FARKE BAM SLAM

Patrick heads boss Daniel to big win over former club

COMEBACK KING Patrick Bamford continued his renaissance as Leeds fired closer to the Championship top-two.

The striker’s 16th-minute winner was his fourth goal in five games.

Bamford’s confidence has looked fragile at times this season.

The one-time England international, 30, did not score in any of his opening 16 matches, all of which he started on the bench.

But since earning back a starting spot and netting in the 3-0 victory over Birmingham on New Year’s Day, he has been electric for Daniel Farke (circled, above).

Moments before last night’s goal – which put Leeds within two points of second-placed Ipswich – Bamford attempted an acrobatic overhead kick to show he was in the mood. That did not trouble Angus Gunn, but the Norwich keeper had no chance with the Leeds forward’s header soon after.

Dan James provided the curling cross for Bamford (celebrating, above) to perfectly angle home his header and it ended Norwich’s five-game unbeaten run.

There was some concern in back-play after Archie Gray went down in some pain and needed lengthy treatment.

But the teenager was able to carry on and delivered another mature display, including an 82nd-minute tackle on Adam Idah as Norwich broke with numbers chasing the equaliser.

Gray (below right) did limp off in the final moments.

The hosts dominated first-half possession and Bamford was unlucky to see another clever shot drift wide. But they were served a couple of warning shots by Daniel Wagner’s side.

Norwich captain Kenny Mclean blazed one effort over the bar. And Gabriel Sara fluffed his lines, too, scuffing a shot just deep in first half injury-time.

The visitors started the second half well, controlling possession far better and forcing Leeds back deep. But they struggled to create anything of note and when Junior Firpo finally got Leeds’ press going again, Crysencio Summerville fired off a weak shot easily saved by Gunn.

Ex-barcelona left-back Firpo won another challenge to force a counter. Bamford slid a lovely pass into the path of Jaidon Anthony, a half-time substitute for the injured James.

But his first touch was poor, meaning Mclean was able to block his shot when he seemed certain to score.

Bamford badly miscued another opportunity before Georginio Rutter and Firpo had chances saved by Gunn.

Summerville curled one effort wide which meant Norwich – chasing the play-offs themselves – still had a chance.

But Leeds held on and still have not lost at Elland Road since last May.