Leeds United reserves continued the fine start to the season on Wednesday after picking up a 2-1 victory at Middlesbrough.

First half goals from Enoch Showunmi and Tresor Kandol proved enough to guide United to victory at the Riverside to extend the unbeaten start to three games.

The United side included returning skipper Richard Naylor, who completed 61 solid minutes at the back under the watchful eye of manager Simon Grayson, showing no ill-effects following the back surgery which has ruled him out of the season so far.

Boro had plenty of experience in their ranks with Emanuel Pogatetz and Didier Digard both playing an hour. Nathan Porritt and Brad Jones were also in the starting line-up for the home side.

Jonathan Franks and Porritt both tried their luck early doors for the home side, but Neil Thompson's side made a bright start and Jones made a good save from a Kandol header.

United were in front on 27 minutes when a Showunmi free-kick was deflected past Jones, and that advantage was doubled before half-time when Kandol rose well to meet a Liam Darville cross at the back post.

Showunmi also had a shot deflected wide in the second period while Kandol was denied by Jones, following a David Prutton pass, and Neil Kilkenny had a free-kick saved. Josh Falkingham was also denied by the impressive Jones as United created the better of the chances.

Boro did pull a goal back with 11 minutes remaining when Franks whipped over a cross and Kyle Oliver headed home.

But it was Leeds who almost had the last word when Davide Somma was denied by Jones in the final minute.

United: Ankergren, Darville, Milne, Naylor (Watson), L Turner (Booker), Falkingham, Prutton, Kilkenny, Showunmi (Hatfield), Kandol, Somma. Subs: R Jones, Whitwell.