With only five games remaining, Leeds needed to start gaining points to cut the gap between themselves and Sheffield. As of late Leeds haven't scored in open play for four previous games, and today was no different. The Leeds defence stood firm yet again, keeping another clean sheet, but with no goals from the strikers a 0-0 draw was the inevitable result. If Leeds can take any consolation from today, it's that they are now twelve points clear in the playoff places. With only four games left Leeds cannot be caught, and will almost certainly be challenging for that last chance of promotion.

Stoke came to play Leeds with one though in mind; holding on for a draw. From the start they showed little attacking intent, which restricted Leeds to a scoreless draw. It was a day where Leeds didn't get much luck, and never threatened the Stoke goal. Despite the disappointment there were positives to be taken from the game, especially the clean sheet, but also the promising performances of two new players. Leeds are now six points away from promotion after dropping the two points, but as none of the other teams aiming for the playoffs managed to win, the draw doesn't seem like such a terrible result.

Although Leeds could only manage a draw against Coventry City, it still moves them another point closer to Sheffield, who lost at Norwich. It did require some last minute heroics again, this time from David Healy, to earn a point for Leeds. After starting the second half 1-0 down, Leeds dominated for the rest of the match and got their reward in the form of a penalty. Healy slotted the ball past the keeper to finish the game at 1-1. The unbeaten run now stretches to ten games, including five wins and five draws. Sheffield, however, are struggling having lost three of their last four games.

Despite only managing a draw aginst Norwich, it was enough to move Leeds one point closer to Sheffield, who lost to Coventry. Hulse gave Leeds the lead, and at half time things were looking good. In the second half, though, Leeds were second best, and appeared to have lost the opportunity of catching Sheffield when they conceded twice. However, in a dramatic finish, Eddie Lewis scored with an excellent free kick in stoppage time. It was too late for Leeds to go on and win the game, but it was still another point gained on Sheffield.

When Sheffield United only managed a draw against bottom of the league Crewe yesterday, Leeds knew they could close the gap for second to six points. The only problem was that they had to beat high flying Crystal Palace, a team in good form, and only six points behind Leeds. Robbie Blake celebrated his birthday with his eleventh goal of the season to give Leeds a well deserved lead, tapping in from two yards. After half time Leeds scored again. Rob Hulse fired his shot in off the bar; his first goal since the game at Plymouth. Despite conceding late on for the second time in a row, Leeds hung on for a vital win and threee points. This win puts Leeds up to third, as Watford could only draw at home to Derby.

Another win against Luton made it seven wins in a row at home in the league, proving that Leeds are still challenging for promotion. In previous games, luck had not been on Leeds' side. All this changed when Gregan handled the ball in the penalty area, to concede what must have been a definite penalty for Luton, but the referee disagreed and play continued; the Leeds fans breathed a sigh of relief. Seconds after this, Leeds cruelly took the lead when Blake's perfect pass found Douglas who stepped inside the Luton defence and easy slotted the ball past the keeper. The goal gave Leeds the initiative and they soon doubled their lead within minutes. Hulse managed to get into the Luton penalty area and provide a low cross, which Lewis easily tapped in. Luton did battle back with a goal in the dying minutes of the second half, but it was too little, too late, and Leeds hung on for the victory.

This 1-1 draw away at Leicester makes it three draws in a row away from home, which is not bad, but isn't really good enough if Leeds are to catch Sheffield or even maintain third place. Leeds got off to the worst start when Leicester scored after only five minutes of play, but responded immediately when they won a penalty. It was Rob Hulse who was fouled in the penalty area, but Blake scored from the spot; his third in only two games. Leicester were also reduced to ten men but held on for the rest of the match to earn a point against a less thn impressive Leeds team. It now seems as though Leeds will have to settle for a playoff place, and not automatic promotion.

This was definitely one of the biggest games in the championship, as third played fourth and the winner would close the gap on Sheffield even further. It was a must win game for Leeds, and it didn't start well. Watford seized the initiative with five minutes left before half time, after they scored a well taken free kick from the edge of the area; a free kick that should never have been awarded in the first place. Leeds went into the dressing room at half time knowing they had the difficult task of breaking down Watfords defence in the second half. Midway through the second half this was made easier though, as Hulse anticipated a poor back pass and was taken out by the keeper. The referee showed no hesitation is showing the red card and sending the keeper off, before Robbie Blake kept his nerve to score the penalty. Less than five minutes later Watford had been reduced to nine men, when Henderson had been accused of elbowing Gregan in the face, and was deservedly sent off. As you would expect Leeds mounted the pressure on Watford's goal, while Watford attempted to hold on for a draw. The inevitable soon happened when Blake scored his second goal of the evening, thanks to Cresswell's low cross, giving Leeds the all important three points. The gap behind Sheffield United is now only nine points, and Leeds still have a game in hand.

A visit to Derby who are currently fighting to avoid relegation should have been an easy fixture for Leeds, but this turned out not to be the case. Despite dominating the entire first half, Leeds could not find a way to score, and felt harshly treated when the referee did not award them two clear penalties. In the second half Derby seemed content to hold on for a draw, Leeds were not but a goalless draw was the outcome. A point away from home would usually be a good point but in the circumstances it was not; Sheffield drew their game which means the gap for automatic promotion remains the same, while Watford won and therefore jump Leeds into fourth.

Despite being 14 points behind Sheffield United, who currently occupy the second automatic promotion place, Leeds still want to keep the pressure on them as much as possible. A win against Queens Park Rangers was vital if Leeds were going to have any chance of catching Sheffield. Cresswell put Leeds in front after 39 minutes, when the QPR goalkeeper failed to collect the ball from a cross, allowing him to loop his header into an empty net; his seventh for Leeds this season. The points were sealed six minutes from time, when Butler doubled Leeds advantage with a stunning diving header, giving the keeper no chance. The final score, Leeds United-2 QPR- 0.