Beckford had not scored from open play for more than two months, but showed his pace and cool finishing skills in twice racing clear to finish past keeper Clayton Ince.

Leeds dominated throughout, aside from a 10 minute spell early in the second half, and with more luck in front of goal would have won by a much bigger margin against a side that started the day in seventh position in League One.

The win lifted the Whites above Walsall and they are now only two points behind fifth-placed Southend.

Delighted manager Gary McAllister said "I thought we played really well. We knew Walsall would come here and try to frustrate, but we managed to overcome this.

"This was a massive win. It's all about character between now and the end of the season and I'm backing my players to come good."


Match facts
Leeds United 2
(Beckford 29, 80)
Walsall 0
Saturday, March 22, 2008
League One
Att: 19,095
Leeds (4-4-2): Ankergren; Kenton, Michalik, Marques, Sheehan; Kilkenny, Prutton, Howson, Johnson (Douglas 82); Beckford, Freedman (Kandol 90).
Walsall (4-5-1): Ince; Weston, Roper, Gerrard, Boertien; Betsy, Dobson, Sonko, Wrack (Bradley 63), Holmes; Mooney (Moore 78).
Referee: Andy D'Urso
United MOM: Jermaine Beckford