Leeds 1-2 Brighton

A dagger thrust through the heart of Leeds United as Spaniard Vicente Rodriguez comes on to help set up both goals in a 2-1 away win at Elland Road.

Gus Poyet rang the changes as West Brom loanees Jara Reyes and Joe Mattock slotted into the fullback positions, whilst LuaLua came in for the suspended Sparrow.

A more surprising change, however, was the decision to drop £2.5m striker Mackail-Smith to the bench – handing Sam Vokes his first start in an Albion shirt.

It was a lively contest with chances aplenty, with the home side applying the pressure early on – McCormack and Snodgrass heavily involved, but Albion held strong and worked their way into the game.

Vokes and Bridcutt both forced saves from Leeds keeper Lonergan, but neither side could find the back of the net as half-time arrived.

It was the introduction of attacking duo Mackail-Smith and Vicente in the second half that gave Brighton the impetus, and the deadlock was broken on 76 minutes. Mackail-Smith, boasting an impressive record against United, met a Vicente centre from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Leeds struck back instantly, with Becchio heading home from a Snodgrass corner. But it was Albion who clinched the 3 points when Vicente, once again exerting his influence, laid the ball to Alan Navarro who duly broke his Albion duck and sealed the victory late on with a 20 yard strike.

The win sees Albion move up to 8th, continuing their impressive start to 2012.