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Bamford at the double fires up Leeds’ promotion push

Patrick Bamford’s classy brace reignited Leeds’ automatic promotion charge in the Sky Bet Championship.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side returned to second spot with a 2-0 win at 10-man Preston after Saturday’s defeat at Birmingham and now sit two points ahead of third-placed Sheffield United.

The Blades travel to Birmingham on Wednesday, while leaders Norwich – who are five points clear of Leeds with a game in hand – host Reading.

Bamford’s header from 12 yards sealed the points for Leeds with 14 minutes remaining.

Joe Rothwell’s first Blackburn goal helped Rovers to a 2-0 win over Derby and dent the Rams’ promotion charge.

Middlesbrough cashed in to leapfrog them in the table and stay in touch with the top six as Ashley Fletcher’s brace secured a 2-0 win at Bolton.

Tony Pulis’ side are two points behind Aston Villa, playing a game more, while Bolton remain second bottom, eight points from safety with five games left.

The Owls ran out 3-0 winners, with Marco Matias’ brace and George Boyd’s strike after the break further damaging Forest’s own top-six challenge.

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