Leeds beat Millwall to take top spot in Championship

Leeds moved to the top of the Championship for the first time this season as goals from Willy Gnonto and Dan James earned a 2-0 win against Millwall on Sunday.

Gnonto's superb opener broke the deadlock in the first half at Elland Road.

James added the second with 11 minutes left to lift Leeds above Leicester on goal difference as the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League heats up.

Leeds extended their unbeaten league run at Elland Road this season to 19 matches and are now undefeated in 13 league games this year.

Daniel Farke's side, one point above third-placed Ipswich, have 12 wins in that 13-game period as they bid to make amends for last season's relegation from the top-flight.

Millwall had dropped only two points in four matches since Neil Harris returned for his second spell in charge last month.

The Lions competed hard but were eventually outclassed, even if they felt Gnonto was fortunate to escape with only a booking after tangling with Jake Cooper in the first half.

Gnonto emerged from that scrap to notch the opening goal in the 33rd minute.

The Italy forward collected Georginio Rutter's lay-off on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a shot which arced away from Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.

Cooper was lucky to avoid a second yellow card, first when he appeared to catch Rutter with his elbow and then when he clattered into Joe Rodon in the Millwall box.

Leeds maintained the pressure after the restart and Sarkic repelled Rutter's effort and then pushed the Frenchman's follow-up on to a post.

Millwall nearly levelled against the run of play when Cooper's hooked effort from a corner flew narrowly wide, while Lions striker Michael Obafemi scooped over after a dangerous run.

But James struck in the 79th minute, picking his spot from close-range after Rutter prised open the Millwall defence.