In front of a watching Sam Allardyce, Leeds United's Under-21s secured a swift return to Premier League 2 Division 1 thanks to a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Elland Road. It was a performance of flair, technical ability and capped with more than one eye-catching goal.
Yet, for all the impressive play, it was the mentality and response in the face of bitter disappointment which impressed most about Paco Gallardo’s side over the past week. Beaten on the final day of the regular season to a league title they looked destined to win earlier in the campaign, this young Leeds outfit had to lift themselves off the floor and show the perfect response to ensure their year of hard work had not been for nothing in terms of their promotion aspirations.
Over two decisive games they found the resolve and confidence to beat Aston Villa and then Forest to join Southampton in winning promotion to once again be alongside the big guns next season. It's the exact same scenario facing Allardyce's men, with the manager no doubt watching from his box last night hoping the same sort of resolve and determination is shown by his first team squad in their crucial final two games.
Summing up the achievement of bouncing back from last year's relegation and then the recent league title disappointment, Sean McGurk believes the character shown was crucial.
"We had one objective and that was to go and win the game. We were disappointed not to win the league and everyone was down," McGurk told LUTV. "Then we had a new obstacle and we had to go and win two games and we've done that. To come to Elland Road and put on a show for the fans it was brilliant.
"That's football, there's ups and downs. At the start of the World Cup break we were eight or nine points clear, we lost a few games and then to lose the league on the last game of the season we were gutted, but you see the character from all the lads to come back and do what we've done. We showed great character and nobody has shied away from it and it shows how mentally strong everyone is, we already know how good people are technically."
Leeds were completely dominant against Forest, with Georginio Rutter and Kris Moore’s goals coming either side of a Jeremiah Mullen goal of the season contender. Mateo Joseph’s cross led to Rutter's opening goal of the game, and one of Leeds' key players this season is determined to enjoy this win before another season of hard work.
"After the West Brom loss it was really tough but we knew we had another chance and we took it," explained Joseph. "I am really happy for the team and really proud. Not always in football do you get what you deserve. It's great and we have to enjoy this moment."
