Austin ensures Leeds get 3 points. Leeds United 1 – Burnley FC 0.

Brian McDermott must wish this season had more than three games remaining as his side sit 6 points off of the playoff places and just only 7 off of the drop, which just shows how closely contested this league is! The win came as Rudy Austin struck his first goal since September as Leeds United secured a second league win under new boss McDermott. The Jamaican international burst from midfield to get on the end of a magnificent through ball from El-Hadji Diouf just after the hour-mark and swept the ball home in front of The Kop.

Burnley were without their top goalscorer Charlie Austin due to emergency surgery to remove his appendix, the Clarets throughout the game as they struggled to create chances on goal. Leeds twice went close to taking the lead when defender Jason Pearce’s header from Stephen Warnock’s cross was blocked by Burnley captain Jason Shackell on the line and Luke Varney reacted quickest to head the loose ball but could only head it on to the bar. Despite Leeds piling on the pressure the away side created opportunities for themselves aswell as Martin Paterson smashed an effort inches wide after Ross Wallace had drilled a trademark effort from outside the penalty area into the arms of Paddy Kenny. Although, Varney was then denied by Lee Grant, who tipped his far post header from Ross McCormack’s free-kick over the crossbar. This was before Diouf showed incredible technique after controlling pass to then clip the ball through expertly for Austin who side footed the ball home.

It is under no doubt that Leeds under the new manager the football at Elland Road has improved dramatically, as The Whites were urged to pass the ball by McDermott, the side were rewarded by home fans when they chanted “We’re Leeds United… We’re passing the ball!” as the fans where delighted to see free flowing attacking football which is something they didn’t necessarily feel was played often under Warnock’s time at the club. McDermott reiterated his positivity from the game and happiness at joining the club by saying “I’ve come here to enjoy myself, the staff want to enjoy themselves and I want the players and the fans to enjoy themselves, that’s what life’s about”. He then went on to say “I’m just a bit upset there’s only three games left, it’s a shame there’s not six”.