Leeds United’s under-21s began their Premier League 2 season on Sunday afternoon.

A young star netted an opening day hat-trick as Leeds United’s under-21s began their new campaign in excellent style on Sunday afternoon.

Less than 24 hours after Daniel Farke’s Whites had beaten Nottingham Forest, Scott Gardner’s under-21s side began their Premier League 2 campaign with a home clash against West Brom in a 1pm kick-off at Thorp Arch.

Gardner went with a back four of Harvey Vincent, Louis Enahoro-Marcus, Louie Philpott and a trialist ahead of Darryl Ombang in goal.

Ollie Pickles, Sam Chambers and Sam Alker formed a midfield three behind a three-pronged attack of Jacob Render and Josh McDonald either side of Carrick Njinko.

Njinko fired Leeds ahead with 16 minutes on the clock and it proved a day to remember for the 17-year-pold striker who netted a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory for his side.

Render was also on target for the young Whites for whom Philpott was sent off and West Brom set up a grandstand finish by netting in the 89th minute to get to within a goal of Gardner’s side.

The young Whites though had done enough to record an opening day victory as part of a fine weekend for the club.

Leeds United under-21s v West Brom under-21s: Ombang, Vincent, Philpott, Pickles (C), Enahoro-Marcus (Howson 46), Trialist (Lane 79), Render (Bird 74), Chambers, Njinko, Alker, McDonald. Subs not used: Kenyon, Mensah.