Leeds United go top of Championship with win at Oxford United

OXFORD United put in a spirited display but one moment of quality from Leeds United was the difference to send the visitors back to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table.

The only goal of the match came just after half an hour had been played, as Manor Solomon finished off a wonderfully incisive move from the Whites.

 

Gary Rowett made two changes to the side which won at Sheffield Wednesday, as Przemyslaw Placheta and Mark Harris come in for Stan Mills and Tom Bradshaw respectively, while a training ground knock ruled out Siriki Dembele.

The U’s made a strong start to the first half, and won a corner with just two minutes on the clock. Tyler Goodrham swung in the set piece, finding the head of Sam Long, who glanced across goal, however the linesman had his flag up regardless.

 

Five minutes later, Alex Matos won the ball high up the pitch, with the move resulting in Cameron Brannagan forcing a strong low save out of Karl Darlow via a stinging 20-yard strike, and then the loose ball evaded Placheta inside the six-yard box.

The visitors then began to threaten at the other end, with a smart move seeing Brenden Aaronson run into the right channel, but Jamie Cumming made a low stop to thwart the effort.

 

Matos again did well for United, this time charging down the right-hand side and pulling the ball back for Placheta, whose weak strike was easily collected at the near post by Darlow.

 

The U’s needed some great defending from Ben Nelson to divert a Solomon cross behind just after half an hour had been played, however the away side nudged in front a couple of minutes later.

It was an excellent move from the Whites, who cut United open when Joe Rodon threaded a wonderful pass down the right for Jayden Bogle, who crossed for Solomon to tap in from close range.

 

A corner from Goodrham fell for Will Vaulks on the edge of the penalty area, but the midfielder’s effort was hit straight into a crowded box.

 

Three minutes of stoppage time were signalled at the end of the first half, and towards the end of the allotted time, Cumming displayed great awareness to come out and meet a through ball intended for Aaronson.

The first clear sight of goal after the restart came eight minutes into the second period, when a dangerous counter-attack ended with Bogle shooting wide from the edge of the box, while Ilia Gruev bent a 30-yard free kick into the gloves of Cumming.

 

Leeds were on top and searching for a second goal of the night, with Junior Firpo sending a stinging strike whistling over the crossbar from 25 yards.

 

Rowett made his first alterations with 25 minutes left on the clock, as Greg Leigh and Ole Romeny replaced Joe Bennett and Harris respectively.