PROMOTED - Leeds 2 Bristol Rovers 1

Boy, did we make hard work of that!!! On a day of unbelievable drama, Leeds fans finally had something to cheer about after years of knock backs. The 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers was, as ever, done the hard way, but at this moment, no one cares!!

Leeds had started brightly, twice Gradel got away down the right, but didn’t pick out the right cross after some good build up.  The visitors slowly got back into the game, but without ever threatening.  Then came the first twist on a barmy afternoon.  Beckfords strike was rules out (incorrectly) for offside, but the main controversy was to follow – Gradel, angry about an earlier foul marched up to Joens and stamped on his leg – pure stupidity, as it was from Jones, who for some reason decided to hit the deck clutching his face.  The defenders play acting infuriated the Leeds players, and a few minor scuffles broke out.  Unfortunately for Gradel, the linesman spotted the stamp, and he was dismissed.  That was when he totally lost the plot, and only the intervention of Beckford and Doyle managed to get him off the pitch before things got a whole lot worse.  As it is, there will be an extra ban imposed on top of the standard 3 game suspension he will serve – it could be September before we see him again.  The red card meant the nerves, already jangling, were shot to pieces.  Half time came and went, and with Leeds fans everywhere glued to their radios, the tension mounted.  Almost immediately, things went downhill fast.  The villain of the piece Jones went down the left, his cross was hooked back in to the danger area, and Duffy fired home.  Elland Road was stunned – a goal was needed as things stood, due to Charlton winning (Swindon had also briefly been top).  On came Jonny Howson, and he made a huge difference.  Within 10 minutes, Leeds were somehow level – Johnson’s cross was laid back by Becchio, and Howson curled home from 20 yards.  Pandamodiam around the ground, and it was game on.  Another twist – Millwall scored – we needed to win.  Cometh the hour they say, cometh the man, and boy did he.  The keeper’s through was semi blocked by Beckford, Johnsons cross shot was half cleared, and Beckford forced the ball home.  The place went crazy…all we had to do was hold on….easy?????Johnson went close, Bromby hit the bar, but a third wouldn’t come.  At the other end, Higgs had to be alert a few times to maintain the lead.  90 minutes came and went, but no sign of how much injury time was to play.  The crowd, with no fingernails left, howled for the final whistle, and eventually, after what seemed like an eternity, it came, and Leeds were up.  Joyous scenes around the ground, and around the City – next up…the Championship……