ONE HECK OF A START FOR KID PEARCE

TOM PEARCE scored a goal to remember and afterwards dedicated victory to Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom.

The left-back turned 20 last week and celebrated by opening the scoring in only his third start in a Leeds shirt. Released by Everton at 16, Pearce (above) has put that setback behind him to earn a chance at Elland Road.

Heckingbottom was under increasing pressure after winning just twice since joining from Saturday’s opponents Barnsley, but Pearce says the players are delighted for their head coach.

He said: “I am made up for him. He has worked so hard on the training pitch, as we all do, and it was a good result. The gaffer has given me a lot of confidence to go and play and it feels unbelievable to score my first goal for Leeds.

“Playing for Leeds United is one thing, but to score – I can’t describe it. There was space to drive into and you see people shoot from this range all the time, so I thought I may as well have a go and luckily it has gone in.”

Leeds went ahead when Pearce made an interception, ran on then drilled home from just outside the area. The visitors levelled with a slice of good fortune when Paudie O’Connor turned Ezekiel Fryers’ cross into his own net.

But Heckingbottom finally had something to smile about when Ezgjan Alioski slotted home the winner from close range after excellent work from Kemar Roofe.

The result means Barnsley remain deep in relegation trouble.

Tykes captain Andrew Yiadom said: “We have to win our games and can’t keep looking for other teams to help us.”