Leeds United 1 Reading 0 - Pablo Hernandez magic lifts Whites past Royals at Elland Road

Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday afternoon in the Championship thanks to a Pablo goal.

Marcelo Bielsa named the same starting line-up for the visit of the Royals following last week's 1-0 win over Bristol City.

The afternoon began with a flurry of half chances for the hosts as Patrick Bamford failed to get on the end of three crosses from Pablo Hernadez, Helder Costa and Jack Harrison.

Mark Bowen's men were holding their own in the middle as they looked dangerous on the counter attack with George Puscas testing the palms of Kiko Casilla from distance.

There was to be an early blow for the Whites as Kalvin Phillips was forced to leave the field after picking up a knock in a heavy challenge.

Bielsa's key midfielder was replaced by Gjanni Alioski in a defensive reshuffle as Ben White stepped into Phillips' vacant position.

As half-time loomed Leeds enjoyed three quick chances as Hernandez first fired wide before Costa broke free in the box to meet a Harrison cross.

Visiting skipper Liam Moore producing a stunning block to keep the score level as the ball flashed over the bar.

Luke Ayling drilled a volley over the woodwork after a short corner before Alioski forced Rafael Cabral into a low save as the whistle sounded.

United signalled their intentions immediately following the interval as Mateusz Klich fired a low drive wide of the mark.

Costa then did the same after the ball bounced around the Reading box before Leeds finally had their lead.

The Spaniard's trickery earned the hosts a deserved advantage as his initial shot was blocked.

Hernandez brought the rebound out of his feet and ghosted past the defence to prod home into the top corner with the help of a Cabral hand.

Ben White almost added a second from a corner but his shot smashed into Bamford as Puscas almost broke free at the other end but the forward was pressured into slicing over the bar by Ayling.

The Whites goalscorer fired a free-kick on goal which was met by the fists of the Royals stopper in what was his last action of the afternoon with Jamie Shackleton stepping off the bench.

Reading pushed on in search of a leveller and Casilla made a fine save at the death from Moore but United held firm to earn their second victory on home soil in seven days.

Leeds United: Casilla, Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips (Alioski 37), Klich, Harrison, Costa, Hernandez (Shackleton 85), Bamford. Subs: Meslier, Casey, Douglas, Shackleton, Roberts, Augustin.

Reading: Rafael, Yiadom, Moore, Morrison, Richards, Pele, Rinomhota, Swift (Adam 75), Olise, Meite, Puscas. Subs: Walker, Obita, Baldock, Araruna, Blackett, Adam, Osho.

Referee: J Gillett

Bookings: Ayling (Leeds) Meite, Swift (Reading)

Attendance: 35,483