leedsunited.com
BECCHIO HAT-TRICK SINKS BRISTOL CITY
UNITED 3 (Becchio 65, 69, 83), BRISTOL CITY 1 (Stead 67)
United manager Simon Grayson made one change from the side which drew with Hull in midweek, striker Davide Somma replacing Luciano Becchio.
Somma, who was due to join up with the South African squad after the game, was an early threat. First he put David James under pressure when in pursuit of a Neil Kilkenny pass and moments later he tested the former England goalkeeper after good work by Jonny Howson.
Max Gradel was an early threat in and around the box while Bradley Johnson also had a shot deflected for a corner as Leeds started the contest firmly on the front foot.
In between, City's first real raid ended with Kasper Schmeichel receiving treatment after Jon Stead looked to meet a Danny Haynes cross.
James came to the visitors rescue before the half-hour when Louis Carey almost turned a Snodgrass cross into his own goal. As City returned the ball forward quickly, Schmeichel had to save well from Stead.
It was an entertaining opening half with Leeds having the better of the half-chances and oportunities that fell at both ends of the pitch.
United started the second period brightly, but the visitors were defending deep and in numbers and were content for Leeds to play around them.
When United did force an opening, Somma looking to capitalise on some decent passing play, James spread himself well to deny the striker.
On 61 minutes, Grayson looked to freshen things up a little, and he introduced Becchio and Lloyd Sam to proceedings.
And it was a substitution that paid dividends within five minutes. Snodgrass delivered a cross from the right and Becchio got up well to head home.
Within two minutes the visitors were level though. Albert Adomah delivered a cross from the right and Stead arrived at the near post to convert.
United responded by attacking straight from the re-start and there appeared to be a good penalty shout when Sam was caught up in a tangle with Nicky Hunt.
But Sam was involved a moment later as United took the lead again. His shot was saved by James, but Becchio arrived to convert the rebound.
Bristol City responded with a couple of raids, but it was 3-1 and game over on 83 minutes when Becchio headed home a George McCartney cross to complete his hat-trick.
The third goal had effectively sealed the game for Leeds as Simon Grayson's men were able to cruise their way towards a first home victory since September 23 when Sheffield United were beaten at Elland Road.
Schmeichel did have a save to make in stoppage time when he tipped a Steven Caulker header over the bar, and he also saved well from Brett Pitman, but the two-goal cushion was enough to see Leeds to a third victory in four games.
UNITED 3 (Becchio 65, 69, 83), BRISTOL CITY 1 (Stead 67)
United manager Simon Grayson made one change from the side which drew with Hull in midweek, striker Davide Somma replacing Luciano Becchio.
Somma, who was due to join up with the South African squad after the game, was an early threat. First he put David James under pressure when in pursuit of a Neil Kilkenny pass and moments later he tested the former England goalkeeper after good work by Jonny Howson.
Max Gradel was an early threat in and around the box while Bradley Johnson also had a shot deflected for a corner as Leeds started the contest firmly on the front foot.
In between, City's first real raid ended with Kasper Schmeichel receiving treatment after Jon Stead looked to meet a Danny Haynes cross.
James came to the visitors rescue before the half-hour when Louis Carey almost turned a Snodgrass cross into his own goal. As City returned the ball forward quickly, Schmeichel had to save well from Stead.
It was an entertaining opening half with Leeds having the better of the half-chances and oportunities that fell at both ends of the pitch.
United started the second period brightly, but the visitors were defending deep and in numbers and were content for Leeds to play around them.
When United did force an opening, Somma looking to capitalise on some decent passing play, James spread himself well to deny the striker.
On 61 minutes, Grayson looked to freshen things up a little, and he introduced Becchio and Lloyd Sam to proceedings.
And it was a substitution that paid dividends within five minutes. Snodgrass delivered a cross from the right and Becchio got up well to head home.
Within two minutes the visitors were level though. Albert Adomah delivered a cross from the right and Stead arrived at the near post to convert.
United responded by attacking straight from the re-start and there appeared to be a good penalty shout when Sam was caught up in a tangle with Nicky Hunt.
But Sam was involved a moment later as United took the lead again. His shot was saved by James, but Becchio arrived to convert the rebound.
Bristol City responded with a couple of raids, but it was 3-1 and game over on 83 minutes when Becchio headed home a George McCartney cross to complete his hat-trick.
The third goal had effectively sealed the game for Leeds as Simon Grayson's men were able to cruise their way towards a first home victory since September 23 when Sheffield United were beaten at Elland Road.
Schmeichel did have a save to make in stoppage time when he tipped a Steven Caulker header over the bar, and he also saved well from Brett Pitman, but the two-goal cushion was enough to see Leeds to a third victory in four games.
