Leeds United's U23s have been unable to count on their vocal defensive leader Charlie Cresswell too often this season.
The 19-year-old centre-back has spent time with the first-team group, as well as a recent, lengthy period on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
Monday evening saw the teenager back on the pitch and back out at Elland Road, captaining the U23s to victory and a clean sheet against Liverpool's youngsters.
Son of former Leeds United striker Richard Cresswell, Charlie has come up through the youth ranks at Thorp Arch and this season made his Premier League debut for the club.
On his return from injury, Cresswell was relieved as he spoke to LUTV following the game, especially given the need to secure all three points on the night.
"It was good, the fans helped us but I thought we did really well from start to finish. I was dusting off my rust to start with, first 30 minutes were a bit rusty but apart from that I thought we carried out [our task] throughout the game solid, I thought we dug in and it was amazing to do that, getting a win in front of the fans.
"There was a bit of nervousness, a bit of an anxious feeling before the game because we needed a win, it's tight at the bottom," Cresswell added.
"To go in there [changing rooms] after and put the music on and start having a good time and smiling, it was good to see, nice to be a part of, it's good to be back."
Leeds U23s' remaining home league games will all take place at Elland Road. Matches versus Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Manchester City are all expected to see the Whites cheered on by bumper crowds for U23 level.
8,656 home supporters descended on Elland Road to see the Whites defeat Liverpool and next up is Manchester United following a triple header of away games for Cresswell and his teammates.
"Today in front of the fans it was mint, they all got up and started singing, loved it I was looking around like that going 'alright Charlie, switch on now, come on', but yeah it was really good.
"It gives us a massive boost [playing here]. We love coming to play at Elland Road, it gives us a much better feeling than playing at Thorp Arch, as it should. We love it, we'll always give 100% no matter what, or where it is.
"We've been looking for a win for a while now, especially in front of all these [fans] and to get a clean sheet makes it all even better."
