Barnsley 0 Leeds United 2: Whites cruise to overdue derby away win at Oakwell

ON TARGET: Samuel Saiz opened the scoring for Leeds in the first-half against Barnsley

LEEDS UNITED tasted victory on the road in Yorkshire for the first time in 2017 thanks to goals from Samuel Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski.

The duo struck in a first half that was totally dominated by the visitors. Barnsley improved marginally after the break but Thomas Christiansen’s still coasted to victory.

That Saiz and Alioski should get the goals was fitting, the pair having been part of a fine midfield display that left the home side chasing shadows.

After away defeats this year at Oakwell, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday, this was a welcome return to winning ways against White Rose opposition on the road - exactly 12 months since claiming a 2-1 triumph at Rotherham United.

Leeds went ahead on 23 minutes, Saiz being afforded the freedom of midfield to dart forward and drill a low shot that Adam Davies made a hash of trying to keep out.

United’s advantage was doubled on the stroke of half-time when Alioski collected a pass from Luke Ayling before curling an exquisite shot into the corner of the net.

As for Barnsley, it wasn’t until the introduction of Ryan Hedges from the bench that they posed a threat.

He provided a couple of crosses that simply begged to be converted but it was Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper who managed to beat the Reds to the ball.

TALKING POINT