Leeds march back into top flight after Piroe's fab four

Leeds United's long march out of the wilderness is over. The last lap of an often gruelling and sometimes downright painful journey into the Premier League proved joyous and unexpectedly straightforward, the only frustration being a slight delay to the start of the formal celebrations.

- Louise Taylor

It was occasioned by the need to wait for the final score from Turf Moor, where Burnley beat Sheffield United to join Leeds in the top tier while consigning Chris Wilder's side to the playoffs.

Not even heavy rain could dampen the euphoria inside Elland Road as Joël Piroe registered a hat-trick inside the first 20 minutes. By half-time Daniel Farke's centre-forward had scored four times and Stoke were holed below the waterline.

"I might have wanted a seventh goal but, apart from that, there's not much more I could have asked for," Farke said. "To deliver such an emphatic performance with feet on the gas all the time was amazing. The spirit and tenacity we've shown in recent weeks has been incredible."

Farke has now orchestrated a third promotion in a managerial career during which he has twice led Norwich into football's promised land. "This is a priceless three points," he said. "It was one of the best days; the atmosphere was electric. The players are tired but feeling the joy. The dressing room's buzzing."