FORM horses Leeds United galloped into an automatic promotion slot after an impressive 2-0 win against Championship leaders QPR at a bitterly cold Elland Road.

Simon Grayson’s side extended their unbeaten run to nine games on Saturday with a thoroughbred performance to move into second spot behind Rangers.

Having gone under many people’s radar in their steady climb up the table, Leeds are beginning to make their fans believe they could regain a place in the Premiership quicker than hoped.

This season was supposed to be all about consolidation after last season’s promotion from League One, but they look like setting their sights higher than that as Christmas approaches.

Max Gradel’s double stole the headlines, but it was United’s all-round performance which had Grayson purring.

“Given the quality of the opposition and what QPR have achieved, this was our most outstanding home performance of the season,” he said.

“We have a high expectancy level at this club and rightly so. Our fans want and expect the best. The club deserves to be back in the Premiership but there is a lot of work still to be done if we are to achieve that. It is where we finish in May that matters, but I was delighted with the performance and the manner of the win.”

Rangers went into the game having lost their unbeaten record in the previous game against Watford.

Manager Neil Warnock had the Hoops fired up as they settled quicker than Leeds, who were forced into a early change when Alex Bruce was replaced by Leigh Bromby in the heart of the defence.

With Andy O’Brien already absent, QPR looked to explore possible weaknesses in central defence via the head of ex-Leeds front-man Rob Hulse but, once Leeds found their rhythm, Rangers looked second best.

Visiting goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had already tipped a goal-bound header from Luciano Becchio over the bar before Leeds went in front on 26 minutes. Robert Snodgrass worked space on the right to send in a deep looping cross which was contested by Jonny Howson and the ball fell for the on-rushing Gradel to sweep home.

The Ivorian made the game safe when he finished an unchallenged run midway through the second half with a low drive past Kenny.

Leeds could have had more goals as all their players won their individual battles and by the end Rangers, who had contributed plenty to an entertaining encounter, were well beaten. But for smart saves from Becchio and Howson, Leeds could have doubled the margin of their victory.

Just how far Leeds have progressed in recent weeks will be tested on Boxing Day at Leicester, a side who have already beaten United at Elland Road twice this season.

Leeds United: Schmeichel, Connolly, Bruce (Bromby 11), Collins, McCartney, Johnson, Kilkenny, Snodgrass, Howson, Gradel (Sam 75) Becchio (Paynter 90).

Subs (not used): Higgs, Faye, Somma, McCormack.

QPR: Kenny, Hill (Hall HT), Gorkss, Orr, Walker, Derry, Connelly, Taarabt, Mackie, Smith (Ephraim 74), Hulse (Clarke 74).

Subs (not used): Cerny, Helguson, Rowlands, Tofas.

Referee: Scott Mathieson (Cheshire).

Attendance: 29,426.