Wednesday’s run of four successive wins came to a halt when Leeds struck either side of half time at Hillsborough on Friday night to end hopes of more points to boost our bid to stay in the Championship.
The 2-0 defeat leaves us on 38 points, still in the relegation places on goal difference and we now wait to see how our fellow strugglers fare over the weekend.
We held our own in the first half against promotion-chasing Leeds but switched off in added time when Patrick Bamford lost Akin Famewo at the far post from Junior Firpo’s cross and the in-form striker steered the ball past James Beadle from inside the six-yard box.
Overall, it was harsh on Wednesday who went close to opening the scoring on 17 minutes when the leg of Leeds keeper Illan Meslier denied Djeidi Gassama from close-in after Di’Shon Bernard had flicked on a Marvin Johnson corner.
Anthony Musaba was put clear by Ike Ugbo soon afterwards but delayed his shot and saw it blocked. Leeds had looked dangerous on the break and Georginio Rutter was close to putting them ahead when he beat the offside trap but saw his effort blocked by the onrushing Beadle, with Famewo clearing the rebound effort from the same player.
Then, in extra time of first-half added time, Bamford delivered that goal just when we looked like going in 0-0 at the interval.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Leeds were immediately on the front foot from the start of the second half and Beadle saved from Rutter.
However, the visitors were not to be denied and doubled their lead on 57 minutes when Wilfried Gnonto was left in acres of space down our left and fired past Beadle.
Only an excellent stop from Beadle prevented Crysencio Summerville making it three soon afterwards as Leeds threatened to take complete control.
We rallied after a triple substitution midway through the half and went close to pulling a goal back when Meslier fumbled a long-range effort from Gassama, sub Michael Smith steered the loose ball goalwards but Ethan Ampadu managed to clear it off the line.
However, we were unable to turn the improved spell into more threats on goal and Leeds held on comfortably for the three points.
Beadle, Valentin (Iorfa 65), Bernard, B. Diaby (Smith 65), Famewo, Johnson, Palmer (Vaulks 65), Bannan, Musaba (Wilks 84), Gassama, Ugbo (Cadamarteri 84). Unused subs: Dawson, Ihiekwe, James, M. Diaby. Attendance: 30,032.