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Good Morning. It's Wednesday 8th July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Brentford reduce deficit to two points
Brentford came from behind with two goals in the last 15 minutes to heavily dent Lee Bowyer's Charlton Athletics chances of avoiding relegation. Charlton took the lead on eight minutes, courtesy of a Macauley Bonne's header, and maintained that lead until the final quarter when Benrahma was adjudged to be fouled in the 18 yard box. The referee hesitated before pointing at the spot. The Algerian International stepped up himself to level the game.
For the next 10 minutes the Bees laid siege at Dillon Phillips goal, and were rewarded five minutes from time when former Barnsley centre back Ethan Pinnock headed home his second goal of the season.
The West London Club have now recorded their sixth victory in a row. Last night was the first time that the Bees had conceded in these six games.
Ollie Watkins is the division top scorer with 23. Benrahma has netted 15 times with eight assists. Mbeumo also has 15 goals to his name and seven assists.
All three have a significantly better strike rate than Bamford.
They are now just two points (because of their +41 goal difference) away from the Whites who must beat Stoke on Thursday to keep the distance respectable.
Fulham too are keeping the pressure on. Back to back wins against Birmingham and an impressive victory at the City ground last night leaves the Cottagers five points adrift of Leeds.
West Brom too, have hit some form in the last two games having scored seven times dispatching Sheffield Wednesday and Hull. The Baggies face a tricky tie at the Hawthorns this early evening (5pm) against Derby.
I'm sure we'll be praying for a Ram raid!!!!
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Thorp Arch academy awarded category one status by PL
The Leeds Utd academy, based at Thorp Arch, has been awarded Category One status by the Premier League for the first time.
Earlier this season, the club was audited on the level of investment, facilities, resources, staffing and productivity and clearly impressed the assessors.
The Under-23s will go into the national Premier League 2 and be allowed to compete in the EFL Trophy, where League One and League Two clubs compete. More external funding into the set-up at Thorp Arch will also be available
A club statement said: “Despite the Leeds United academy being the fourth most productive system in English football in the past six years, in terms of producing players to compete for first-team football, promotion to a category one status is a landmark day for the club.”
Academy Manager Adam Underwood said: “We are delighted to receive confirmation of our category one status and the credit must go to the staff who have given everything for the football club.
“They have brought through some of the best young players in the country and they will now get the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Victor Orta, Angus Kinnear and especially Andrea Radrizzani for supporting our vision in every way.
“The investment into the academy has tripled since they joined our club and they are creating a legacy that will help drive the club forward for decades to come.”
Chief executive Angus Kinnear said: “The real credit here must go to Adam Underwood and his team.
“A category one academy was one of our key objectives when we started on this journey and we tasked Adam with delivering this within five years and as a team they have completed the job within three years.
“Our academy has always been critical to our club and to be ‘Leeds’ is very important to our supporters.
“It is at the heart of our DNA, and today’s accolade is an acknowledgement of their efforts, enabling Adam and his staff to continue to produce even more quality footballers in the future.”
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Bielsa's Pre Match Press Conference
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