Sheff Utd1 - 0Leeds

The Yorkshire rivals squared off at Bramall Lane with just two points separating the two in the Championship table.

An own goal from Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier gifted Sheffield United an early lead, the visitors being fortunate not to find themselves further behind.

However, Leeds rallied after the break and after being denied two potential penalties, they struck three times in the closing 18 minutes of an absorbing contest.

After Junior Firpo's equaliser, Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe netted in the 89th and 90th minutes respectively to secure all three points for Farke's side.

"One of the best wins"

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke has revealed that he and his staff had to work overtime to rouse their players on the back of largely being second-best during the opening 45 minutes.

The German told reporters, as quoted by BBC Sport: "They were the better side in the first 25 minutes. What they invested was outstanding and they deserved to lead.

"We didn't play with courage and were a bit nervous. We started to play football and we grew into the game which is not easy against this side. We lacked robustness in and around the opponents' box in the first half and this is what we added in the second half.

"If you concede a cheap goal then you have to risk more to get more offensive players on the pitch and this is what we did."

He added: "When you overcome difficult times it educates the side. This is one of the best wins you can have. The reaction was second to none.

"Of course you need a bit of luck with scoring the goals in the right moments. At half time, I was a bit angry so I tried to wake them up a little bit.

"My staff had to step up today and feel the pressure on the sidelines. Congratulations to them."

A pivotal night?

With 12 matches remaining, Leeds now sit five points clear of Sheffield United, also aided by a +50 goal difference that is 28 better than the Blades.

Most importantly, though, there is a seven-point lead over third-placed Burnley in the race for automatic promotion.

Losing just three times in 34 fixtures, Leeds are now the overwhelming favourites to earn a return to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

At a time when Burnley are in FA Cup action at the weekend, Leeds can move further clear of the Clarets when they play host to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.

Written by

Darren Plant