Last season’s Professional Development League winners threatened to stop Burnley’s undefeated start to the season at the round dozen and at the 11^th time of asking in the league’s northern group.

But the cool head of Josh Benson kept the run going as he converted a second-half penalty to cap an impressive fightback with his first goal of the season.

Ryan Edmondson’s 25^th-minute strike gave Leeds the early edge in a lively Roses battle.

Benson after scoring.jpg

But the Clarets’ never-say-die spirit again came to the fore and a seventh draw of the season earned them the point that lifted them level with second-placed Crewe and back to within two points of table toppers Nottingham Forest.

Leeds had lost their last three league games but in front of a boisterous crowd of well over 1,000 started well with a side including seven players with first-team experience.

Edmondson was one of them and the big striker – who had scored the winner when the two sides met in the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup last season – flicked an early effort wide.

Liam McCarron also chipped a shot into the hands of Clarets’ keeper Lukas Jensen and Leeds’ pressure paid off when Edmondson headed them in front.

Skipper Anthony Glennon, back in the Burnley starting line-up following a one-game absence with illness, was caught under a cross and when Edmondson nodded goalwards, Lukas Jensen could only push the ball into the corner of the net when he might have done better.

Richardson fouled for pen.jpg

The Clarets had struggled to make an impression, but their response was impressive as they forced Leeds back with a dominant spell up to half time.

Lewis Richardson was just off-side as he turned in a low cross from Adam Phillips and Rob Harker, who led from the front on his return on his return to his native county, headed a cross from Ne-Jai Tucker over the top.

Burnley continued to press for an equaliser after the break with the eye-catching Ali Koiki striding forward to smack a 25-yarder against the angle of post and bar and Scott Wilson seeing a header tipped over the bar by Ilan Meslier.

And after a let-off at the other end when Wales international Tyler Roberts stabbed a close-range effort wide, the Clarets deservedly levelled.

Richardson has made a habit of earning penalties this season and when the teenager was pushed over by Pascal Struijk it was spot-kick number five for the Clarets.

Leeds goal.jpg

They have had a mixed record from 12 yards but this time Benson took responsibility and the midfielder continued an increasingly influential night’s work by making no mistake as he slotted home the equaliser with just over an hour gone.

Burnley didn’t just settle for a point and substitute Joel Mumbongo almost claimed his first Burnley goal with an excellent run and angled shot which was saved by Meslier.

Edmondson also had a chance to win it for Leeds but shot into the side netting.

And with Mace Goodridge making a welcome appearance from the bench late on as he continues his comeback from injury, the Clarets shut up shop to keep their proud record intact.

Leeds United: Meslier; Casey, Struijk, Cooper (Roberts HT); Shackleton (Gotts HT), McCalmont, Bogusz, McCarron; Stevens, Edmondson, Clarke (Davis HT). Substitutes: Miazzek, Jenkins.

Burnley: Jensen; Cooney, Wilson, Glennon, Koiki; Tucker (Bayode 64), N’Guessan, Phillips (Goodridge 84), Benson; Richardson (Mumbongoi 75), Harker. Substitutes: McMahon, Patterson.

POS	Team	PL	PTS
15	FOR	5	5
16	BUR	5	4
17	BRE	5	4

POS	Team	PL	PTS
15	FOR	5	5
16	BUR	5	4
17	BRE	5	4

REPORT: Leeds United U23s 1 Burnley U23s 1

Premier League table

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