Hayter's 47th-minute header settled a keenly contested play-off final watched by over 75,000 fans at Wembley.

Both Leeds and Rovers started with the same sides that had won through to Wembley in the second leg of the play-off semi-finals. Leeds defender Alan Sheehan, back from suspension, had to settle for a place on the bench.

Rovers threatened to take an early lead when Jason Price's close-range shot was deflected over the bar by defender Paul Huntington.

Leeds goalkeeper Casper Ankergren produced two brilliant blocks in the space of a minute to keep Rovers at bay. On both occasions, Ankergren came off his line to challenge James Coppinger and then James Hayter who had burst clear.

After a lengthy period of Leeds pressure, Hayter blazed another shot over the bar.

Midfielder Jonathan Howson, the two-goal hero of the semi-final, went close for Leeds with a curled shot from the edge of the penalty area just before the break.

But Rovers took the lead two minutes after the interval when Hayter stooped low to score from a Brian Stock corner.

Leeds stepped up the search for an equaliser and Beckford shot straight at goalkeeper Sullivan.

Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens began to lose his battle against the pain barrier after a heavy fall following his tackle on Dougie Freedman. The influential player was substituted eight minutes later.

Leeds captain Jonathan Douglas produced a vital tackle to prevent James Coppinger doubling Rovers' lead. Coppinger had raced clear of the Leeds defence but Douglas' intervention enabled Ankergren to gather the ball.

Douglas nearly equalised for Leeds with a thumping long-range drive near the end but it was not to be for Leeds and Rovers return to the Championship after an absence of 50 years.