Billy Sharp came off the bench late on to head home a winner for Leeds United in their 2-1 victory over Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town in the Championship this afternoon.
The visitors needed just a few minutes to open the scoring at the John Smith's Stadium as Luke Murphy spotted a gap to play the ball forward for Sam Byram, who was left with a simple header past Joe Murphy.
Huddersfield were dealt a further blow when Nakhi Wells had to go off with an injury just 10 minutes in, and they could have fallen further behind when Tommy Smith unleashed a long-range effort that was just wide.
Wells's replacement, Harry Bunn, ensured that the home side were back on level terms before the half-hour mark though, as he was left unmarked at the far post to head in from Jacob Butterfield's corner.
Sean Scannell tried to put Huddersfield ahead shortly before half time, but his first effort was easily claimed by Marco Silverstri, while a powerful strike just before the break was just wide.
Joel Lynch came close to a second for Chris Powell's men moments after the restart, but he headed just over the post at the far corner after winning a free kick.
Leeds continued to look dangerous down the other end, but Alex Mowatt's driven effort from just outside the box was a little high of the bar.
The visitors wanted a penalty from Murphy as he clattered into Byram in the box, but the referee ruled that it was a fair challenge by the keeper.
Butterfield found some space down the other end to try to set up another opportunity for Huddersfield, but none of his teammates were able to get on the end of his cross.
Bunn came close to scoring his second of the day late on after forcing a corner, but his on-target header was blocked on the line.
Neil Redfearn brought on Sharp for the final few minutes of the match, and the striker made an almost immediate impact, heading in from a Mirco Antenucci cross from out wide.
Scannell had a chance to equalise deep in stoppage time, but his half-volley failed to trouble the keeper.
The result helps Leeds move away from the Championship relegation zone, lifting them up to 17th, while Huddersfield stay 15th.
Sian Cowper
