Leeds 1-0 Brentford: Kyle Bartley seals late victory

Kyle Bartley headed home a late winner as Leeds consolidated their place in the Sky Bet Championship top six with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Brentford.

It appeared as if the hosts would have to settle for a point before captain Bartley rose highest two minutes from time to give Leeds their seventh win in nine league games at Elland Road.

Brentford's top scorer Scott Hogan was denied a sixth goal in as many matches by the offside flag in an otherwise forgettable first half.

Leeds enjoyed the better of the second period but it looked as if the loss of 14-goal striker Chris Wood to injury would prove costly until Bartley stole all three points.

Brentford had hit form again with back-to-back wins after losing four games in a row and that showed as they threatened on the break. Lasse Vibe saw a tame effort comfortably saved by Robert Green after being played in by Romaine Sawyers before the Leeds goalkeeper moved across his line to safely gather Hogan's glancing header from Tom Field's dangerous cross.

Nico Yannaris had a shot deflected wide at the end of another dangerous Brentford attack and it was not long before the home fans grew restless.

Hogan had a close-range effort chalked off before Roofe's shot was deflected wide as Leeds mounted a rare attack in the closing stages of the half.

John Egan headed the first opportunity of the second period well wide but Brentford were lucky to survive when Leeds right-back Luke Ayling smashed a great chance over after taking Dallas' corner down on his chest.

Souleymane Doukara then slid an even better opportunity just wide after Dallas presented him with a one-on-one as Leeds enjoyed their best spell of the game.

The home side looked determined to make their second-half dominance count, Ayling going close again on the back of good work from Hadi Sacko.

Leeds penned Brentford in as the clock ticked down and they got their reward when Bartley headed home Dallas' cross from the right.

Leeds boss Garry Monk:

"We've won seven of our last nine home games and that's great. But it was obvious we weren't at our best today. I thought we looked tired, especially in the first 60 minutes. The one thing this team has - we try instil it in them - is that belief to fight every second they're on the pitch.

"The sense was that it was going to be one of those days but it was a great header from Barts and I think the roof came off the place when that goal went in. It's great to see that mentality, fight and spirit from the players to keep going right to the end.

Brentford boss Dean Smith:

"I'm very disappointed; I don't think we deserved that. For an hour we were very good and made a good team look average.

"It was a typical Championship game - chances were at a premium - and that's why it was so cruel to lose it at the end."