Roofe strikes to hand Leeds play-off advantage over Derby

Kemar Roofe finished off a fine team move to give Leeds United a narrow advantage in their play-off semi-final against Derby at Pride Park.

The narrative ahead of the game centred on ‘Spygate’, when Leeds were fined for watching Derby’s training session ahead of a meeting in January, but a potential penalty for the Rams and Mateusz Klich avoiding a red card for a headbutt wrote the headlines this time.

Leeds, who were without Pontus Jansson in defence, will have expected a strong start from Derby, and the hosts pressed with purpose early on. Chances were at a premium for both sides in the first half, but the hosts had the first sight of goal when David Nugent had a shot blocked after some great work by Harry Wilson.

Leeds picked up where they left off at the start of the second half and took the lead five minutes before the hour. Roofe added the finishing touch to a lovely pass from the left by Jack Harrison.

Harrison was involved in the most controversial moment of the game 13 minutes from time when he brought down Jayden Bogle in the box. Referee Craig Pawson appeared to give the penalty, but changed his mind after discussing with his linesman.

With two minutes of normal time remaining, Klich appeared to headbutt Tomori in the midriff and was lucky to only be booked. Leeds, though, return to Elland Road with a crucial advantage ahead of the return on Wednesday.

Derby were 1-0 going into the latter stages of the game, and they thought they had won a penalty when Bogle clashed with Harrison. It looked like a foul, which would have meant the Leeds man turning villain moments after setting up Roofe’s winner, but the linesman suggested referee Craig Pawson change his mind having pointed to the spot.

Not only did Roofe score the winner, but he led the line superbly well in the absence of the suspended Patrick Bamford. Leeds grabbed the initiative in this game fairly early on, and he helped give them that foothold with an impressive display.

33' - POSSIBLE CARD! Fikayo Tomori is lucky not to be carded for a tackle on Klich. His feet were off the ground and he certainly lunged.

55' - GOAL! Roofe. Kemar Roofe puts Leeds ahead with a tidy finish. Stunning pass from Harrison in the build up. 0-1 Leeds.

77' - NO PENALTY! Jack Harrison challenges Jayden Bogle and the referee gives a penalty but changes his mind on the advice of the linesman.

88' - POSSIBLE RED CARD! Klich booked for Leeds after a coming together with Tomori. He appeared to headbutt him and could have been sent off.

Derby: Roos 5, Malone 5, Keogh 5, Tomori 5, Bogle 5, Mount 5, Johnson 6, Wilson 7, Holmes 6, Lawrence 6, Nugent 5 Substitutes: Marriott 5, Bennett 5, Huddlestone n/a

Leeds: Casilla 6, Dallas 6, Cooper 6, Berardi 5, Ayling 5, Phillips 6, Harrison 7, Klich 5, Foreshaw n/a, Hernandez 5, Roofe 8 Substitutes: Shackleton 6, Clarke n/a

No player has more goals against a single opponent than Roofe, four in three games.

None of Roofe’s goals have been match-winning, only Sheffield United’s David McGoldrtick has more with 12

Leeds have won a playoff first leg for the first time since 1987

None of the last 17 teams to lose the home leg in the play-offs has progressed.