Leeds United Under-21s were left frustrated as they drew 4-4 with Middlesbrough Under-21s, despite leading at the break on Teesside.

A brace from in-form forward Carrick Njinko between goals from Harvey Vincent and Freddie Lane saw the Whites earn a point, with boss Scott Gardner pleased with certain aspects and with work to do in others.

“Top end, absolutely outstanding,” the coach began, speaking to LUTV after the full-time whistle. “And then the opposite end, the other end of the spectrum unfortunately.

“The second half, the way it started, we knew they would come out quickly. And the things we spoke about at half time is where they actually got the goal which is frustrating.

“They get the equaliser and it feels momentum is maybe shifting into their favour but to be fair to us, we got a foothold in the game again, got the fourth.

“And I felt like we would have gone on there and scored another couple – maybe the naivety of youth. I think we are showing some real progression in certain areas and then in other areas, maybe needs a little bit of focus.

“So, we can take lessons from today and try and improve in some areas and keep pushing in others where I thought we were excellent.”

There were some important minutes for first-team player Ilia Gruev as the Bulgarian makes his way back from injury. Gardner was delighted to have the midfielder involved and hopes his team learned a lot from his experience.

“What a massive opportunity for our players. I spoke to them before. What I would want as a player if I am playing with him is I want him to leave thinking I am good enough to be with him.

“I thought he was excellent in the way he conducted himself on and off the pitch. So, really grateful that he wanted to come and play with us.”