LEEDS UTD: Sullivan, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Gregan, Miller,Douglas, Derry, Healy (Blake 71), Lewis, Cresswell (Hulse 78).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Pugh, Walton.
QPR Barnes, Bignot, Shittu, Lowe, Ainsworth (Youssouf 66),Cook (Nygaard 66), Kus (Langley 87), Lomas, Moore, Taylor,Clarke.
Subs Not Used: Milanese, Donnelly.
Skipper Paul Butler finished of QPR as Leeds struggled to get the job done at Elland Road. Goals from Richard Cresswell and Butler handed Leeds a hard-earned victory against a side who struggled to put together eleven fit players.
The win takes Kevin Blackwell’s side to within 11 points of second-placed Sheffield United, who do not not play until Monday.
Ian Holloway’s mid-table outfit had five players making their debuts. Goalkeeper Phil Barnes lined up between the posts after being signed in an emergency loan deal from Sheffield United just hours before kick-off.
Defenders Keith Lowe and Marcin Kus were also handed debuts along with striker Leon Clarke while on-loan Blackburn left-back Andy Taylor made his first start for the club.
Leeds soon assumed control and took advantage of Cook’s profligacy after 39 minutes when Cresswell rose to connect with Lewis’ left-wing cross and plant a firm header past Barnes for his seventh goal of the season.
However they were frustrated for long periods and the points weren’t secured until six minutes from time when skipper Butler rose high from six yards to nod home another fine cross from Lewis.
Miller almost made it 3-0 in the closing stages but failed to control his 18-yard shot.
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