Leeds edge closer to Premier League return as they stutter to victory over Barnsley

Leeds’ Premier League dream is one point away from becoming a reality as they stuttered to a 1-0 win over Championship strugglers Barnsley. A first-half own goal by Michael Sollbauer was all that separated the two sides but the leaders were outplayed by their opponents for large parts of the contest. Getty Images – Getty Some good work by Bamford resulted in Sollbauer turning the ball into his own net Getty Images – Getty It wasn’t pretty but Leeds managed to get over the line Moments before the deadlock was broken, Mads Juel Andersen missed a huge chance for the visitors. In the second half, a nervous Leeds continued to be troubled by their Yorkshire neighbours, with Conor Chaplin and Callum Styles going close. Patrick Bamford should have doubled Leeds’ advantage, while Illan Meslier helped a Cauley Woodrow effort over the bar. But there was huge relief among the Elland Road faithful at their homes as the final whistle was blown, meaning Leeds just need a point from their final two games to make a top-flight return. Getty Images – Getty Leeds fans can definitely start dreaming of Premier League football now No fans were present but the tension inside Elland Road could be cut with a knife as Leeds continued their pursuit of Premier League football after a 16-year absence. Marcelo Bielsa’s side didn’t dominate like they usually did and were in trouble on ten minutes when Jacob Brown’s cross almost hit Liam Cooper. Andersen then missed a glorious opportunity to test Meslier, heading a corner from the left wide. Leeds went in front on the next attack. Getty Images – Getty Bamford tried to find Helder Costa but all that matters is the ball went in Bamford found space in the box and cut the ball back just before it went past the byline and Sollbauer put it into his own net as he failed to sort his feet out. So an undeserved lead for Leeds at half time but that didn’t deter Barnsley who started the second half strongly. Chaplin’s left-footed effort bounced just past the goal, while Styles’ shot whistled past the post but sliding Chaplin in would have been the better option. Getty Images – Getty Barnsley played good football but were wasteful in front of goal – the story of their season Sollbauer headed straight at Meslier but Bamford should have made it 2-0 as he collected Ezgjan Alioski’s delicious pass.  Jack Walton was equal to his right-footed attempt though. Barnsley, who are now four points off safety with two games to go, continued to probe but failed to carve out any more meaningful chances as Leeds held on for the all-important win. Getty Images – Getty Not long now until the Leeds players can fully celebrate,
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