Leeds u18's - League Champions

By Steve Barras

Leeds United have always had a proud tradition of bringing some of the games most famous names through the academy. From the likes of John Charles and Jack Charlton in the 1950’s to Billy Bremner and Peter Lorimer in the 1960’s. Most recently Sam Byram and Tom Lees have left the ranks at Thorp Arch to nestle amongst the first team.

Here we take a look at the current crop of youngsters route to divisional success, a season that saw a twelve match winning streak and a run to the fifth round of the F.A. Youth Cup, a trophy that we have won just twice in our history, a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in 1997 and a 4-1 mauling of Manchester United in 1993.

Former Leeds player and Promotion winning captain Richard Naylor was appointed by the club as u18 manager during the summer after he retired from the playing side of football. Naylor’s first game in charge was against Shrewsbury Town.

Leeds u18’s vs Shrewsbury.

Eric Grimes, Corey Roper, Scott Harrison, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Chris Dawson, Alex Mowatt, Lewie Coyle, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters, Luke Booker. SUBS. Dan Atkinson, Alex Purver, Beaman, Affi, Lewis Cook, Kalvin Philips, Ali Amiri, Eoghan Stokes. 
 
This was Leeds u18’s first friendly game of pre-season, a game Leeds won 3-0. All the goals came in the second half courtesy of Luke Booker, Eoghan Stokes and Lewis Cook. 

Leeds u18’s vs York.

Eric Grimes, Alex Purver, Beaman, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Kalvin Philips, Corey Roper, Lewie Coyle, Luke Booker, Ali Amiri, Eoghan Stokes. SUBS. Dan Atkinson, Trialist, Trialist, Bennett, Trialist, Tom Lyman, Lewis Cook.

An experienced looking York City beat the youngsters 1-0 in the following pre-season friendly. A number of trialists were named in the squad.

Leeds u18’s vs Sanderfjord.

Dan Atkinson, Corey Roper, Marshall, Monty Gimpel, Alex Mowatt, Sanchez Payne, Dobbs, Jordan Snodin, Tom Lyman, Trialist, Luke Booker. SUBS. Chris Dawson, Luke Parkin, Ali Amiri, Lewis Walters.

A highly anticipated trip out to Scandinaviato face Norwegian side Sanderfjord was next on the bill. That game ended in a 4-4 draw, Luke Booker, Tom Lyman and a brace from Sanchez Payne secured the draw. 

Leeds u18’s vs Liverpool.

Eric Grimes, Alex Purver, Beaman, Marshall, Smith Tiesse, Ali Amiri, Kalvin Phillips, Lewie Coyle, Tom Lyman, Eoghan Stokes, Luke Booker. SUBS. Dan Atkinson, Corey Roper, Devonte Morton, Piteu Chydrick, Emilio Oliver.

Returning to England the second year scholars were called up into the Development squad to face Welsh side The New Saints so Richard took a young team to face Liverpool. The Premier League side won 2-0. 

Leeds u18’s vs Rochdale.

Dan Atkinson, Alex Purver, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Corey Roper, Luke Booker, Kalvin Philips, Lewie Coyle, Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin. SUBS. Brad Dixon, Eoghan Stokes, Kevin Gomez, Ali Amiri, Piteu Chydrick, Emilio Oliver.

The following weekend the youngsters were back in action again against Rochdale and duly recorded a 4-1 win, goals from Lewis Walters, Chris Dawson, Luke Parkin and Kevin Gomez. 
 
Leeds u18’s vs Huddersfield.

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Chris Dawson, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Trialist, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin. SUBS. Eric Grimes, Luke Booker, Kalvin Philips, Ali Amiri, Eoghan Stokes, Marshall.

The final pre-season game was against divisional rivals Huddersfield Town and the young whites ran riot and scored four goals in the process. Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters, Eoghan Stokes and a trialist getting on the scoresheet. 

This meant a record in pre-season of Played 6, Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 2.

A total of five unnamed trialists were used in the six games. (Some players I have researched and can’t seem to find their Christian names. I am assuming named trialists.)

Leeds u18’s had two fixtures during the opening month of the season and their campaign started against Derby County. 
 
Leeds u18’s vs Derby.

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt, Alex Purver, Chris Dawson, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters. SUBS. Corey Roper, Kalvin Philips, Eoghan Stokes.

A 3-1 victory over Derby was a good way to start the campaign, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin and Lewis Cook all on the scoresheet.

Leeds u18’s vs Nottingham Forest.

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Tyler Denton, Chris Dawson, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters. SUBS. Lewis Cook, Kalvin Philips, Eoghan Stokes.

Lewis Walters was at it again as he scored a goal in the 2-2 draw with NottinghamForest the following weekend, Chris Dawson was the other scorer.

