Leeds 1-0 Norwich: Patrick Bamford scores the winner as Daniel Farke’s men close the gap on Ipswich in automatic promotion race

Points equal pressure and Leeds were rewarded for moving this fixture forward as they closed the gap on second-placed Ipswich.

Daniel Farke is a veteran of two successful Championship promotion campaigns with Norwich and certainly appreciates the value of getting points on the board.

With both Leeds and his former club in FA Cup action this weekend, the decision to slot this game in early and not leave it in hand paid off for the Yorkshire side.

There’s no doubt a stuttering Ipswich will be looking anxiously over their shoulder now. Not only at Southampton in third but a Leeds side picking up momentum after their fifth win on the bounce.

Only two points split the trio after this result and, even if leaders Leicester find a second wind, the automatic promotion race should remain nip and tuck.

Farke, meanwhile, knows two things are almost certain. One is that Leeds will not be beaten at Elland Road, which has been turned into a fortress with 11 wins and four draws in the league so far. They are the EFL’s only unbeaten team at home this season.

The other is that Patrick Bamford will score. The striker’s first-half header made it four goals in five matches since the turn of 2024, having not netted prior to the New Year.

Leeds weren’t at their fluent best but there was much to admire in a deserved win.

The slick interplay between Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Junior Firpo continually stretched Norwich, while 17-year-old Archie Gray was here, there and everywhere.

Norwich were second-best overall but enjoyed lengthy spells of keep-ball in the second-half that led to grumbles among the home fans.

In the dying minutes, Gray produced a last-ditch tackle to thwart Adam Idah as the Norwich substitute bore down on the Leeds goal but the hosts withstood the barrage.

‘It was a really complicated game, so I’m more than happy we won. It’s another three points and another clean sheet, hard fought but well deserved,’ said Farke.

‘We had a few problems handling their possession but we created the better chances and scored a fantastic goal.

‘This was a win of mentality and of defensive steel.’

Bamford’s brimming confidence was evident when he attempted an acrobatic finish to Junior Firpo’s early cross but sent his effort wide.

But Norwich failed to heed that warning and Bamford scored what proved the winner on 16 minutes.

Gray played a key role by winning an aerial duel in the build-up while taking a hefty whack in the ribs which left him grounded.

His bravery allowed Rutter to shift the ball on to Dan James wide on the right and he had time to measure the perfect cross for Bamford, who stepped off Shane Duffy to direct a firm header into the bottom corner.

Norwich should have levelled in first-half stoppage time but Gabriel Sara scuffed wide with the goal gaping.

But ultimately Leeds might have been more comfortable. Angus Gunn saved from Rutter and Firpo, while Summerville’s curling effort was deflected just wide.

‘We gave Leeds a good game and it came down to fine margins,’ said Norwich boss David Wagner. 

‘We should have defended the goal much better and we weren’t ruthless enough today.’