LEADERS TOP UP STUN TAN

Late strikes spare Meslier's blushes

- NEIL SQUIRES

LEEDS stretched their lead to five points at the top of the Championship with two goals in the last three minutes to settle the battle of the top two at Bramall Lane.

Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka bundled home an 89th-minute header and then Dutch striker Joel Piroe smashed home a superb third to spark delirious celebrations from the visiting fans as Leeds struck a potentially decisive blow in the race to reach the Premier League.

The dramatic late show secured a double over their Yorkshire rivals and stretched their unbeaten run to 16 games. The last time they managed that, they won the First Division title 33 years ago.

The Whites trailed at the break after a calamitous own goal from goalkeeper Illan Meslier in the 14th minute but after Junior Firpo's equaliser, they delivered a stunning finish.