Leeds slipped out of the play off places for the first time since November as they could only manage a goalless draw at home with Reading.
Leeds put in a much improved performance against the inform Reading but couldn`t find a way past McCarthy in the Reading goal.
Simon Grayson made four changes from the side that were held to a draw by Watford last weekend.
Richard Naylor, Paul Connolly, Jake Livermore and Billy Paynter all came into the side in place of George McCartney, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby and Davide Somma.
A nervy first half saw the game take quite a while to get going.
McAnuff had a chance for the visitors after a good one/two, which Schmeichel came out to block.
Leeds best effort of the half came when a good ball into the box found the head of Snodgrass who forced a fantastic save out of McCarthy in the Reading goal.
Max Gradel went close when McCarthy could only parry his long-range effort and it just squirmed past the post.
McCarthy then easily saved Howson`s weak header after good work from Billy Paynter.
Matt Mills saw his header come off the back of Andy O`Brien in the Leeds defence late on in the half as neither side could find a breakthrough.
Neil Kilkenny replaced Jake Livermore at half time for Leeds who was quite fortunate to still be on the pitch after a poor challenge, having already received a yellow card.
Leeds started the second half brightly, Snodgrass saw his free kick deflected for a corner and Andy O`Brien headed just wide.
Defender Andy Griffin had the best early effort for the visitors after ghosting past Max Gradel but his weak effort went wide of the post.
Bradley Johnson should have given Leeds the lead when after he had gone past a number of players his shot skimmed off the top of the bar.
Leigertwood had a rare opportunity for the visitors when his effort fizzed past the post.
Leeds then had two chances in a matter of moments; Gradel saw his shot beaten away by McCarthy and from the follow up the keeper did well again to deny a Snodgrass header.
Sanchez Watt had a good chance deep into the injury time with the keeper beaten but he rushed his effort, which went harmlessly wide of the post.
Leeds now have to prepare for a clash at Crystal Palace on Monday.
Teams
Leeds
Schmeichel, Connolly, Naylor, O`Brien, Lichaj, Howson (Watt 81), Livermore (Kilkenny 46), Gradel, Snodgrass, Johnson Paynter (Somma 81)
Subs not used
Higgs, Bromby, Bannan, McCartney
Reading
McCarthy, Griffin, Harte, Mills, Khizanishvili, Karacan, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu (Manset 81), Hunt (Church 70), Long
Subs not used
Federici, Pearce, Tabb, Howard, Antonio,
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