Frustrated Leeds United boss Heckingbottom rues missed chances at Fulham

Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom walks off the pitch at Craven Cottage disappointed. Picture: James Hardisty.

A bizarre goal off Kevin McDonald’s backside was followed by Aleksandar Mitrovic’s eighth strike in as many games as the Cottagers extended their unbeaten run in the Championship to 18 matches in a 2-0 triumph, closing the gap on second-placed Cardiff City to five points, but having played a game more.

But visiting head coach Heckingbottom was left to bemoan a missed one-on-one from Caleb Ekuban moments before Fulham scored their second, while Jay-Roy Grot missed a free header from inside the six-yard box shortly afterwards that would have halved the deficit.

“The big moments were the difference between the teams,” said a frustrated Heckingbottom.

OVER YOU GO: Fulham's Matt Targett is sent flying by Leeds United's Jay-Roy Grot at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night. Picture: James Hardisty.

“We can take lots of things from that game: frustration, anger, pleasure, disappointment. Caleb needs to work on chances like that definitely. But we win as a team and lose as a team.

“Certain things went against us. Some pleasing things came out of the game but I’m getting frustrated. We more than matched them but they were good.

“In the last four games, the performances have been alright but we have not got the points. There was nothing evident of a team who were mid-table today, we want to give heartbreak to teams at the top and bottom.

“Fulham have some real top players - Premier League players. Slav has done a great job, building his team over a number of years. They might get their reward this season.”