A point a piece for promotion chasers

Heavy snow surrounded the City of Leeds in the morning before kick off which forced a pitch inspection at noon. But once again a sterling effort from the Elland Road ground staff allowed the game to go ahead. Simon Grayson named an unchanged side for the visit of Norwich.

Leeds came flying out of the blocks and came agonisingly close to getting an opener after just five minutes when Jonny Howson saw his solo effort just go past the post. United could count themselves extremely unlucky a few minutes later when Luciano Becchio's header was tipped onto the post by Paul Ruddy. The atmosphere was electric. On 18 minutes it was the home fans who were sent into raptures when Robert Snodgrass flicked the ball towards Becchio at the back post and he rose above Adam Drury to celebrate his 14th of the season and more importantly, to give Leeds a priceless 1-0 lead.

Norwich looked to respond. Kasper Schmeichel was first tested when David Fox's effort from range forced a theatrical save from the Leeds stopper. As the Canaries looked for a way back into the game Leeds were counter attacking at pace. Howson came within a whisker of making it 2-0 after Eric Lichaj's cross reached the skipper in the box. Howson had three stabs at the cherry, his first effort was blocked, his second strike thundered against the crossbar and when it fell once more his overhead kick couldn't be directed.

Norwich were maintaining possession and that pressure tolled in the final minute of the first half. A cross from deep was nodded down by Grant Holt towards in-form Arsenal loanee Henri Lansbury to hammer home an equaliser. It was fast paced encounter with both sides winning and losing the ball in each others final third. The half was brought to a close, Leeds could count themselves slightly unlucky not to go into the interval with the lead.

The game was wide open, both sides new the value of 3 points. Wes Hoolahan was running the game for Norwich but Snodgrass was doing the same for United, the whites were looking to get the ball out wide to him at every opportunity. Chances came and went for Leeds but it was Holt who came within inches for City when he flicked the ball past Schmeichel only to be denied by the woodwork. Moments later the frazzled Leeds defence left Hoolahan in acres of space on the right hand side and he slotted it in the far hand corner, Lichaj couldn't manage to clear the ball of the line and only helped it on its way. 2-1 Norwich.

The fans were rightfully angry. United should have buried it in the first half and now they were paying the penalty for not converting their chances. Grayson turned to 10 goal man Davide Somma, the super sub did it again. The ball dropped to the marksman on the edge of the area, and with his first touch he send Elland Road into ecstasy. Leeds back on terms!

The game entered the closing stages with the everything up for grabs. Norwich have had a habit of scoring late goals but it was Grayson's men who looked the more likely. Becchio was replaced by Billy Paynter. It was so nearly another stroke of genius by Grayson as Paynter played a clever one two with Somma and Leeds were denied a winner as Ruddy pulled off a spectacular save to denie Paynter his first Leeds goal and all 3 points for the Whites.

That concluded proceedings, the snow had melted away at Elland Road after this fiery matchup. This performance will give Leeds confidence as they continue their serge for back to back promotions.

Att. 31,601

Leeds 2-2 Norwich

Becchio 17 - Leeds

Lansbury 45+1 - Norwich

Hoolahan 68 - Norwich

Somma 75 - Leeds