Pablo Hernandez's moment of magic helps Leeds United earn crucial 1-0 win over Reading

It is the first time the Whites have won consecutive games since a run of seven victories in November and December.

Leeds wasted a clutch of good opportunities to take the lead in the first half but Hernandez's brilliant innovation just before the hour proved key.

Helder Costa back-heeled the ball into the path of the Spaniard who saw his initial shot blocked before latching onto the loose ball and weaving through the defence and firing into the roof of the net.

Stuttering form in 2020 has threatened to derail Leeds' promotion bid but three games without defeat has now re-opened the gap between them and the chasing pack.

United have occupied one of the two automatic places since the end of November and have a cushion of five points after Fulham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest all failed to win.

Only two weeks ago the Whites' advantage had been reduced to just goal difference but three points against Reading highlight how a run of consistent results will ease the nerves around Elland Road.

The visitors came into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday but had failed to win in seven of their last eight outings.

Leeds had the first big opportunity of the contest when Costa got past his marker and drove into the box but put his low curling effort wide of the far post.

Reading were not content to sit back and defend, looking to get forward at pace when breaking down United's attacks.

Their decision making in the final third let them down with Kiko Casilla forced into only one save in the opening 45 minutes.