Dan James marked his 100th Leeds appearance with a crucial goal as his side beat Middlesbrough 3-1 at Elland Road to regain top spot in the Sky Bet Championship.
James fired home in the second half after Max Wober’s own goal had cancelled out Willy Gnonto’s opener. Brenden Aaronson added Leeds’ third in stoppage time.
Daniel Farke’s side, who who made it eight straight home wins, sit two points clear of Sheffield United who play their game in hand at Millwall on Wednesday.
Boro’s own promotion hopes were dealt a blow as they slipped to a seventh league defeat of the season and are eight points adrift of the top two.
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Dan James puts Leeds back in front after an expert finish against Middlesbrough.
James, who reached a century of games for the Whites in all competitions, dragged an early shot wide and was prominent in the build-up to his side’s opening goal.
The Wales winger scampered clear down the right on to Sam Byram’s pass and from his cross Mateo Joseph’s effort was saved, only for goalkeeper Seny Dieng’s attempted clearance to rebound off Gnonto and into the net.
Joseph just failed to latch on to another ball in across the face of goal from James as Leeds chased a second goal.
The visitors began to get a foothold as the first half progressed and it was James who snuffed out the danger in a rare Boro attack, covering as sweeper in his own penalty area to pinch the ball off Neto Borges.
Boro resumed with more purpose and after Riley McGree’s rising angled effort had been well saved by Illan Meslier, the visitors were rewarded with a lucky break when Wober headed Daniel Barlaser’s corner into his own net.
While the visitors grew in stature, Leeds were almost punished for another mistake. After Ao Tanaka was dispossessed, Finn Azaz picked out Ben Doak on the edge of the area and it took a crucial save from Meslier to keep the home side level.
Tanaka almost made amends, intercepting in midfield and teeing up James who was superbly denied by Dieng.
Leeds regained the lead in the 74th minute. Boro gave away the ball in their own half and were made to pay as Joel Piroe slipped in James, who charged into the box and slammed an emphatic finish into the far corner.
Ethan Ampadu made his first appearance since September off the bench after recovering from a knee injury before Aaronson sealed the win in added time, teed up by Tanaka after another free-flowing move.
The managers
Leeds’ Daniel Farke:
To follow…
Middlesbrough’s Michael Carrick:
To follow…
