Words John Edwards

Altrincham 1 Leeds United under-21s 2

Justin Amaluzor scored for the second game in a row and Callum Dolan showed the artistry and invention that could yet unlock the door to a place in the play-offs, but Altrincham couldn't quite find a path through to the National League Cup final at The J.Davidson Stadium this evening.

Amaluzor added to Saturday's goal at Ebbsfleet in stunning style midway through the second half, spinning om to a clever pass from George Wilson and firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Leeds' youngsters had already scored twice by then, unfortunately, and much as the Robins threw everything at the visitors' goal in the closing stages, they couldn't find the equaliser that would have taken this semi-final to a penalty shoot-out.

Dolan served early notice of his intention to make the most of a first Alty start, weaving one way then another to open up space for a cross-shot that whistled wide of the far post.

Dolan's distribution in the early minutes, in particular a pass down the right and a cross whipped in from the left, underlined why the on-loan Fleetwood Town midfielder is so highly rated by Alty boss Phil Parkinson.

Caleb Ansen was called into action in the 15th minute when a fierce drive by Connor Ferguson from the left of the area was turned round the post by the Alty keeper.

Dolan started another flowing Alty move in the 21st minute that ended with Matty Kosylo surging forward and driving a left-foot effort that flew narrowly wide.

A scything foul by Tylor Golden on the edge of the Alty area cost the Robins full-back a yellow card and his side a goal as Leeds went ahead in the 38th minute.

Rhys Chadwick drilled the resulting free-kick against the base of the post, and Diogo Monteiro reacted quickest to the rebound, lashing it into the roof of the net.

Tempers began to fray towards the end of the half, not least when Kosylo responded with understandable anger to Sam Chambers raking studs down the back of his right leg, a dreadful challenge that rightly brought the Leeds midfielder a booking.

Just 30 seconds into the second half, Dolan again illustrated the threat he carries in an attacking midfield role, jinking in from the left and unleashing a drive that Rory Mahady only kept out at the second attempt.

Leeds doubled their lead in the 52nd minute after an error by Golden led to Josh McDonald sprinting clear on the right.

The Leeds youngster kept his cool, stepping inside a challenge in the area before sliding a shot under the advancing Ansen.

Alty needed a response, and George Wilson did his best to provide one on the hour as he powered forward towards the edge of the Leeds area, only to drag his shot wide.

The Robins were back in business in the 66th minute with a goal that was superbly crafted and finished with aplomb.

Wilson pickled out Amaluzor with an expertly-placed, well-disguised pass, and the Alty winger spun brilliantly to create the opportunity for a shot that was swept into the bottom left corner of the net.

When Dolan somehow managed to hook the ball across the six-yard box from the right after appearing to have been knocked off balance in the 81st minute, substitute Remi Thompson so nearly converted it beyond the far post with an effort that was blocked by a defender.

Kahrel Reddin latched on to a pinpoint crossfield pass by Elliot Osborne in the 86th minute, and when he darted down the flank and crossed low into the six-yard area, an almighty scramble followed before Leeds were able to hack the ball to safety.

With 90 seconds of normal time left, Lucas Weaver sent a glancing header agonisingly wide as time began to run out for the Robins.

It duly did, but only after Ansen ambled forward into the Leeds area for an Alty free-kick, in the last of six added minutes, and won the aerial duel, only for his flick-on to evade everyone and trickle over the line for a goal-kick that couldn't be taken before the final whistle sounded.

What's that expression, favoured by so many after a cup defeat, about concentrating on the league? Never been so apposite, as we turn our sights back to the main prize of securing a place in the Vanarama National League play-offs with a visit by Yeovil Town to The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

Altrincham Ansen; Banks, Cooper (Baines, 56'), Osborne (c), Kosylo (Amaluzor, 46'), Griffiths (Crawford, 48'), Weaver, Wilson (Thompson, 70'), Reddin, Golden, Dolan. Subs not used: Whittle, Bywater, Randle.

Leeds Mahady; Douglas, Ferguson, Monteiro, Debayo, Moore, Chambers (Nfonkeu, 46'), Cresswell (c), Vincent, Chadwick, McDonald (Richards, 82'). Subs not used: Grainger, Firth, Pickles.

HT 0-1

Goals Amaluzor 66' | Monteiro 38', McDonald 53'

Yellows Golden 37', Kosylo 45' | Chadwick 33', Moore 41', Chambers 43', Monteiro 90'

Reds None | None

Referee Garreth Rhodes

Assistant Matt Archibald & Sam Wesson

Fourth official Zharir Mustafa

Attendance 1,025 (227 away)

Next Up

Yeovil Town are the visitors to The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday (3pm) as the Vanarama National League reaches the final stages. Get your tickets right here.