Leeds United's hard fought victory over Millwall at the New Den yesterday pushed the club closer to clinching the final all-important play-off place. Goals from David Prutton and Andy Hughes gave the Whites their 25th league win of the season, and showed that the players at least are totally focused with matters on the pitch.
Gary McAllister's side have now collected four wins from their last five matches, a sequence which has seen them play just one of those games at Elland Road. Leeds can confirm their place in the play-offs with a win at Yeovil Town on Friday evening. There would then be a real possibility that one of the clubs strangest ever seasons could end at Wembley.
Leeds born midfielder Jonny Howson, a key part of the new boss's side, believes the players now have the confidence to go all the way. 'It's been a crazy old season and it would be nice for me, but I'm not going to think about it too much until we get there,' he said. 'Our aim is to get out of this division no matter what and the more games we're winning the more you can see the team growing in confidence. When you aren't winning, you don't believe. You might not make a pass like you know you can and play safe instead. When you do get a few wins, you go to play the difficult passes and they come off. It is all about confidence. We had our bad patch just after Christmas and now we're coming into form. We're performing like we know we can.'
Even making the play-offs will be a phenomenal achievement considering that the club began the season 15 points adrift at the foot of the League One table. Should the arbitration decision go against Leeds there would be no sweeter moment than achieving promotion on one of the biggest stages in world football. The Football League gave United a mountain to climb the size of Everest, yet now the summit is very clearly in sight.
