CRYSTAL Palace put a massive dent in Leeds United's automatic promotion hopes with a 1-0 win at Elland Road last night.

The soaring Eagles joined Sheffield United, Leeds and Watford in the dogfight to go straight up with Championship champions-elect Reading.

Much has been made of the Blades spluttering recent form but last night's loss means Kevin Blackwell's side have picked up only two Championship points from their last three games.

England striker Andrew Johnson was the provider of the only goal, calmly laying the ball off to Jobi McAnuff, who beat Neil Sullivan with a low shot from 12 yards with half-time fast approaching.

Palace had deserved the lead. Their approach work had been crisper and Johnson's pace was a continual danger while Leeds struggled to make the most of their possession.

When United did get it to the flanks the quality of the crosses into the box was not good enough to disturb Palace's strong backline.

Iain Dowie's side opted to hang on to their lead in the second half as Leeds dominated possession but apart from a diving header from York-born Matthew Kilgallon the home side lacked the quality to break down the visitors' defence.

An earlier switch to 4-4-2 may have helped with David Healy deployed up alongside Rob Hulse, but by the time Blackwell opted for that formation Healy had been replaced by Robbie Blake.

The Leeds boss threw on former Wealdstone striker Jermaine Beckford for his debut near the end, but by that time Palace had successfully broken up the game.

With seven games to go Leeds are fourth - four points adrift of Sheffield United, one behind Watford and four ahead of Palace, who may be timing their run to perfection on last night's evidence.

Blackwell said: "Apart from not getting the goal, I thought it was a good game and I thought we had enough possession. But we weren't decisive enough in the last third.

"For all the possession and pressure, we didn't create enough to really hurt them.

"But it is just one of those days.

"The lads have given me everything, and I can't complain."

Leeds match facts

Coca-Cola Championship

Leeds United 0, Crystal Palace 1

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Crainey (Beckford 75), Healey (Blake 62), Douglas (Bakke 85), Derry, Miller, Lewis, Hulse. Subs (not used): Bennett, Moore Caution: Kilgallon.

Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Boyce, Ward, hall, Leigertwood, Watson, Riihilahti, Hughes, McAnuff (Reich 90), Morrison (Soares 73), Johnson, Subs (not used): Popovic, Freedman, Speroni. Caution: Hughes. Goal: McAnuff 43

Referee: Phil Joslin (Notts).

Attendance: 24,507.

Updated: 10:26 Wednesday, March 22, 2006