Leeds once again replaced Ipswich in the Championship automatic promotion places with a 2-0 Yorkshire derby win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Patrick Bamford continued his hot streak in front of goal by putting Daniel Farke’s men in front in the closing seconds of first-half stoppage-time with his seventh goal in 10 league games.
Willy Gnonto then took advantage of some slack Wednesday defending to seal the win just before the hour mark at Hillsborough.
Patrick Bamford’s seventh goal in his last 10 Championship games put Leeds in front at Hillsborough
The win – Leeds’ 11th in their last 12 matches – extends the Whites’ unbeaten run when leading at half-time to 48 Championship games and moves them one point ahead of Ipswich and two behind long-term leaders Leicester, who face Hull on Saturday.
Wednesday stay 23rd after the end of their four-game winning streak, but they are still only inside the relegation zone on goal difference with nine games to play.
How Leeds kept their momentum going
Given the implications a win for either side could have on the picture at both ends of the table, the first goal was always going to be an important one at Hillsborough – and, for long periods of the first half, it looked as though Wednesday would be the side to score it.
They had less of the ball, but looked threatening on the counter and would have been in front had Illan Meslier not made a crucial save to turn Djeidi Gassama’s shot on the stretch behind with his leg 17 minutes in.
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Leeds striker Patrick Bamford gave his side the lead on the stroke of half-time in their Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday
Leeds showed more urgency as the half came to a close. Georgino Rutter first had a shot saved and the follow-up blocked, before he directed a pacey corner from Crysencio Summerville onto the roof of the net. And, with almost the last kick of stoppage-time, they took the lead.
Akin Famewo allowed Bamford to escape his clutches and gain the yard that helped him get on the end of Junior Firpo’s beautiful cross to beat the Owls’ teenage stopper James Beadle.
By the hour, Leeds were two goals to the good, having doubled their lead by again exposing Wednesday’s defensive frailties. Meslier’s long ball forward was flicked on by Bamford to Rutter, whose clever ball set the unmarked Gnonto free to break away and finish with aplomb.
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Willy Gnonto doubled Leeds’ advantage over Sheffield Wednesday in the Sky Bet Championship when he raced through to finish past James Beadle
Beadle kept the hosts in the game a couple of minutes later when he dived to his left to deny Summerville, who had ghosted in behind the defence and moved one-on-one.
Ethan Ampadu hooked off the line when Wednesday substitute Michael Smith attempted to pounce after Meslier had saved a bouncing ball but, in truth, a Wednesday comeback never looked on the cards after that, meaning Leeds managed to secure their ninth clean sheet in their last 12 games.
What’s next?
Live EFL
Sunday 17th March 2:00pm
Sheffield Wednesday are back in action at 3pm on Saturday March 16, when they travel to Portman Road to take on another automatic promotion-chasing team in Ipswich.
Leeds, meanwhile, welcome Millwall to Elland Road the following day at 3pm, live on Sky Sports Football.
