Leeds scored a late goal to get the win against Brentford.
Leeds United have left it late once again with a 1-0 win against Brentford in the Championship this afternoon.
A goal in the 89th minute from Kyle Bartley proved enough for Leeds to take all three points against the Bees.
It was a win they deserved on the balance of play in what was a tough affair, eventually winning the game with their first and only shot on target.
Robert Green (L) and Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrate after the game
It was certainly not a win for the ages but it was a crucial won, as summed up by former Leeds attacker Andy Ritchie. The 56-year-old, who spent four years at Elland Road in the 1980s, had this to say about the result on BBC Leeds immediately after Leeds secured all three points:
“Their (Brentford) fans will be disappointed but Leeds edged it over the 90 minutes. It wasn’t pretty and Leeds didn’t dominate every bit. They were better in the second half and got a crucial win.
“You’re not waxing lyrical about the football that was played, but they managed to do it and it sets them up for a great Christmas period. It was ugly at times but an important win.”
He went on to reserve special praise for the goalscorer Bartley, and his defensive partner Pontus Jansson:
“Bartley and Jansson did so well today. Jansson has been a revelation for Leeds this season. You can tell he loves it here – you see it in his reactions to things, his rapport with the crowd.
“At the end, he showed a real cool head at the back to pull inside and dummy his Brentford player. The Brentford player flew off the pitch like he’d been shot by a canon from the side.
“He’d totally committed to that challenge but Jansson had the better of him.”
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson celebrates scoring their first goal
There is no doubt that this was not a vintage Leeds United performance but it was one that deserved plaudits for their staying power.
Leeds could have easily settled for a hard fought draw but found that little bit of quality late on to ensure they picked up all three points and continue their promotion form in the Championship.
These are the results that can be so important in a promotion race. Leeds fans will definitely hope that is the case.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
