PATIENCE has been the name of the game for Max Gradel.

And it is a virtue Leeds United fans will need as the battle for League One promotion comes to a head.

Gradel has been largely a bit-part player since signing from Leicester in January, but is revelling in his new role as striker. He backed up his man-of-the-match display at Yeovil with another star turn as United eventually wore down a poor Southend side at Elland Road to move up into third place.

The 2-0 victory was comfortable in the end but for an hour it looked like being another frustrating afternoon for the home fans.

Leeds were generally in control but discontent at not having made a breakthough came to the boil just before half-time when Jermaine Beckford failed to challenge for a high ball in the visitors’ box.

Patience in the South Stand snapped and an anti-Beckford chant emerged, drawing an angry gesture from Leeds’ top scorer. So much for “Sticking Together” as proclaimed on the match programme cover.

With United struggling to make inroads, Beckford was withdrawn just before an hour and his replacement, Luciano Becchio immediately won a header for Robert Snodgrass to set up Gradel to score with a deflected shot.

The tension on and off the pitch was lifted and the Whites could have scored several more before the 83rd minute when Gradel crossed to Becchio who headed in at the far post.

It was the first time Leeds had won successive league games this year and leaves manager Simon Grayson with a tricky selection for tomorrow’s game at Carlisle.

Leeds United: Higgs, Bromby, Collins, Naylor, Hughes (Johnson 58), Snodgrass (Watt 85), Doyle, Kilkenny, Howson, Gradel, Beckford (Becchio 58). Subs (not used): Ankergren, Grella, McSheffrey, Parker.

Southend: Mildenhall, Sankofa, Baldwin, Barratt, Herd, Christophe, Grant, Vernon (M’voto 84), Paterson (Laurent 63). Subs (not used): Malone, Jack, Crawford.

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

Attendance: 21,650.