Leeds United Reserves 4 Barnsley Reserves 0

Last updated : 21 January 2009 By By Nick Rigg
Thanks to Nick Rigg of the Wakefield Express for the match report.

Leeds could be tempted to make another addition to their collection of strikers after fielding trialist Mike Grella in last night's reserve match.

All eyes were on the former USA U-18 and U-20 international, and the jet-heeled striker gave Whites boss Simon Grayson food for thought with a superb showing.

An experienced Leeds side were in control throughout against a youthful Tykes side and they made the breakthrough on the half hour mark with Grella neatly directing Ben Parker's cross into the back of the net.

It was 2-0 just two minutes later when neat play between Alan Sheehan and Malcolm Christie allowed Neil Kilkenny to fire an effort by Barnsley stopper Kyle Letheren from outside the box.

The Whites took their foot off the gas in the second half but always looked in control against a poor Barnsley outfit.

And they all but secured their fourth home reserve win on the spin on 72 minutes when Grella added his second with a superb flick over the 'keeper following a fast breakaway from substitute Christopher Ovington.

Leeds weren't finished though and Grella capped off an impressive debut by completing his hat-trick when his turn and pace took him by one Barnsley defender before firing an effort which the 'keeper could only parry into the goal.

The only negative from the match for Leeds fans was the sight of Paul Telfer coming off with a knock early in the first half.

Grella, 21, made the most of his chance by scoring a hat-trick and Leeds are expected to take another look at a forward who has been offered a contract with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC, coached by ex-United assistant and caretaker boss John Carver.

United: Lucas, Gardner (Hotchkiss 80), Michalik, Telfer (Lees 10), Parker, Prutton, Kilkenny, Sweeney, Sheehan, Christie (Ovington 64), Grella.
Subs (not used): Edwards, Cartman.

Barnsley: Letheren, Teiman, Branson, Potter, Grundy, Taylor, Fearnehough, Heslop (Free h/t), Noble-Lazaris, Bennett (Briscoe 83), Bibbert (Mellor h/t). Subs (not used): Crapper, Scargill.