LEEDS are just a point off the automatic promotion places after Wilfried Gnonto's 48th-minute goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Friday night.

The Italy winger beat goalkeeper Max O'Leary with a clinical left-footed finish from 10 yards out after running on to a deflected long ball forward from Junior Firpo.

It was no more than Leeds deserved for an impressive display in a largely one-sided contest, with their hosts out of sorts and only able to create a few openings.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke brought Gnonto into his starting line up for the injured Dan James. and the visitors made a bright start.

They had the first effort on goal in the ninth minute when Joe Rodon fired over from a Glen Kamara pass.

At the other end, Nahki Wells had a low shot blocked after running on to a Cam Pring header.

Leeds had a great chance to take the lead after 13 minutes when Crysencio Summerville caught George Tanner in possession and raced clear down the middle only to shoot too close to O'Leary, who saved with a hand above his head.

O'Leary was in action again five minutes later parrying a Patrick Bamford shot from inside the box.

Summerville was next to try his luck, clearing the crossbar from another good shooting position.

Leeds were dominating and O'Leary denied them again after 34 minutes, blocking a close-range shot from Georginio Rutter out for a corner.

City were relieved to reach the interval on level terms, taking their time over throw-ins and set-pieces.

Leeds only needed to find an end product to their slick approach play, and they put that right immediately after the break with Gnonto's clinical finish.

It should have been 2-0 three minutes later as Summerville robbed Pring and raced through to feed Kamara, whose shot was deflected out for a corner with only O'Leary to beat.

O'Leary saved a low drive from the dangerous Summerville, but Leeds almost paid for not killing the game off in the 66th minute.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Crysencio Summerville's performance for Leeds had everything but a goal.Crysencio Summerville's performance for Leeds had everything but a goal. (Image: PA.)

Tommy Conway's pass found Bristol City substitute Anis Mehmeti and his shot almost squeezed under advancing goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Still Leeds squandered chances, the elusive Summerville firing wide after another penetrating break.

But there was little threat at the other end from a tired-looking Bristol City outfit and the final whistle brought scenes of celebration as the Leeds players saluted their large band of travelling fans.