IT WAS not so long ago that Leeds United were 17 points behind Sheffield United, so the fact they are now five behind with a game in hand should be cause for celebration. But it took an stoppage time free-kick by Eddie Lewis for United to rescue a point from a match they looked to have lost.

Given they still retain slim hopes of reaching the playoffs, City’s decision to start with one up front appeared cautious. Leeds midfielders Liam Miller and Jonathan Douglas pushed forward at will, and strikers Rob Hulse and Robbie Blake saw plenty of early ball. Blake wasted a chance in the 12th minute, but minutes later won possession on the right side of the Norwich area, cutting back and chipping a left foot cross towards Lewis. The American flicked it over his shoulder, turned and mishit his subsequent attempted volley, only to see the ball bobble straight to Hulse, who poked it past Robert Green.

Leeds began to sit back and shortly before the hour City levelled. Simon Charlton’s long diagonal ball found Andy Hughes running into space and the midfielder had time to shoot home.

Leeds were caught again when Huckerby found Paul McVeigh and his shot crept past Neil Sullivan. That looked to be it until with the clock showing 90 minutes, Gary Doherty fouled Paul Butler, and from 25 yards Lewis curled the ball past Green and inside his left post.

Star Man: Andy Hughes (Norwich)

Player ratings. Leeds: Sullivan 6, Kelly 5, Butler 6, Gregan 6, Crainey 5, Douglas 6, Derry 6, Miller 7(Bakke 78min, 5), Lewis 7, Hulse 7, Blake 5 (Healy 68min, 5)

Norwich: Green 5, Fleming 5, Doherty 6, Shackell 6, Drury 5, McVeigh 6, Hughes 8, Robinson 5, Charlton 7 (Safri 83min, 5), Huckerby 7 (Earnshaw 90min, 5), McKenzie 6 (Johansson 85min, 5)

Scorers: Leeds: Hulse 20, Lewis 90

Norwich: Hughes 57, McVeigh 75

Referee: C Foy Attendance: 24,993

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