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Joe Donnohue

Leeds United U23s player ratings as Amari Miller beauty seals three points for young Whites

Leeds United claimed their first home league win of the PL2 Division 1 campaign with victory over Derby County on Monday night.

The young Whites went in front through Amari Miller during the first half, before Charlie Allen doubled their advantage late into the contest under some heavy Derby pressure.

A 2-0 final scoreline means Leeds taste victory in the league for the first time since September.

Here are the full-time player ratings from York's LNER Community Stadium.

Kristoffer Klaesson - 6

A few nervy moments, but largely got the job done in the Leeds net. His distribution was a particular highlight, picking out teammates in more advanced areas of the pitch. That's improved since the summer.

Harvey Sutcliffe - 7

A promising display without being a standout. One instance saw him beat three men allowing his momentum to carry him into the final third where he laid on Allen whose shot hit the bar.

Joe Littlewood - 8

Booked for a foul on the edge of the Leeds area which looked more like a 50-50, but otherwise provided a cool, calm head defensively. Ensured his body was in the way of Derby shots and stood up well to the physical challenge. Quietly very impressive.

Jeremiah Mullen - 8

Engaged in a lot more conventional defensive work than last Friday against Wigan where he was able to maraud forward, but like Littlewood stood up to the test well. Marked a 6ft 5in forward out of the game.

Liam McCarron - 7

Added plenty of speed and was at times Leeds' get-out clause down the left. Made a number of recovery runs which ultimately proved important. Substituted at half-time.

Jack Jenkins - 6

Knitted defensive passing sequences together, providing an out-ball for the young back-line. Attempted some more audacious forward passing which rarely came off. Aggressive in closing down passing and shooting angles when Derby converged on goal.

Charlie Allen - 7

Better than his display on Friday night; plenty of tenacity and didn't give his man the opportunity to turn whenever he received with his back to Leeds' goal. In the second half, moved forward and found himself a great deal more involved. Took his goal well, spinning and he struck from the edge of the box, reacting well to Miller's skewed effort.

Sean McGurk - 6

Some deft touches in the No. 10 position before going out to the left-wing following McKinstry's substitution. One impressive instance saw him take down a dropping ball and lay it back to Klaesson while under heavy pressure. Quieter on the whole, but contributed.

Stuart McKinstry - N/A

Substituted after 13 minutes with an injury to his foot or ankle. Received treatment for several minutes before walking around the perimeter of the pitch and straight down the tunnel, aided by two Leeds physios.

Amari Miller - 9

His display will be defined by his goal: a 25-yard, curling effort which found the far corner. In truth, Miller has looked promising since his return from a back injury, so this was always a possibility. Against Wigan on Friday, the ex-Birmingham City winger was Man of the Match despite not getting on the scoresheet. At home to Derby, his exemplary attitude to defensive work, decisive quality in the final third and security in possession earned him that accolade once more.

Max Dean - 8

Dropped deep to link attacks, with reasonable success. Generally a menace in the final third, pressing the goalkeeper into kicking the ball out of play on more than a couple of occasions. Worked back tirelessly and wound up the opposition.

Subs:

Archie Gray - 7

Introduced after 13 minutes with no warm-up to speak of, Gray assimilated to the pace of the game well. He was engaged in a physical battle with Derby's CJ Clarke - who is three years his senior - and came out on top roughly half the time. A couple of instances where he picked short, simple passes which relieved pressure or that Derby didn't see. Substituted off again at the break.

Nohan Kenneh - 6

Came on at half-time in defensive midfield and used his physicality well. A little slow to turn at times which led him to slide tackle his opponents, sometimes taking him out of the game.

Kris Moore - 6

A so-so display at right-back from Moore. Stood up well to the late Derby threat by remaining organised at the back.

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