WATCH: Leeds United U21s show table-topping quality as youngster bags hat-trick of goal contributions

The former West Ham teenager picked up two assists during the first half before getting on the scoresheet himself in the final ten minutes as Leeds put some breathing room between themselves and promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest in the Premier League 2 Division 2 table.

Perkins first provided for Sam Greenwood after rounding Derby ‘keeper Harry Evans and passing across the six-yard box where he found the 21-year-old who was able to tap in for the game’s opening goal. Shortly thereafter, Perkins latched onto a long ball forward, ran the left-hand channel and held the ball up before waiting for support. When it arrived in the shape of Joe Snowdon from midfield, Perkins calmly slotted a pass into the path of the ex-Manchester City academy product who struck a second for the home side.

Perkins completed his hat-trick of goal contributions in the 81st minute, running onto Darko Gyabi’s expert through-ball which split the Derby defence, holding off the challenge of Will Grewal-Pollard before rounding Evans and finding the back of the net himself.

Leeds go three points clear atop PL2 Div 2 with just four matches of the regular league season remaining. Only one team will earn automatic promotion to Division 1, with sides finishing 2nd through 5th competing in a four-team play-off for the second available promotion spot.