Leeds United advanced to second place by defeating rivals from Yorkshire.

Leeds’ league winning streak in 2024 now stands at 12 games after Willy Gnonto’s goal in stoppage time during the first half. Patrick Bamford also scored during that period.

After overtaking Ipswich over the weekend, Daniel Farke’s team is now three points behind Leicester in the Sky Bet Championship. On Saturday, the Tractor Boys lost 2-1 at Cardiff after giving up two goals in stoppage time in the second half.

Wednesday, who had won five of their previous six league games, lost their chance to move up out of the bottom three for the first time since August, as their four-game winning streak came to an end.

After losing 4-0 against Huddersfield at the beginning of February, the Owls were eight points outside of safety, compared to a 12-point deficit in November.

Owls supporters may have felt uneasy about the impending matchup with another nearby rival, Leeds, but following the team’s victory at home over Plymouth on Tuesday, the derby matchup couldn’t come at a better time.

Leeds tried to dominate early possession in an attempt to quiet a biased home crowd, but Wednesday was the first to create the opening goal opportunity.

After a corner, Anthony Musaba charged at a loose ball in the area, but Leeds goalie Illan Meslier made a fantastic save with his legs.

Georginio Rutter had the finest chance for Leeds before the goal, but Wednesday goalkeeper James Beadle, who was racing towards him, saved his lob after it had beaten the offside trap.

Leeds continued to press for the first goal, and their persistent probing paid off in the fifth minute of added time at the end of the first half when Rutter headed Crysencio Summerville’s corner just wide.

Bamford scored his sixth league goal of the year at the far post after Junior Firpo curled in a fantastic low pass over the goal’s face from the left.

Leeds extended their advantage in the 58th minute after going on the attack early in the second half. Rutter’s low strike caused Beadle to make a low save.

Rutter threaded a pass through for Gnonto after Bamford’s deft flick and the assistant referee’s flag stayed down as the Italy forward ran on to shoot beyond Beadle from just inside the box.

Leeds sliced through the home side’s defence again soon after, with Summerville thwarted by Beadle’s superb save, but the visitors were then indebted to skipper Ethan Ampadu.

The Wales defender cleared Owls substitute Michael Smith’s effort off the goal-line and blocked Djeidi Gassama’s shot as the Owls threatened for the first time in the second half.

Wednesday defender Marvin Johnson’s 20-yard effort flew narrowly over and at the other end Leeds substitute Connor Roberts’ low shot was inches wide as the visitors secured their first win at Hillsborough since 2016.

After the game, Leeds boss Farke said:  “It was a well-deserved win. I think it was a pretty mature performance, a pretty controlled performance.

“It was clear that Sheffield was enjoying themselves, playing with assurance in front of a boisterous home crowd.

However, you must exhaust your opponent and eliminate their zeal and aggression. I’m rather pleased with my guys this evening. For us, it was a huge three points.”