Somma snatches Elland Road win

Simon Grayson fielded an unchanged side from Tuesday's clash with Hull. Coventry arrived at Elland Road having not recorded a win since early December, surely the rot had to end sometime? Ross McCormack was not featured on the bench for United as Grayson recalled Ramon Nunez who was MVP at the Centro Copa America.

It was a nitty gritty start for both sides however the first chance fell after 18 minutes when Robert Snodgrass crossed for Luciano Becchio, the Argentine couldn't of asked for a better chance and to the disbelieve of the home fans he only managed to stab it wide. Max Gradel was causing havoc down the right hand side, he skilfully took on Jordan Clarke but lost his composure as he fired wide of Kieran Westwood's near post. Gradel put Clarke on toast once more but this time saw his effort go high and wide. The explosive Ivorian was involved again when he released George McCartney down the left flank, he pulled it back perfectly for Becchio only for him to drag his effort wide.

There was a worrying feeling around Elland Road as Leeds failed to convert their chances, the home side pressed again but shouts for a penalty were turned down when Bradley Johnsons cross appeared to strike the hand of a City defender. There was little in the way of chances for the visitors but they could count themselves lucky to make it into the break level.

Grayson's men started brightly in the second half and put the visitors on the back foot. Coventry's battling defence was finally broken on 55 minutes when Gradel's cross was knocked back across the face of goal by Jonny Howson, allowing Davide Somma to grab his 11th of the season and put Leeds deservedly ahead.

Snodgrass and Gradel were taking on defenders for fun but it was the Scotsman who was next to test Westwood when his curling effort was well saved. It took 64 minutes for Coventry to worry Kasper Schmeichel when Aaron Gunnarsson went close in the United box. Somma thought he had sealed the win on 72 minutes when he superbly chipped Westwood unfortunately he was flagged offside.

Alex Bruce was next to get in on the action when his fierce shot went agonizingly wide. Gradel was a victim of a late challenge from Clarke as Coventry planned a final surge. Neil Kilkenny replaced Somma to tighten things up which marked the Australian's first return to Elland Road since his exit to the Asia Cup. Clive Platt had one last chance for Coventry but Schmeichel made a good save to deny the striker.

That was the last noticeable event which marked a crucial win for Leeds as they keep the pressure up on the front runners in the Championship title race. Grayson's men are entertained by Bristol City next Saturday as they will be eyeing up another 3 points.

Att. 27,033

Leeds 1-0 Coventry

Somma 55 - Leeds