Leeds United 4 Nottingham Forest 1: Gradel caps Elland Road wonder show

Chris Cohen saw red for the visitors and six other players were booked as Leeds claimed victory courtesy of a second half strike apiece for Jonny Howson and Luciano Becchio plus a double from Gradel.

Gareth McCleary replied for Forest with a sublime strike of his own but it was United who were celebrating come the final whistle after moving four points clear of Billy Davies’ men with seven games to play.

The vital breakthrough came on 51 minutes when neat link-play between Robert Snodgrass and Eric Lichaj led to the full back crossing for Jonny Howson.

United’s captain then displayed great presence of mind to budge the ball away from Wes Morgan before beating Lee Camp.

Once ahead, Leeds visibly relaxed and doubled their advantage six minutes later when Luciano Becchio finished from close range after Leigh Bromby had headed Barry Bannan’s corner against the post.

Forest, though, refused to be downhearted and pulled a goal back midway through the second half when Gareth McLeary curled an exquisite shot beyond Kasper Schmeichel and into the top corner of the net.

Schmeichel then came to Leeds’ rescue by turning over a goalbound effort from Wes Morgan before Gradel restored the home side’s two goal advantage.

Bannan’s free-kick was the catalyst, Forest being unable to properly clear a bouncing ball and when Johnson headed it back towards goal, Gradel collected before finishing from the edge of the area.

Gradel added a second three minutes from time after finishing from six yards after Lee Camp had denied both Becchio and Jake Livermore.

It gave the final score a flattering look for the home side with there being little doubt that this was nothing like a game that should have finished 4-1. Not, however, that anyone of a Leeds persuasion in the 29,524 crowd cared a jot at the final whistle.