In a bruising, physical battle it was the Whites that deservedly took all three points thanks to two more goals from striker Jermaine Beckford, who took his tally up to 24 for the season.

Manager Simon Grayson was also delighted that Leeds kept a clean sheet with a new-look back four of Leigh Bromby and Australian Lowry either side of big centre-backs Richard Naylor and Lubo Michalik.

It was one of the tallest defensive line-ups United have ever selected and it worked perfectly to combat the aerial threat of long ball merchants Colchester, who only managed one shot on target all game.

It took Leeds a while to establish control with the ball spending so much time in the air, but after Beckford went close twice, Michael Doyle saw a shot saved by keeper Ben Williams and Robert Snodgrass saw an effort cleared by a defender they went ahead.

Beckford struck from the penalty spot in the 37th minute after strike partner Luciano Becchio was brought down in the box by Kemal Izzet following an excellent move.

McSheffrey was denied by a good save from Williams just before half-time and Leeds remained in control after the break with a Beckford effort tipped wide by the keeper and another McSheffrey shot goalbound only to appear to hit Beckford on the way.

A second goal looked inevitable and it came when Jonny Howson made a clever run into the box and was found by a smart Snodgrass pass. The Morley midfielder's deflected shot struck the post, but rebounded to Beckford, who managed the bundle the ball over the line despite stumbling.

Beckford had the ball in the net a third time only to be ruled offside and was denied a second penalty chance despite Becchio being flattened in the box from a corner.

Leeds continued to dominate and were unlucky when substitute Max Gradel was put clear by Beckford and saw his shot well saved by Williams. From the resulting corner Bromby then saw his header crash to safety off the crossbar.

Manager Grayson was right to say after the game that his side could have won by more goals and he was pleased with the attitude shown by the players after the midweek setback at Swindon. Opponents Colchester, with their big physical presence, made it hard, but the Whites responded well and will be hoping they are back on track after a January wobble.

With Charlton only drawing at home to Tranmere, Leeds have now pulled five points clear of the third-placed team with one game still in hand and they are 11 points ahead of Colchester.

Match facts
Leeds United 2
(Beckford 37, pen, 55)
Colchester United 0
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Coca-Cola League One
Att: 23,425
Leeds: Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor, Michalik, Lowry (Johnson 71), Snodgrass, Howson, Doyle, McSheffrey (Gradel 82), Becchio, Beckford.
Colchester: Williams, White, Heath, Okuonghae, Tierney, Ifill (Odejayi 56), Izzet, O'Toole, Wordsworth, Platt (Gillespie 73), Lisbie (Elito 79).
Referee: K Woolmer.