Promotion-chasing Leeds United climbed to second in the Championship with a thrilling victory at Middlesbrough which ended their three-game winless run.
The home side took an early lead when Isaiah Jones tucked in a loose ball, but the Whites quickly levelled through Crysencio Summerville’s penalty after a clumsy foul by Anfernee Dijksteel on Georginio Rutter.
Leeds went in front just four minutes later when Patrick Bamford converted Junior Firpo’s wicked cross from the left-hand side, only for in-form Emmanuel Latte Lath to level for Boro with a thumping right-footed finish from 18 yards out.
Willy Gnonto finished well after being played in by Summerville to put Leeds 3-2 up at the break, although replays showed the Italy international had been offside when the pass was played.
Summerville, the Championship’s player of the season, looked to have put Leeds in the clear with a classy effort after being played in down the left and cutting back on to his right before Latte Lath’s tremendous looping header set up a tense final few minutes.
The three points move Leeds back up to second, although they have now played a game more than Ipswich.
Leaders Leicester would have been able to secure promotion to the Premier League with a win over Southampton on Tuesday had the Whites lost on Teesside.
Meanwhile, defeat for Michael Carrick’s men ended their nine-match unbeaten run and their faint hopes of reaching the play-offs.
