Leeds United 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday: Jack Harrison boosts Whites' promotion hopes
- Published
Jack Harrison's winner was his fourth goal of the season
Leeds moved three points clear of third-placed Sheffield United in the race for promotion from the Championship with victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
Jack Harrison sidefooted home the only goal, which lifted the Whites above the Blades with four games left, and put them three behind leaders Norwich, who play Wigan on Sunday.
Marcelo Bielsa's side dominated the game in terms of possession and chances against their Yorkshire rivals, but had seemed unable to find a way past inspired Owls keeper Keiren Westwood.
The Republic of Ireland international produced a string of brilliant first-half saves, twice superbly denying Tyler Roberts and keeping out Harrison's header.
Roberts also curled narrowly wide from 20 yards, while Luke Ayling saw a low shot scooped clear near the line by Gary Hooper.
Sheffield Wednesday, who are six points off the play-off places after this defeat, did have openings, with Hooper shooting into the side-netting after being sent wide by Ayling's fine tackle, while Barry Bannan forced a save from Kiko Casilla.
But Leeds continued to pour forward after the break and Pontus Jansson, Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford all saw efforts fly off target before Harrison's decisive contribution.
The home side patiently worked the ball wide to Hernandez, whose low cross was turned past Westwood and into the far corner by Harrison's first-time finish.
Wednesday rarely threatened but did go close to a late equaliser when Marco Matias fired into the side-netting.
Leeds now need a maximum of 10 points from their remaining fixtures against Wigan, Brentford, Aston Villa and relegated Ipswich to secure their first return to the Premier League since they were relegated in 2004.
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa:
"A three point lead is not a big difference even at this stage. Things are positive for us right now, but we need to just stay calm and to keep our focus.
"There are still important games to do and the job is not done. We were very good in defence and very good in attack today, it was a very pleasing performance.
"We created loads of chances, but we need to be more efficient and take more of those chances. We could have made it more comfortable today."
Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"I couldn't fault our effort and endeavour but I don't think there is any question that the better team won.
"The transformation in them in the last 12 months is there for everyone to see. They are a very good outfit and their fitness levels and the intensity they play at were too much for us today.
"We couldn't cope with it at times and we had the goalkeeper to thank for keeping us in it."