Leeds United Under-21s made it back-to-back victories with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Norwich City Under-21s at the LNER Community Stadium.

Connor Douglas’ first-half strike proved the difference in York, leaving midfield teammate Ollie Pickles delighted the Whites were able to pick up an important three points in the Premier League 2.

“A really good game,” the 17-year-old began. “I think the second half showed a different side of us.

“Compared to Sporting last week where we dominated the ball, I think it showed our gritty side that we can dig in as a team and, yeah, just happy to get the win over the line.

“There was mix of players with Dougi [Connor Douglas] and Cress [Alfie Cresswell] and Dev [Devon Brockie], but I think we all showed our side with the ball and off the ball we can dig in, we can stop the passes through. I think it showed a good side to us tonight.

“I am playing really well,” Pickles then added, discussing his form that has recently seen him rewarded with a first professional contract at the club.

“I feel like I couldn’t be in a better place. I have got good staff around me, good players around me, always helping me. I am always trying to better myself and do my best on the pitch and off the pitch for the lads as well.

“We are just going to have to manage ourselves because we have had three games in a week. So manage the days day by day and just hopefully go into Friday [against West Brom] thinking as positively as we always do.”