Dan James bagged his eleventh goal of the season as Leeds edged past Stoke City in what turned out to be a nervy second half display at Elland Road last night. Both sides had a lot at stake, albeit for very different reasons, and to be fair to the visitors they put on a display, far and above what their lowly position warranted. Roared on by another full house, Leeds started the game on the front foot, creating multiple chances, but everything they threw at the Stoke goalmouth, Daniel Iverson was equal to.

It wasn't until the 33rd minute of one way traffic that Leeds finally broke the deadlock, thanks to a fabulous solo effort from Dan James; celebrating his return to the starting line up, with his eleventh goal of the campaign. Stoke gave it a real go in the second half, and if truth be known there was little to choose between the teams in the last 30 minutes, but Leeds held firm. Frustration began to set in as time wore on, and with four minutes left on the clock, Stoke were reduced to ten men after Ben Pearson elbowed Ethan Ampadu in the chest to deny the Welshman a goal scoring opportunity.

At this stage of the season, all that matters is the result; and with Leicester City and Ipswich Town also both winning (and Southampton playing tonight), Leeds must continue to churn out results. Leeds are back in action on Friday night, with a visit to Hillsborough; its hardly ideal, but if all goes to plan, at least they can reclaim second spot.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
	1	Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
	33	Roberts, Connor Defender
	14	Rodon, Joe Defender
	4	Ampadu, Ethan Midfielder
	25	Byram, Sam Defender
	44	Gruev, Ilia Midfielder
	8	Kamara, Glen Midfielder
	20	James, Daniel Midfielder
	24	Rutter, Georginio Forward
	10	Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
	9	Bamford, Patrick Forward
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
	7	Piroe, Joel Forward
	49	Joseph, Mateo Forward
	29	Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	22	Gray, Archie Midfielder
	3	Firpo, Junior Defender
	5	Cresswell, Charlie Defender		Unused Sub
	6	Cooper, Liam Defender		Unused Sub
	26	Darlow, Karl Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
	30	Gelhardt, Joe Forward		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2023/2024
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2023-24
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2023/24