Sixteen-year-old Harry Gray fired a stunning hat-trick against Scunthorpe United but admitted he should have scored even more for Leeds United’s under-21s in the National League Cup clash on Tuesday night.
The teenager’s treble secured Leeds’ first win in this season’s competition, which the club won last year thanks to Gray’s decisive goal in the final. Despite his heroics, the striker’s post-match comments showed the hunger and ambition that has already made him one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
Gray Continues Incredible Goal-Scoring Form
The National League Cup, launched just last season, pits academy teams from Premier League and Championship clubs against the first teams of National League outfits. The format offers young players valuable experience against seasoned senior opposition.
Gray’s hat-trick against fifth-tier Scunthorpe adds to his already impressive record of four goals in three Premier League 2 matches, plus an assist in the EFL Trophy defeat to Port Vale earlier this month. He also made the senior matchday squad for the first time in the League Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite his youth, Leeds are keen to protect Gray from external pressure, given both his family name and his rapidly growing reputation. Still, his attitude highlights why he is regarded so highly.
Harry Gray. That is all. #LUFC pic.twitter.com/TBZW8gjQrx
— Leeds All Over (@LeedsAllOver) September 16, 2025
Gray’s Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after his hat-trick performance, Gray admitted he wasn’t fully satisfied with just three goals.
“I’m happy with the three goals, but I should have had more to be fair. Two chances I missed, so I can always improve,” Gray candidly told club media after the win over Scunthorpe.
“It was good to have different types of goals you can score too, it makes your game unpredictable. So yeah, it was important to score, but goals are goals at the end of the day, I don't care how I score them as long as we win.
“[Winning] was definitely important tonight, because we've had some decent performances against professional first teams and had nothing really to show for it.
“So today we played well and we got a result from it, which is great for everyone. Now we just need to keep working hard as always and enjoying the games, being confident and feeling good.”
Bright Future Ahead for Leeds’ Rising Star
With seven goals already this season across multiple competitions, Gray’s development is moving at pace. Leeds fans will be excited to see how the 16-year-old continues to progress as he edges closer to regular senior football.
