Mowbray’s warriors put end to Leeds’ unbeaten away run

LEEDS unbeaten away record came to an end, unhinged by vulnerability at set-pieces as headers from Danny Graham and Darragh Lenihan in either half sealed what Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray portrayed as a modern-day War of the Roses.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side was seeking to extend Leeds’ unblemished run on the road to seven, and therefore equal their best start to a season since their Premier League days 20 years ago.

Although Mateusz Klich equalised on the stroke of half-time through the best move of the match, Blackburn’s spirit never broke, and the points from the lunchtime kickoff thrust last season’s League One runners-up into the play-off positions, behind Leeds, temporarily at least.

‘I talk to the players about going to war: shining their shields and drawing their sword out of its sheath,’ Mowbray said. ‘That’s what this team can do. The collective spirit is second to none.’

There was quality from Blackburn in their dead-ball deliveries from Southampton loanee Harrison Reed and substitute Craig Conway. It was resolve that told, however, with Klich denied by David Raya’s fingertips when he caressed his 88th-minute shot towards the top corner.

‘Negative results are always a source of worry,’ Bielsa said. ‘Our offensive play was good enough. We lost against a rival who is not better than us. Maybe a draw would have reflected better what happened in the game.’