Leeds u18’s vs Wigan Athletic

Brad Dixon, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Jake Skelton, Afalobi Coker, Alex Mowatt, Tyler Denton, Alex Purver, Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin. SUBS. Ali Amiri, Eoghan Stokes, Corey Roper.

September started with an away win for the u18’s, playing Premier League side Wigan Athletic, the young whites ran out 4-3 winners on the day with the goals coming from Alex Mowatt and hat-trick hero Lewis Walters. That took Walters total to five goals in three games so far this season.

Leeds u18’s vs Leicester City

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook, Tom Lyman, Alex Purver, Eoghan Stokes, Luke Parkin.
 
Next up for the under 18’s was a home tie against Leicester City and the young Leeds side maintained their excellent start to the season by beating the foxes 1-0, a Luke Parkin goal after 30 minutes decided the game, Leeds created a hat-full of chances and defended solidly for the 90 minutes.

Leeds u18’s vs Birmingham City

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Jake Skelton, Afalobi Coker, Alex Mowatt, Alex Purver, Lewis Cook, Chris Dawson, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters. SUBS. Brad Dixon, Kalvin Phillips, Corey Roper, Luke Booker, Tom Lyman.

Seven days later the youngsters were in action again this time against Birmingham City and Leeds continued their unbeaten start to the season by securing a hard fought 0-0 draw. A second consecutive clean sheet for Richard Naylor’s side and it could have been better had Luke Parkin not had a goal disallowed for offside.

Leeds u18’s vs Barnsley

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Chris Dawson, Lewis Cook, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters. SUBS. Brad Dixon, Tom Lyman, Corey Roper, Luke Booker, Kalvin Phillips.

A week later the under 18’s unbeaten run came to an end as Leeds fell 3-0 away at Barnsley. Despite dominating the entire match Leeds were punished for not converting their many chances and defensive errors cost the team the points. Following the defeat, under 18’s boss Naylor praised skipper Alex Mowatt for “Standing up and being counted when things weren’t going well.”

Leeds u18’s vs Huddersfield Town

Eric Grimes, Luke Booker, Jake Skelton, Afalobi Coker, Smith Tiesse, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook, Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin. SUBS. Dan Atkinson, Eoghan Stokes, Tyler Denton, Piteu Chydrick, Kalvin Phillips.

The u18’s first taste of action in October was at Thorp Arch against Huddersfield, a team they had already beaten in pre-season, scoring four goals. The youngsters hammered their opposition again scoring four goals in a 4-0 win with goals from Luke Parkin, Chris Dawson and Lewis Walters giving Leeds a 3-0 lead at half time. Luke Parkin grabbed his second of the game in the second half and completed the rout. Leeds could and probably should have had more such was their domination. This game saw the start of Leeds twelve match winning streak.

Leeds u18’s vs Sheffield Wednesday

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Jake Skelton, Afalobi Coker, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Tyler Denton, Lewis Cook, Kalvin Phillips, Eoghan Stokes. SUBS. Luke Booker, Tom Lyman.

A younger than usual Leeds side rose to the top of their league for the first time this season with a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday two weeks after the win over Huddersfield. Alex Mowatt and Lewis Cook were the scorers in what was a keenly contested meeting between the two clubs. The defence were singled out for high praise by manager Richard Naylor, especially Jake Skelton and Afalobi Coker in the heart of it.

Leeds u18’s vs Coventry City

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Jake Skelton, Afalobi Coker, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook, Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin. SUBS. Dan
Atkinson, Luke Booker, Ali Amiri, Kalvin Phillips, Eoghan Stokes.

The u18’s cemented their place at the summit of the league by thrashing Coventry City 6-1 at home. Luke Parkin and Kalvin Phillips both scored two a-piece, the latter coming from the bench. Chris Dawson and Lewis Walters both got in on the goalscoring action as well. The victory was made all the more impressive because defender Jake Skelton was dismissed for two bookable offences with twenty minutes to go.

Leeds u18’s vs Derby County

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Kalvin Phillips, Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin. SUBS. Eoghan Stokes.

The u18’s started November with a tie against Derby County. Leeds beat The Rams 4-2 after a storming second half comeback. The youngsters were 2-1 down at half time after Luke Parkin had given Leeds the lead, Lewis Walters could have
taken the sides in level had the Derby keeper not pulled off a fantastic save. Walters was not to be denied in the second half however as Leeds scored three goals in fifteen minutes to secure the win. Walters, a second for Parkin and captain Alex Mowatt rounded off the scoring. There was also praise for yet another stand out performance at the centre of defence for Afalobi Coker

Leeds u18’s vs Crewe Alexandra

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Kalvin Phillips, Alex Purver, Tyler Denton, Luke Parkin, Eoghan Stokes, Lewis Walters, Alex Mowatt. SUBS. Corey Roper, Tom Lyman.

