Monk proud as rivals break scoring habit

BETWEEN them, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday have now spent a combined 34 years out of the top flight of English football.

Yesterday, second met third knowing victory would take the winner top of the Championship, for a few hours at least, and perhaps move them one small step closer to better times.

However, on a miserable Yorkshire afternoon, they played out their first goalless draw in more than half a century. None of their last 42 league meetings had failed to produce a breakthrough.

Steven Fletcher came closest for the hosts but was denied by Kiko Casilla and the bar. At the other end, Ezgjan Alioski also hit the woodwork, while goalkeeper Kieren Westwood played his part in keeping the scoresheet blank too.

Neither side will be too disappointed. Leeds stay just ahead of their neighbours, while

Wednesday’s impressive start to life under Garry Monk is still on track.

‘I feel proud of that performance,’ the Wednesday boss said. ‘Overall our performance warranted three points... especially in the second half we were so dominant.’

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa felt the result was fair but Monk added: ‘You won’t often see Leeds under that pressure... I thought that was a really good advert for the Championship.’

Monk is credited with laying the foundations for Leeds’ resurgence under Bielsa and this result means the 40-year-old has now lost just two of his nine games since taking over at Hillsborough.