LEEDS United were handed a big boost in their Championship promotion quest by Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.

Two errors inside the big Austrian inside the opening seven minutes set the Whites on their way to a 2-1 win at Elland Road.

Just four minutes into the encounter Largie Ramazani shot from the edge of the box. It was straight towards Bachmann but the ball burst through his hands and over the line before he could scoop it clear.

After Wilfried Gnonto went within a whisker of doubling the lead the Italian escaped down the right flank and crossed into the box.

Bachmann pushed the ball straight towards Brenden Aaronson who netted comfortably.

Watford, who made six changes from their 3-0 thumping at Luton, were already looking at a mauling.

However, the goals meant they had to take the game to Leeds and they gave the Whites a real run for their money.

The Hornets were big and strong often bullying some of the smaller United players off the ball.

The visitors threatened from a couple of well-delivered corners from Tom Ince and came to getting on the scoresheet in the first half came when Illan Meslier had to go full stretch to turn away a Giorgi Chakvetudze strike.

The atmosphere inside the stadium changed two minutes after the interval. Kwadwo Baah muscled his way past Pascal Struijk before drilling the ball goalwards.

It was cut out by Joe Rodon but the ball went straight back to Baah who netted.

That signalled the start of a good spell for Watford whose direct running was causing problems.

Some United players and many in the 34,968 crowd seemed to panic but one player above all in white shirt kept his head – Ao Tanaka.

The Japanese midfielder made some crucial tackles and interceptions as well as keeping the ball in tight situations and picking is passes with unerring accuracy.

The introduction of Dan James enabled Leeds to regain the momentum after Watford’s spell of dominance. With Tanaka pulling the strings, chances came United’s way thick and fast but they were unable to take any to soothe the home nerves.

After Jayden Bogle hit the bar both Gnonto and Joel Piroe failed to hit the target from the loose ball.

James then dropped an excellent cross on to the head of substitute striker Mateo Joseph but the young Spaniard missed the sitter.

With a minute of normal time remaining Joseph sent James scurrying towards goal but the Welsh winger’s shot was well saved by Bachmann.

In the end Leeds did not need a third goal and came through a stiff physical test to go joint top of the division ahead of the Wednesday fixtures.

Daniel Farke’s men next play at Bristol City on Saturday but will be without the suspended Junior Firpo who picked up his fifth booking of the season against Watford.

Leeds will also be sweating on the fitness of Ramanzani who went off against the Hornets with a twisted ankle.