Leeds beat Norwich to maintain promotion push

Leeds United kept up with the Championship automatic promotion race after a Patrick Bamford goal helped them beat Norwich City.

Norwich, unbeaten in five games before their visit to Elland Road, had chances through Gabriel Sara, captain Kenny McLean and Adam Idah, but coming away with no points could be a setback for their play-off hopes.

Fourth-placed Leeds have now won five matches in a row in all competitions and are two points behind second-placed Ipswich.

Bamford’s goal was one of few moments of quality in a quiet first half, with the striker nodding in James’ perfectly weighted cross from the right.

The hosts were the better team, with Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Junior Firpo regularly threatening the Canaries’ back line.

Norwich had a long period of possession early in the second half, but failed to create enough chances or threaten Leeds’ goal.

The visitors nearly snatched a late equaliser, with Idah put through on goal, but 17-year-old Archie Gray’s fabulous last-ditch tackle kept Leeds ahead.

Despite a frantic ending, Leeds held on to go 15 games unbeaten at home, their best run at Elland Road since their glory days of the 1970s.

They have also won the first five games in a calendar year for the first time in their history.

Both sides now turn their attention to the FA Cup fourth round with Leeds hosting Championship rivals Plymouth on Saturday and Norwich visiting Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

Leeds, who are looking to make an immediate return to the top flight, face four sides in the bottom half of the Championship when they return to league action before a crunch fixture against leaders Leicester on 23 February.

The Canaries remain two points outside the top six, but like Leeds have now played a game more than the sides around them.

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