The u18’s second game of the month was against Crewe Alexandra and they managed to record a 2-1 victory that took them back to the summit of their league table after Nottingham Forest had momentarily knocked them off top spot. Eoghan Stokes and Kalvin Phillips were the scorers. 

Leeds u18’s vs Watford (FA Youth Cup)

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Alex Mowatt, Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Luke Parkin, Chris Dawson, Lewis Walters. SUBS. Dan Atkinson, Eoghan Stokes, Corey Roper, Lewis Cook, Luke Booker.

Leeds scored four past Watford without reply as our u18’s progressed to the next round of the FA Youth Cup. Luke Parkin scored twice and further goals from Alex Mowatt and Lewis Walters capped an outstanding performance. Alex Purver was singled out by boss Richard Naylor as, “…outstanding in his midfield holding role…”

Leeds u18’s vs Wigan Athletic

Dan Atkinson, Lewie Coyle, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Kalvin Phillips, Luke Parkin, Chris Dawson, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Walters, Luke Booker.

 Leeds u18’s went into the Christmas break sharing the leadership of their league with Nottingham Forest after winning nine of their twelve games and Wigan were their latest scalp after a strong second half performance from the young whites. Lewis Walters gave Leeds the lead but the Premier League side struck twice before Chris Dawson equalised on the stroke of half time. Leeds shut out their opposition in the second half and strikes from Kalvin Phillips and a second for Walters ensured that Leeds ran out 4-2 winners.

Leeds u18’s vs Sheffield United

Eric Grimes, Corey Roper, Luke Booker, Jake Skelton, Afalobi Coker, Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters. SUBS Bennet, Eoghan Stokes, Piteu Chydrick.

The u18’s started the new year in the same way that they  ended the old one, with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United. U18 captain Alex Mowatt started the scoring with a neat finish from the penalty spot and Eoghan Stokes doubled the advantage, the next match for the youngsters was the cup tie with Burton Albion and with that in mind Naylor rang the changes but Leeds managed to hang on despite Sheffield United grabbing a late consolation.

Leeds u18’s vs Burton Albion (F.A. Youth Cup)

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Corey Roper, Alex Purver, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Kalvin Phillips, Alex Mowatt, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters, Chris Dawson. SUBS. Dan Atkinson, Luke Booker, Ali Amiri, Eoghan Stokes, Lewis Cook.

Burton Albion were next for Leedsu18’s in the cup with the prize being a trip to Anfield to play Liverpool in the next round. Leeds ran out 6-1 winners on the night with a superb performance from Chris Dawson, he netted a hat-trick. Alex Mowatt scored once again from the penalty spot, Afalobi Coker and Eoghan Stokes got the other two goals for Leeds.

Following on from that victory Chris Dawson was called up to the Wales u21 squad for their friendly game against Iceland, he made his debut and was praised by the Welsh u21 manager, particularly about his passing ability. 
 
Leeds u18’s vs Leicester City

Dan Atkinson, Corey Roper, Luke Booker, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Alex Mowatt, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters, Eoghan Stokes.

The u18’s recorded their tenth win in a row against Leicester City, Alex Mowatt scored the decisive goal in a delayed kick off due to adverse traffic conditions for the travelling whites. Leeds had the chance to double the scoreline but failed to make their chances pay

Leeds u18’s vs Barnsley

Eric Grimes, Lewie Coyle, Afalobi Coker, Luke Booker, Corey Roper, Liam Bennett, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt, Luke Parkin, Eoghan Stokes.

Leeds u18’s made it eleven wins in a row against Barnsley at Thorp Arch. The game finished 3-0 to the whites with Eoghan Stokes getting a hat-trick; a delighted Richard Naylor said “I was very pleased with the result in the end. We had a young team out and a lot of the lads involved had only returned from Cork late on the Friday night.”

Leeds u18’s vs Huddersfield Town

Dan Atkinson, Corey Roper, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt, Tom Lyman, Luke Parkin, Eoghan Stokes. SUBS. Alex Purver, Luke Booker, Lewis Walters.

Then Leeds u18’s made it twelve wins in a row by beating Huddersfield Town 2-0. Goals from Corey Roper and Alex Mowatt decided the game and the defence enjoyed a third clean sheet in a row.

Leeds u18’s vs Liverpool (F.A. Youth Cup)

Eric Grimes, Corey Roper, Smith Tiesse, Alex Purver, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Kalvin Phillips, Alex Mowatt, Luke Parkin, Lewis Walters, Chris Dawson. SUBS. Lewis Cook, Luke Booker, Eoghan Stokes.

