Late drama broke out at the John Smith’s Stadium as the Peacocks were stunned by a late goal that dealt a huge blow in their campaign ambitions as the west Yorkshire derby had earlier appeared to end in a 1-1 draw.
Hefele’s 89th-minute winner saw Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner, throw caution to the wind by sprinting down the pitch to join a jubilant bunch of players in the celebrations as the result shot them up to 4th place ahead of Leeds with a game in hand.
Both he and Monk clashed on his way back to the touchline, and a short melee between the players followed, resulting in the sending off of both managers.
Brown had earlier put the hosts ahead in the 27th minute just a few minutes after he came on for fellow Chelsea loanee Palmer, but Leeds soon bounced back 8 minutes later.
Woods banged in his 21st Championship goal of the season after some questionable defending at the back from the hosts. Both sides pushed for a winner in the 2nd half, with Huddersfield Town looking like the side most probably to snatch one.
They finally did at the death as Hefele found the back of the net with a fine finish after Mooy’s effort had graciously deflected into his path.
The result saw Leeds drop down to 5th – a point behind the Terriers who still have a game in hand, while 6th place Sheffield Wednesday can come within 2 points of them if they win their outstanding.
Here is how Leeds fared in their 10th loss of the season:
Green
Had probably his best opening 45 minutes of the season as he made saves after saves, with a particular one to deny Collin Quaner’s very spectacular.
His defence let him down in the end.
Rating: 8/10
Bartley
Involved in Wood’s equalizer despite having a limited influence in attack.
Was solid at the back and after luck had smiled on him with a clearance that almost went in, his positioning allowed Hefele remain onside for the goal.
Rating: 6/10
Berardi
At fault for Brown’s goal and despite making up with it with an excellent block later on, his inability to clearly close down Kachunga gave Town freedom in the front.
Rating: 5/10
Jansson
Wasn’t one of his best games with Quaner proving to be a tricky customer while his rushed tackle in the build-up to the opening goal didn’t come off well.
Rating: 5/10
Ayling
Got booked early and struggled against the pace of his man.
Won few tackles at the back but didn’t provide much going forward.
Rating: 5/10
Bridcutt
Was combative in the middle but he often gave away the ball as Leeds’ midfield clearly struggled.
Rating: 6/10
Dallas
Had some few moments and flashes of brilliance and that was all he could do.
Rating: 5/10
Vieira
Had a great 1st half but was overwhelmed by the constant pressure of Town’s midfield in the 2nd 45 minutes.
Rating: 6/10
Hernández
Not very reliant with the set pieces and was largely underwhelmed during most periods of the game.
Rating: 5/10
Doukara
Was poor in attacking and failed to help out defensively.
Rating: 4/10
Wood
His sense of positioning allowed him to bag an easy goal but he didn’t hold on to the ball well and wasn’t in menacing form.
Rating: 6/10
SUBSTITUTES
Alfonso Pedraza
Came on for Doukara and almost grabbed a winner with Ward having to make a great save from his effort.
Rating: 6/10
Barrow
Was given 15 minutes to influence proceedings, but he instead won the hosts a freekick from which they scored.
Rating: 4/10
O’Kane
Late Sub
Rating: Not Available