'Encouraging start - but Leeds must turn late drama into discipline'

It has been an encouraging start for Leeds United - flashes of attacking flair, real promise in the middle and some defensive grit.

But as we head into the next stretch, one thing stands out as the area for improvement: turning heartbreaking late draws (or worse, defeats) into solid points.

I have just spent the past week on holiday in Egypt - and even 2,500 miles away, the Leeds chatter does not stop! Over breakfast one morning, I got talking to another Leeds fan we had met at the hotel and what struck me was how widespread the optimism is this season.

The general feeling, whether you're in Leeds or lounging by the Red Sea, is that we will stay up. There is real belief, built not on blind hope, but on performances that have shown progress.

Still, there is nothing worse than 90 minutes of good football unravelling in the dying seconds. It has been a familiar theme - we start strong, look organised, and then just lose our edge right at the death.

The first half against Spurs was a perfect example of how we can defend. Tight lines, solid shape and calmness that made us a side ready to compete with anyone.

But this season, after about 70 minutes, that focus sometimes fades and it has cost us.

If we can keep our early defensive discipline through to the final whistle, we will convert narrow losses into valuable draws, and draws into much-needed wins.

It is about mentality as much as tactics, staying concentrated when tired legs and nerves kick in.

And speaking of Spurs, wasn't that a performance to enjoy? It is not every week you get to say Leeds went toe totoe with one of the "big six" (still feels funny calling them that, doesn't it?).

The energy, the pressing, and the togetherness were all there. For large spells, it looked like we belonged on that stage and that's the belief we need to carry into every fixture, not just the high-profile ones.

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here