Leeds returned to the top spots for promotion after securing a 2-0 victory against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
In 2024, Patrick Bamford scored a goal in the first half of extra time and Willy Gnonto added another in the second half, helping Leeds maintain their unbeaten streak of 12 matches in the league. With this win, Daniel Farke’s team jumped ahead of Ipswich and are now only two points behind the current leaders, Leicester, in the Championship. On Saturday, Southampton and other teams competing for promotion are scheduled to play.
On Wednesday, the team missed the opportunity to rise out of the bottom three for the first time in months. Despite winning five out of their previous six matches in the league, their four-game winning streak came to an end. In February, they were eight points behind the safety zone after a 4-0 loss to Huddersfield, while in November the gap was even larger at 12 points.
The upcoming match against local rival, Leeds, has been eagerly anticipated by Wednesday fans. However, their recent home victory against Plymouth has eased any concerns and they are now looking forward to the derby clash.
Leeds looked to subdue a partisan home crowd by hogging the early possession, but the home side were first to carve out the first scoring chance. Anthony Musaba pounced on a loose ball in the area following a corner and the Leeds goalkeeper brilliantly saved with his legs.
Before scoring, Leeds had their strongest attempt from Georginio Rutter, whose pass over the defense was stopped by Wednesday’s goalkeeper, James Beadle. Rutter later attempted a header off of Crysencio Summerville’s corner but narrowly missed. Leeds continued to push for the first goal and their persistence paid off in the fifth minute of extra time in the first half.
Junior Firpo delivered an excellent cross from the left side, which found Bamford at the far post for his seventh goal in the league this season.
In the beginning of the second half, Leeds quickly took a proactive approach as Rutter’s shot near the ground compelled Beadle to make a low save, and they later increased their lead in the 58th minute.
Rutter skillfully sent a pass to Gnonto, capitalizing on Bamford’s clever touch. The assistant referee did not signal offside as the Italian striker received the ball and shot from the edge of the penalty area, beating Beadle.
Soon after, Leeds broke through the home team’s defense once more. However, Summerville’s attempt was stopped by Beadle’s remarkable save. The visiting team was then grateful to their captain, Ethan Ampadu, as he cleared Michael Smith’s shot off the goal line and also blocked Djeidi Gassama’s attempt. This was the first time Wednesday had posed a threat in the second half.
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Marvin Johnson, the defender, narrowly missed a goal with his 20-yard shot, while Leeds’ Connor Roberts had a close call with his low shot, securing a victory for the visitors at Hillsborough, their first since 2016.
Source: theguardian.com
