Leeds United Under-21s boss Scott Gardner was impressed by his team’s performance despite losing out to Nottingham Forest Under-21s in the Premier League 2.

After the full-time whistle in York, the manager explained the Whites needed to be more clinical early on and also praised goalkeeper Alex Cairns who featured in the side, passing on his invaluable experience to the young squad.

“Really pleased with the first half but the game should have been over in the first half with the chances we had,” he told LUTV.

“We knew that if we went behind, it was going to be difficult with the way that they were set up and that is what we found in the second half.

“I thought he was excellent, Alex, and I really appreciate that he came down and played for us when we needed him.

“Him and Jonny [Howson] have been massive off the pitch for us and massive on the pitch. You can’t help but learn from them.

“That is the whole point of them being here, to try and get some more insight into what it is like for them on a day-to-day basis as a first-team player. So, yes, really, really appreciative to both of them for being with us.”

The match also saw the return of Marley Wilson who has battled back from a long-term injury, leaving the forward’s coach thrilled to have him once more with the squad.

“It is going to take a lot of time for him to get back up to speed, after the amount of time he has been out,” Gardner added.

“Just a massive well done to him for the effort that he has put in and also the staff behind the scenes that have worked really hard with him to make sure he has arrived back where he is now, and we are excited to have him.

Attentions now turn to Tuesday’s trip to Accrington Stanley where the Whites will round off their Vertu Trophy campaign, another test the boss is relishing.

“All these games, the Vertu Trophy and National League Cup, as we know this season and last season, are massive for us.

“We have been a little bit frustrated maybe with some of our results in the competition so far and we are hoping that we can show a little bit more maturity on Tuesday and get a good result.”