Leeds United have captain Jonny Howson to thank after his 15 minute hat-trick helped them claim all three points at Scunthorpe United on Saturday.
A graduate of the Whites ASE programme, Howson now aged 22, took matters into his own hands with an hour gone as Leeds struggled at 1-1.
Howson had earlier made the opening goal for Max Gradel on 8 minutes but Scunthorpe then hit back via their own skipper, Cliff Byrne, who nodded an equaliser on 27 minutes.
Leeds rallied after the break but had Howson to thank as they got back on track after two consecutive defeats.
His first and Leeds second goal came via a Paul Conolly pass which was dispatched from 15 yards out. He then headed home a cross from Gradel before making the points safe with a 18-yard effort that was converted with aplomb.
Leeds Manager Simon Grayson, said:
“Jonny’s hat-trick was just reward for his endeavour, quality and enthusiasm.”
Grayson’s opposite number, Ian Barraclough, added:
“We didn’t get hold of Howson and he took us apart in the second half.”
