Premier League run to an end.
Leeds legend Jon Newsome subsequently suggested that Farke could have done little more to change the outcome at the Emirates.