Leeds moved one step closer to the top flight after seeing off a battling Sheffield Wednesday side at Hillsborough on Friday evening. There was little to choose between the two sides in the opening half. As in recent performances, Leeds unsurprisingly looked a little leggy; but we're at the business end of the season now, and the finishing line is in full view. With just nine games left, it doesn't matter how you get over the line, as long as you do.

Patrick Bamford upset the buoyant home support by putting the Whites ahead on the stroke of half time after an exquisite cross to the back post by Junior Firpo. Up until that point, both sides had chances to go ahead. Meslier had to be at his best to deny Musaba from point blank range early on following a corner, whilst at the other end, Beadle had to come charging out to the edge of his area to thwart Georginio Rutter one on one. The Frenchman picked up the rebound, but his effort was cleared off the line.

As time wore on, the visitors started to ask more questions of the Wendies defence, and it wasn't long until they doubled their lead. Rutter sliced Sheffield Wednesday's defence wide open , releasing Gnonto wide right of the penalty area. The young Italian took a touch, before drilling the ball diagonally, past the despairing dive of Beadle. Even then Danny Rohl's side continued to ask questions of the Leeds defence. They must have thought they pulled one back when Meslier spilled Musabi's effort straight to the feet of Bannan, but Ampadu was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

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