Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka was hauled off at half-time after a pair of costly errors sent 10-man Leeds spiralling towards a heavy 5-0 defeat to Blackpool.
Jonjo Shelvey notched a hat-trick for the Seasiders and Lomana Lua Lua bagged a brace on his first start for the club, but despite banishing consecutive defeats with an at-times swashbuckling display, Ian Holloway's men had more than a little help from Rachubka.
Signed after his release by Blackpool this summer, Rachubka has endured a tough introduction to the United first team since Andy Lonergan suffered a fractured finger last month.
He was publicly backed by boss Simon Grayson after a mistake handed Coventry a 1-1 draw at Elland Road, but his shaky form has continued and his manager was in less conciliatory mood as 18-year-old Alex Cairns was handed his professional debut at the start of the second half.
Filip Kiss scored his first goal for Cardiff in a convincing 3-0 victory over lacklustre Derby which moved the Welsh club into the play-off places.
The Rams' unbeaten run of four home games was ended with aplomb by a vigorous Bluebirds performance, Slovakian Kiss opening the scoring in the first half.
The second half saw Kevin Kilbane turn the ball into his own net and Peter Whittingham slot home a regulation third as Cardiff produced their first away win since the opening day of the season.
Source: PA
