Leeds United striker 'happy with performances' of late as triple comeback and back-to-back braces show progress
Leeds United's Under-21s were victorious in their first outing of the new National League Cup on Wednesday evening.
Scott Gardner's young Whites defeated non-league Boston United 4-3 courtesy of goals from Harvey Vincent, Alfie Cresswell and a brace by top scorer Luca Thomas.
The new competition pits U21 sides from various Category One academies against teams from the National League during the group stage. Winners and runners-up from each of the four, eight-team groups then qualify for a knockout round.
Should a non-league side win the competition as a whole, the team will receive up to £1 million in prize money, however Leeds' youngsters and those of others Premier League 2 teams will not be due that sum as the funds have been provided by the Premier League and ring-fenced for National League clubs only.
Nevertheless, Leeds got off to a winning start in Lincolnshire, but found themselves 2-1 down at half-time. Vincent's equaliser was cancelled out shortly before the break, but Leeds drew level again nine minutes after the restart through in-form attacker Thomas.
In front of 400-or-so spectators at the Jakemans Community Stadium, Leeds would concede again with a quarter of an hour remaining, but thanks to Cresswell's equaliser and Thomas' second, both scored in the space of two minutes, Leeds ran out eventual 4-3 winners.
Thomas takes his tally for the season to eight, having scored five in four PL2 appearances, two in the National League Cup and one in the Premier League Cup, which includes a brace in each of his last two fixtures.
"We came back three times, I think we can be happy with that," the 20-year-old said after the match.
"I'm really happy with my performances at the minute with my goals, I'm always doing my stuff, training all the time, finishing - it's what I do. And I'm happy to help the team out today against a really tough side."
Leeds XI: Mahady (GK), Cresswell, Moore, Toulson (McFadden 57’), Lopata-White (C), Mullen, Vincent, Coleman, Thomas (Pickles 88’), Chadwick, Bird (McDonald 73’). Subs not used: Baird (GK), Dudley, Billett, Pirie.