Boro allow lead to slip

Middlesbrough were left disappointed after Leeds United came from behind to eventually come out on top 2-1 at Elland Road.

Lukas Jutkiewicz earned the visitors the lead on the half-hour but Luciano Becchio equalised right on the interval before later snatching the winner with seventeen minutes remaining.

Jutkiewicz had already tried a couple of efforts until opening the scoring with a deflected effort off Tom Lees after goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had initially blocked.

Before that Boro had only been rescued by a brilliant reactionary save from Jason Steele when keeping out Sam Byram’s header following a deep cross.

But even he was left helpless when Becchio lashed an excellent equaliser off both posts after Byram and Jerome Thomas had already threatened. His side were in truth rather fortunate to be level at the break.

Boro continued to press forward upon the restart and goalscorer Jutkiewicz shot wide and also had another attempt well-saved by Kenny, while Richard Smallwood was denied close to the line.

However, goalkeeper Steele was called into action again when tipping over at the other end from Becchio, who was then left unmarked from the subsequent corner and headed what proved the winner.

The visitors’ replied with Grant Leadbitter drilling across goal while substitute Emmanuel Ledesma and Jutkiewicz each went close before Marvin Emnes hooked wide with only a couple of minutes remaining.

Leeds United: Kenny, Peltier (Pearce 77), Lees, Tate, Green (White 46), Thomas (Somma 68), Tonge, Norris, Byram, Becchio, Diouf

subs (unused): Ashdown, Varney, Brown, McCormack

Goals: Becchio (45, 73)

Middlesbrough: Steele, Hoyte (Parnaby 76), Hines, Woodgate, Friend, Leadbitter, McEachran, Smallwood (Ledesma 76), Emnes, Jutkiewicz, McDonald (Halliday 80)

subs (unused): Leutwiler, Reach, Thomson, L. Williams

Goals: Jutkiewicz (30)

Ref: Tierney

Att: 25,406