FT Leeds United 1 Barnsley 0: Becchio nets winner in derby

Referee Darren Deadman adjudged the foul on Lee Peltier three minutes before the break to be inside the area when replays showed it was outside.

Losing in such a manner was harsh on Barnsley, who for much of the game played the better football and fashioned more chances.

But an inability to capitalise on those openings meant the Reds made the short trip back down the M1 empty-handed, in contrast to last season when a 2-1 victory was the prelude to the south Yorkshire club’s first double over Leeds in 22 years.

As with the first half, Barnsley continued to do much of the pressing and really should have been level just after the hour.

After Thomasz Cywka had seen his shot deflected behind, the resulting corner caused panic in the United defence before the ball fell to Marlon Harewood.

The Reds striker seemed certain to score but after firing the ball goalwards from just three yards out, he could only look on in disbelief as Paddy Kenny pulled off a stunning save.

Leeds also had chances after the break with Rodolph Austin firing straight at Ben Alnwick and Luciano Becchio seeing his own effort blocked.