Brooks the top man for Blades
A CLINICAL finish from Sheffield United youngster David Brooks lifted the Blades to the top of the Championship in a dramatic derby.
The 20-year-old Wales squad striker ghosted into the Leeds area before placing a perfect finish from a tight angle on the edge of the six-yard area after 81 minutes.
Kalvin Phillips had hauled Leeds back into contention with his team’s first on-target shot after 35 minutes, though it was a skilful finish that was well worth the wait for the home fans.
Azgjan Alioski’s cross was half-cleared by Cameron CarterVickers and fell invitingly for Phillips, whose superb first-time volley from 16 yards gave Jamal Blackman no chance.
That cancelled out an equally impressive opening goal from the visitors after just two minutes when the influential Mark Duffy picked out Billy Sharp at the far post.
The journeyman striker, who spent a season at Elland Road before joining the Blades, did the rest, stooping to head in his fifth goal in his last five starts against these great rivals.
The Blades might have added to that lead after a bad error by Matthew Pennington gifted the ball to Billy Clarke, but Andrew Longergan made an excellent block.
The Leeds keeper was even more impressive just before the interval, somehow blocking a shot by Sharp.
Samuel Saiz opened the second half for Leeds with a blistering shot which struck the post and keeper before rebounding to safety, but the Blades had the better chances.