Match Report

Leeds moved a little closer to the play-off spots with a comfortable victory over struggling Southend.

But after making a sizzling start, Simon Grayson's side took their foot off the pedal and left their fans wanting more in a match where they should have scored a hatful of goals.

Leeds made just one expected change with Jermaine Beckford preferred to Luciano Becchio, who went to the bench.

But Southend, who were missing nine first teamers through injuries and the suspension of Anthony Grant, fielded a young side, including full debuts for Stuart O'Keefe and on-loan Theo Robinson.

They also had to make do with just four players on the bench, including leading scorer Lee Barnard despite the striker failing a fitness test earlier in the day.

Manager Steve Tilson's problems got worse when James Walker limped off in the first half with a hamstring injury.

Leeds were looking for a third win in a row while the Shrimpers were hoping to end a run of only one win in 12 league matches since they beat Leeds at the end of October.

But that hope lasted less than ten minutes when two Bradley Johnson corners resulted in two goals, headed in by defenders Rui Marques and Richard Naylor.

Leeds were now comfortably on top and knocked the ball around well but they seldom worried goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.

They came close to a third when Lee Trundle, Jonathon Douglas, Beckford and Johnson had shots blocked in quick succession, but from then on they were largely held at bay by Southend.

Out of sorts Beckford squandered his only real chance and even when Robert Snodgrass, Jonathan Howson and Becchio came on, Leeds still lacked the cutting edge.

The Shrimpers had few sorties into the Leeds half, although Robinson did create one chance for himself, hitting the outside of the post, and Barnard came on as a late sub and had a shot blocked by Naylor.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides