Leeds are edging closer to securing one of the automatic promotion spots in the Championship after Patrick Bamford’s goal helped them defeat Norwich.

Leeds moved up to second place in the Championship standings, just two points behind the teams in the automatic promotion spots, after securing a 1-0 victory against Norwich at Elland Road.

Patrick Bamford netted the only goal of the match with a powerful header in the first half, leading Leeds to their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions. This win puts pressure on their competitors for promotion. Although Norwich had opportunities, including Gabriel Sara’s strong attempt in the first half, they were unable to secure a win and instead suffered their first loss in six games, preventing them from moving up in the playoff standings.

Due to both teams participating in the FA Cup this weekend, the scheduled match was moved up. However, the first 15 minutes did not provide much entertainment for the audience. It wasn’t until the 16th minute, when Bamford scored his fourth goal in five games, that Leeds took the lead after a period of strong attacking from the home team.

Georginio Rutter and Daniel James worked together near the box, with James making a precise pass to the far post. Bamford then skillfully headed the ball back into the opposite corner, catching goalkeeper Angus Gunn off guard.

The team Norwich, where Leeds manager Daniel Farke used to work, did not make any significant moves until Josh Sargent’s attempt was stopped in the 35th minute. Their captain, Kenny McLean, then missed a great opportunity by shooting the ball over the crossbar. Despite Leeds’s control of the game, they did not have many scoring opportunities. Norwich gave another reminder of their capability just before halftime when Sara accidentally hit Jack Stacey’s cross towards the back post.

At halftime, Jaidon Anthony substituted for James and assisted Crysencio Summerville, who missed an opportunity early in the second half before Norwich increased their intensity. Although Norwich seemed to be gaining momentum, Leeds took advantage of a mistake from Sara and a last-minute block from McLean prevented Anthony from scoring.

Summerville’s cross, after racing on to Junior Firpo’s precision pass, deserved better than Bamford’s wayward effort and Rutter was denied by Gunn’s outstretched boot as Leeds chased a killer second goal. But it did not come and Norwich threatened an equaliser on the counterattack when Adam Idah, on as a substitute, was brilliantly thwarted by the 17-year-old Archie Gray.

The final moments of the game were filled with non-stop action. Summerville attempted a curling shot that narrowly missed, while Firpo’s low shot was stopped by Gunn. As the referee blew the final whistle, the home fans erupted in cheers of relief as Leeds managed to maintain their lead.

Source: theguardian.com