The youngsters bowed out of the F.A. Youth Cup after a respectable showing at Anfield. Liverpool won the game 3-1 but Leeds were the dominant side for much of the game. Leeds started brightly but were dealt two blows in quick succession. Lewis Walters was on the end of a bad challenge from Liverpool’s Yalany Baio and had to be replaced by Eoghan Stokes. Stokes had the ball in the back of the net with his first touch but the header was ruled out for a challenge on the goalkeeper. Liverpool scored two goals in eight minutes shortly afterwards and went in at half time 2-0 up. Leeds came out for the second half and started on the  front foot again, Chris Dawson twice going close before Lewis Cook halved the  deficit on 72 minutes. Leeds pushed for an equaliser, Alex Mowatt and Luke Parkin coming very close to getting it but as the game ticked into injury time, Leeds pushed everyone forward and inevitably Liverpool hit  on the break to make it 3-1.

Leeds u18’s vs. Coventry City

Eric Grimes, Corey Roper, Afalobi Coker, Jake Skelton, Smith Tiesse, Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Munya Mbanje, Tom Lyman, Eoghan Stokes. SUBS. Liam Bennett, Luke Booker, Euan Mulhern

The u18’s suffered a rare league defeat at the hands of Coventry City. The game was marred when Jake Skelton was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg, with the scores still level. Eoghan Stokes, Tom Lyman and Lewis Cook all went close to scoring before Skelton’s injury but Coventryscored with their only chance of the first half. Leeds continued to pressurize the Coventry defence after the break but were unable to find a breakthrough. This game saw first appearances in a white shirt for two new academy players, Zimbabwean born Munya Mbanje and Euan Mulhern.

Leeds u18’s vs. Crewe Alexandra

Dan Atkinson, Luke Booker, Smith Tiesse, Afalobi Coker, Corey Roper, Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Tom Lyman, Luke Parkin, Eoghan Stokes. SUBS. Euan Mulhern, Ali Amiri, Liam Bennett.

It was two defeats in a row for Leedsu18’s as they lost, again by a single goal to Crewe Alexandra. With the u18 league title all but sealed, manager Richard Naylor decided to experiment for the second game running with the players that would be available to him next season, the exception being Luke Parkin.

Leeds u18’s vs. Nottingham Forest

Eric Grimes, Corey Roper, Afalobi Coker, Smith Tiesse  Alex Purver, Alex Mowatt, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Luke Parkin, Eoghan Stokes, Lewis Walters.

Leeds u18’s lifted the league trophy at the end of March with a fantastic win at second placed Nottingham Forest, Richard Naylor welcomed back a number of his squad that had been playing with the Development Squad, with the exception of Chris Dawson who was called up for the first team squad’s visit to Ipswich Town. The u18 game ended 7-2 to Leedswith Lewis Walters bagging a hat-trick. The other goals were scored by Luke Parkin, Alex Mowatt, Kalvin Phillips and Smith Tiesse. 
 
Leeds u18’s vs. Sheffield United

Eric Grimes, Luke Booker, Corey Roper, Liam Bennett, Smith Tiesse, Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Ali Amiri, Luke Parkin, Euan Mulhern. SUBS. Alex Mowatt, Lewis Walters.

Neil Warnock’s resignation meant a temporary shake up of the coaching staff. Richard Naylor stepped up to the Development Squad whilst Leigh Bromby and Chris Coates oversaw the u18’s, a spell that started with a 3-1 victory over Sheffield United at Thorp Arch. Luke Parkin and Euan Mulhern put the young whites into a decent lead before the Blades reduced the deficit. Alex Mowatt then won and converted a penalty to claim all three points.

Leeds u18’s vs Q.P.R. (PDL2 Play-Off Semi Final)

Eric Grimes, Luke Booker, Corey Roper, Afalobi Coker, Smith Tiesse, Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt, Lewis Walters, Luke Parkin.

Leeds u18’s suffered heartbreak as their season ended in the Play-Off semi final against Q.P.R. at Thorp Arch, Leeds created the better chances, coming close on a number of occasions but the Londoners scored in the ninety-first minute to win the tie.

The club announced its released list at the beginning of May and out of the ten players that were told to leave the club, four were from the academy. Monty Gimpel, Sanchez Payne, Patrick Antelmi and Jordan Snodin have now left Leeds United.

On a plus note seven young players that have featured or been on the fringes of our u18 squad have signed Scholarship deals with the club, Isaac Asseno, Liam Bennett, Piteu Crouz, Lewis Cook, Tom Lyman, Munya Mbanje and Euan Mulhern will feature for the u18’s next season, whilst a number of players playing in their final season at u18 level have signed professional deals with the club. Lewis Walters, Eric Grimes, Luke Parkin and Alex Mowatt will join Chris Dawson, who signed a contract earlier this season, in pushing for a first team berth next season.

Whether these players make it into the first team setup or not is still to be known but one thing is for certain, the conveyor belt up at Thorp Arch is still working overtime.

The future’s bright, the future’s white.