Harry Gray absent but Leeds United Under-21s enjoy dominant win ahead of huge European clash
Leeds United Under-21s ended their National League Cup campaign on a high this week.
Leeds United Under-21s enjoyed their second win of the season against senior opposition on Wednesday with Ollie Pickles starring in a 3-0 victory over Gateshead FC.
Scott Gardner’s young Whites saw their National League Cup defence end at the group stage but finished their campaign on a high with a dominant win at the Gateshead International Stadium. Pickles scored a brace with goals either side of half-time and a 54th-minute strike from Jacob Render.
Leeds were without Harry Gray for the final group stage game but barely skipped a beat in the absence of their star striker. Both of Pickles’ efforts were eye-catching, with the 18-year-old opening the scoring on 26 minutes after dancing through midfield and arrowing an effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Render made it 2-0 just before the hour mark, finishing at the back post after Sam Chambers beat his full-back and delivered a tempting cross. Pickles then collected a looping ball just outside the Gateshead box on 81 minutes and rifled a left-footed effort into the far top corner, sealing the victory and capping off a brilliant individual performance.
“I am really happy with my performance and with the team’s performance overall,” Pickles told LUTV after his brace. “Obviously, getting two goals is nice, but I thought I could have had three or four. I am glad we got the win in a game I was looking forward to a lot beforehand.
“It’s good to play against under-21 sides week in and week out. But playing against these men’s teams really pushes and challenges you. It shows that we can compete at this level. We have had a busy schedule these last few months, but I feel like this is the time we need to crack on.”
Leeds United U21s boss on Ollie Pickles and Gateshead win
Pickles is continuing to emerge as one of the hottest prospects at Thorp Arch, having signed his first professional Leeds deal in September. The young midfielder only turned 18 last month but is already a fixture of Gardner’s Under-21s squad.
“It was a good result,” The young Whites boss added. “But I am actually quite disappointed because I thought we could have scored five or six. I have mixed feelings, because we could have gone and made a real statement tonight.
“I thought he [Pickles] was our best player on the night. He is developing well and deserved those two goals. I want to see him do that more often. This opportunity to play against senior teams and see the other side of the game and the physicality, it is massive. I am obviously disappointed we have not gone on to the next half like we did last year, but I am still grateful.”
After a busy period for the Under-21s, they now have a few weeks to rest and prepare for a big European clash. The Young Whites face Borussia Dortmund Under=-21 in the Premier League International Cup on December 16.