Leeds fans in awe of Joe Gelhardt’s assist for Under-23 side on Tuesday night

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Leeds United’s Under-23 side were knocked out of the EFL Trophy on Tuesday against Salford – but Leeds fans have praised Joe Gelhardt.

Having won one and lost one, Leeds were tasked with beating Salford City to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament on Tuesday night.

But they faced a tricky away test against a Salford side that are owned by Manchester United’s class of ’92. Eventually, Salford ran out 5-3 winners.

Mark Jackson’s men certainly put up a fight. The Leeds gaffer named a strong side including Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Charlie Cresswell.

Leeds took the lead through Max Dean – assisted by £1m signing (Sun) Gelhardt. But Brandon Thomas-Asante’s hat-trick that proved decisive.

Greenwood was on target, with Gelhardt getting a second assist and Lewis Bate netting a brilliant solo effort. But Salford were the better side.

Gelhardt moment of magic at Salford: Leeds fans react

From a Leeds point of view – Bate got the headlines for his incredible solo goal. But many also took note of Gelhardt’s second assist, for Greenwood.

On the wing with his back to goal, Gelhardt dummied a throw-in over a defender before setting up Greenwood – who duly obliged from 10 yards.

Gelhardt is riding the wave, at the moment. Six goals in seven Premier League 2 outings has seen him promoted, playing three senior games.

He has come on as a sub against Fulham and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, and proved decisive against Wolves in the league – winning a penalty.

Leeds fans have reacted on Twitter to his latest bit of magic, as seen above. Many are clamouring for a start, when Leeds take on Leicester on Sunday.