Doncaster 0, Leeds 3

Leeds swept into the top six in the npower Championship with their first away win of the season as Doncaster suffered a first defeat under Dean Saunders.

Danny Pugh volleyed his second goal in successive games, leading goal-scorer Ross McCormack struck with a brilliant overhead kick early in the second period and Tom Lees headed home in the 63rd minute.

Saunders had registered two wins and a draw since replacing Sean O’Driscoll at the Keepmoat Stadium but his side were no match for fast-improving Leeds, who climbed to fifth place after stretching their unbeaten league run to five games.

Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, on loan from Wigan, and West Ham defender Herita Ilunga made their debuts for Doncaster, while a third new signing, Pascal Chimbonda, started on the bench.

Leeds were unchanged from the side that beat Portsmouth in their last match, with Finland internationals Mikael Forssell and Mika Vayrynen – as well as Luciano Becchio – named among the substitutes.

Rovers threatened first after a cagey opening, Jon Parkin’s low shot forcing a sprawling save from Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

Leeds responded with a swift counterattack but Robert Snodgrass’s driven cross was steered wide by McCor-mack.

Leeds soon began to boss possession and were rewarded with the breakthrough in the 20th minute when Pugh volleyed home direct from a Snodgrass corner.

The hosts were finding it difficult to get a foothold in the game and James Coppinger was booked by referee Kevin Friend after taking his frustrations out on Leeds midfielder Adam Clayton.

Leeds sprayed the ball about with growing confidence after the restart and a moment of individual brilliance from McCormack doubled their lead in the 51st minute.

The Scot flicked the ball over his marker in the area and, with his back to goal, sent an overhead kick into Kirkland’s top right-hand corner for his tenth goal in 13 appearances this season.

Saunders replaced Coppinger with Kyle Bennett in the 61st minute but two minutes later Lees’ header from another Snodgrass corner put the result beyond doubt.

Lonergan was replaced by Paul Rachubka in the closing stages after dislocating a finger and Andy Keogh struck the crossbar for Leeds with seven minutes left.