Leeds United Under-23s boss Mark Jackson on Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood's developing partnership

Leeds United Under-23s boss Mark Jackson believes there are positive early signs in the partnership between summer acquisitions Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

The Whites development squad recorded their first victory of the new Premier League 2 campaign on Monday.

United ran out 3-1 winners over Sunderland at the Academy of Light as they recorded three points at the third time of asking at category one level this season.

Sam Greenwood stole the headlines against the club where he began his career, bagging an impressive hat-trick in the North East.

The former Arsenal youngster latched onto a clever through ball from forward partner Gelhardt to open the scoring with the pair both making a bright start to life at Thorp Arch.

Greenwood then fired home a thunderous free-kick for his second before finding the top corner to take home the match ball and make it four goals in two games for the Whites.

The two youngsters have already caught the eye of the United fan base and their early form hasn't gone unnoticed with the head coach either.

"Sam and Joffy have got a good relationship in regards to playing together," Jackson said.

"They've done that in the national team, so they tell me anyway. You can see that on the training field. They spend a lot of time together and they have a good playing relationship on the pitch."

Asked about the win over the Black Cats, he added: "It's a milestone that we have got the first victory.

"We got the first point on the board against Wolves but to get the first win is really pleasing - in the PL2 and with category one status. It's a big achievement for us.

"We created chances. We're still finding our feet as a team with new players coming into the group.

"The team is coming together nicely and I thought we played some good stuff."

Leeds face a swift turnaround this week as they prepare for the visit of Middlesbrough in development league action on Friday.

"Players want to play," Jackson said. "We're coming together, with me obviously stepping up into the 23s.

"I'm getting to know the players and we're developing the way we work during the week.

"That's coming along nicely, so we'll look forward to the game on Friday and hopefully continue our run."