Hogan Ephraim tormented Accrington to send Leeds into the JPT Northern Area final after a 2-0 win.
Winger tortures League Two outfit in Elland Road semi-final
Winger Hogan Ephraim tormented Accrington to send Leeds into the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final against Carlisle after a 2-0 win at Elland Road.
Ephraim, on loan from QPR, fired much-changed Leeds ahead in the ninth minute with a 20-yard shot from the left which deflected off defender Phil Edwards into the far corner after neat passing by David Prutton and Mike Grella.
Tresor Kandol wasted a clear chance for Leeds after 30 minutes when he ran clear only to shoot against the legs of Accrington's Sydney-born keeper Dean Bouzanis.
Stanley had some bright ideas but Leeds' debutant goalkeeper David Martin, on loan from Liverpool, showed a safe pair of hands in dealing with shots and crosses.
Ephraim proved a handful for Stanley's defence and it was his 50th minute run and cross from the right that enabled Neil Kilkenny to head Leeds' second goal into the bottom right corner.
John Miles saw his shot hit Martin and strike a post, fellow substitute Sean McConville blazed wide with only the keeper to beat and Bobby Grant also rattled a post as Leeds kept their two-goal lead intact.