Leeds manager Simon Grayson dedicated his side's 2-0 win over Millwall to Gary Speed and called on his players to honour their former midfield dynamo by pushing for a return to the Premier League.
Robert Snodgrass scored twice in the space of two minutes to fire Leeds to a victory which closed the gap on league leaders Southampton and second-placed West Ham, who both lost Saturday.
"This week's been difficult and it's obviously dedicated to Gary," said Grayson after the win.
"The biggest tribute we can do is, come April and May, get into the Premier League, where Gary spent a huge amount of his career and was very successful."
Over 27,000 fans joined in a minute's applause before kick off to honour the long-time Leeds servant, who was found hanged at his home in Cheshire, north-west England, last Sunday.
Snodgrass's second-half brace comprised a stunning free-kick and a brave diving header, which was watched from the Elland Road stands by Speed's widow Louise and former teammates and fellow midfielders David Batty, Gordon Strachan and Gary McAllister.
"Gary was an Evertonian and his dad realises that, but that's why they're all here today because this is where it all started 28 years ago," added Grayson.
Leeds' win strengthened their grip on a play-off spot and brought them to within six points of second-placed West Ham, who threw away the lead to lose 2-1 at home to Burnley.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce said it was "hard to criticise" his players, who he claimed controlled the game.
"The big disappointment was losing at home again, and the way we did," he added.
Nigel Adkins, manager of league leaders Southampton, urged his team to improve their away form after a Billy Sharp strike condemned them to a 1-0 defeat at Doncaster, who began the game in bottom spot.
"In fairness to Doncaster they worked hard and had a spirit about them but we need to improve our away form if we want to stay at the top," said Adkins.
Sharp pounced on a cross from Marc-Antoine Fortune to earn Rovers only their second victory in 10 games and haul his team off the foot of the table.
Rovers boss Dean Saunders said his team were well set to climb the table after their victory.
"There were some excellent performances all round and we are starting to get used to each other and gel together," Saunders said.
Middlesbrough seized the opportunity to secure third spot after claiming an stoppage-time 1-0 win at Bristol City.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson claimed not to have noticed the hostile reception given to him at Hull, the club he managed until 18 days ago, as his new team went down to a late 2-1 defeat.
"For me it was just another game, I was looking forward to the game," he said. "If there was any stick, I didn't notice it.
"I had nearly 18 months here and worked extremely hard to build what is a very good team. I made a decision based on my career. Full stop."
Ten-man Leicester looked to be heading for a draw after former Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky cancelled out an earlier penalty from Matt Fryatt.
However, Slovenian midfielder Robert Koren ensured Pearson would leave with nothing after curling in a superb 88th minute strike.
Source: AFP
