Leeds maintained pressure on Championship top two teams with a 2-1 victory over Plymouth Elland Road.
Dan James scored the first goal for Leeds as he curled into the box. Joel Piroe then doubled his advantage with a dominant home performance in the opening half against opponents that had come out to attack on the counter.
Steven Schumacher’s team grew in the match after half-time and won a consolation late through Ben Waine, a substitute.
Crysencio Sommerville’s free kick from right was not taken advantage of by Leeds.
After 11 minutes, Georginio was downed in the box and home fans were clamoring for a spot-kick. Referee John Smith wasn’t interested.
Julio Pleguezuelo prevented Summerville from meeting a James’ cross, at the cost of a corner. Joe Rodon then headed the ball just wide.
As Plymouth responded, Finn Azaz took control and fired straight at Illan Meslier as he stood on the perimeter of the field.
James curled the ball home after Kasler-Hayden had given the ball up with 20 minutes left.
Summerville sent Piroe in behind Plymouth’s backline, where he then slipped the ball under Michael Cooper just before halftime to give the game a 2-0 lead.
Rodon stopped a Luke Cundle shot as Plymouth threatened to break away with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.
Cooper’s low shot was a match for Rutter’s run on the half-way line. Piroe then fired straight to the goalkeeper, as Leeds sought a third.
Kesler Hayden then blocked Piroe’s shot from behind with Kesler Whittaker.
Kesler Hayden missed the target in an unusual Plymouth attack. Leeds was temporarily reduced to 10 players due to injury suffered by Sam Byram, which led to his replacement.
Rutter missed the target twice with his two attempts from distance before Piroe headed over after receiving a chipped pass as Leeds continued to press for a goal an hour later.
Plymouth was still in the match and after Summerville had tripped Whittaker, the striker curled a long free kick which Leeds managed to block.
Cooper saved Jaidon’s substitute shot low and to the left of him with seven minutes remaining.
Plymouth came out with a counter-attack and scored five minutes from the end when Waine converted Cundle’s low cross. However, they couldn’t equalize.
