Leeds United climbed to third place in League One after securing a narrow win over Crewe thanks to Jermaine Beckford's 16th goal of the season.

Beckford got to the ball ahead of Crewe goalkeeper Ben Williams to head the winner in the 36th minute after Peter Sweeney swung over a cross.

Both sides hit the woodwork, with Andy Hughes almost giving Leeds an early lead with a glancing header. And after the break Chris McCready's header for Crewe came back off the bar.

Beckford's goal sealed United's first league win away from home since the 3-1 victory at Bournemouth on November 6.

United boss Dennis Wise handed debuts to new recruits Darren Kenton and Sweeney, while Bradley Johnson made his first appearance as a second-half substitute.


Crewe: Williams, Woodards, Baudet, McCready, Abbey, Rix (Miller 62), Cox, Roberts, O'Connor (Carrington 76), Lowe (Moore 62), Maynard.

Subs Not Used: fon Williams, O'Donnell.

Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Kenton, Parker, Prutton (Johnson 71), Kilkenny, Hughes, Sweeney, Beckford, Flo (Kandol 77).

Subs Not Used: Heath, Thompson, Weston.

Goals: Beckford 36.

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