BRIDGES CLOSES GAP AT TOP

A BRACE from Michael Bridges gave Leeds a 2-1 victory over local rivals Bradford City on Sunday afternoon that keeps their Premiership title hopes alive.

Leeds` win, that moves them within four points of leaders Manchester United, was hard-earned as Paul Jewell`s side severely tested The Whites especially in the final quarter of an hour after Beagrie reduced the arrears by firing home a brilliant strike.

Bridges opened the scoring after 12 minutes when he deflected Jason Wilcox`s free kick home from close range, and the former Sunderland man doubled the lead 19 minutes into the second half when he slammed home from inside the six-yard box after Alan Smith`s square ball.

The home side may feel a little agrieved to get nothing from a game they were always competitive in, as Beagrie`s vicious, swerving twenty-five yard strike proved to be just a consolation.

Ciaran Baynes