Leeds have moved up to third in League One following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crewe at the Alexandra Stadium.
Leeds move up to third with 1-0 win
Leeds have moved up to third in League One following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crewe at the Alexandra Stadium.
A solitary strike from Jermaine Beckford in the 36th minute was enough to hand Dennis Wise's side the points and their 18th win of the season.
Leeds now sit a point behind second placed Nottingham Forest, having played two games more, while the defeat means Crewe stay in 19th position.
Wise's men began the game brightly as Andy Hughes should have done better with a header in the opening minutes and Tore Andre Flo blazed over from close range following good work from Beckford.
Leeds' top scorer, Beckford, was at the heart of his side's best attacks and the 24-year-old undoubtedly caught the eye of Derby manager Paul Jewell who was in the crowd and is thought to be a long-term admirer of the forward.
Offence
Crewe, though, began to find their feet as the half progressed and striker Nicky Maynard believed he had a claim for a penalty when he was felled by a challenge from David Prutton in the 18-yard area, but referee Kevin Friend remained unmoved.
However with nine minutes remaining before the break Beckford beat Crewe goalkeeper Ben Williams to a Peter Sweeney cross to head in his 16th goal of the season.
After the interval Crewe pushed for an equaliser and repeatedly went close to breaking Leeds' offside trap.
Leeds should have had the chance to extend their lead when Hughes had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by the hand of Ben Rix, but referee Friend missed the offence.
The home side increased the pressure as Maynard had a header well saved by Leeds shot-stopper Casper Ankergren and Chris McCready rattled the crossbar, but it was not to be as Leeds managed to hang on for the points.
