Leeds United bounced back from their F.A Cup defeat at the hands of Sutton United by snatching their 17th victory of the Championship campaign at the death against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night, with the 2 – 1 win at Ewood Park ensuring they further cemented a safe spot in the playoff zone.
Following a goalless first half in which Leeds’ best chance was blasted wide by the free-scoring Wood, while Kemar Roofe’s header went over the bar, it took 3 goals from both sides in a frantic closing stage to decide the tie.
Dallas helped put the visitors ahead in the 74th minute with his first goal of the season after he connected with a Bridcutt pass at the back post, but they were soon pegged back 9 minutes later via Bennett.
The goal had looked bound to see both sides share the spoils, with Rovers in dire need of points as their relegation battle continues. However, Sweden international Pontus Jansson, bagged an 89th-minute winner with a header from a Pablo Hernandez corner.
Leeds are now 4th on the log, a point adrift 3rd place Reading and Monk would hope to see his side continue their fine form which has seen them win 7 of their last 10 league games as the club’s promotion ambition continues.
The Peacocks are rated thus:
Green
Rob had a brilliant performance on a general level, but he couldn’t prevent the goal from going in as his reaction was late.
Rating: 6/10
Ayling
A busy night for the fullback who had to do more defending than attacking as the hosts kept pushing forward and limiting his influence to help the winger.
Rating: 6/10
Bartley
Had an average performance at the back but was hardly troubled by Blackburn and had Jansson cover for him too.
Rating: 5/10
Jansson
The Swede defended the set pieces well and was a solid cover for Green at the back.
He sealed his impressive display with a goal that put all 3 points in the bag for Leeds and would definitely go a long way in the title race.
Rating: 8/10
Berardi
Looks to have settled well into the role with Taylor’s injury giving him ample of time to impress.
Had a less impressive 2nd half but came out unscathed in the end.
Rating: 7/10
Bridcutt
The skipper played a great ball in for Dallas to open the scoring and he was impressive in midfield, though he did hold on to possession much longer than necessary.
Rating: 7/10
O’Kane
Was dominant with his displays in midfield but was slightly inconsistent for some periods.
Rating: 6/10
Dallas
Scored a great goal after a sublime control to put Leeds forward.
Would hope to find the back of the net more regularly after taking so long to break the duck.
Rating: 7/10
Roofe
Looked out of depth in his role behind the striker as he couldn’t create any chance, starving Wood of services.
Rating: 5/10
Wood
Almost bagged his 18th Championship goal of the season only for his effort to go wide.
Didn’t get much of the ball but he kept pressing the hosts’ defence whenever he wasn’t with it.
Rating: 6/10
Sacko
Perhaps yet to attain full recovery after his recent return from injury.
Was way below par and was rightly withdrawn after the first half.
Rating: 3/10
SUBSTITUTES
Pablo Hernández
Played in a beautiful corner that only needed to be touched to go in and was one of Leeds’ greatest threats for the remaining 45 minutes.
Rating: 7/10
Doukara
Replaced Roofe on the half hour and kept the hosts’ backline on their toes with his runs.
Rating: 5/10
Ronaldo Vieira
Had less than 15 minutes to impress and did put in a fair performance.
Rating: Not Available