Two Jermaine Beckford goals fired Leeds United into fourth spot in League One after a 2-1 win against Swindon Town at Elland Road on Saturday.

Beckford struck either side of the interval as United moved to within two points of league leaders Carlisle United.

It was a deserved win for a United side who enjoyed the lions share of possession, and created the better chances, against a physical Swindon side.

The opening goal came on 31 minutes when Swindon skipper Hasney Aljofree handled a David Prutton cross, and Beckford made no mistake from the penalty spot.

United could have been ahead before the half-hour, though. Tresor Kandol had two headers well saved by Peter Brezovan, and the Swindon goalkeeper also made a terrific save to deny Jonny Howson with an effort from the edge of the box.

Jamie Clapham also went close when he had a shot blocked and Kandol headed wide after good work by Seb Carole on the left.

Beckford and Aljofree both went into the notebook early in the game - it was the United striker's fourth yellow card of the season - and the Swindon skipper could consider himself fortunate not to see red when he was penalised for a push on Beckford moments before the interval.

United were good value for the lead, but less than two minutes after the re-start Swindon were back on level terms. Simon Cox broke down the left and his cross found Lee Peacock who was well-placed to convert from close range.

That rocked United and after Beckford had a shot cleared off the line, Clapham was called upon to make a vital clearance at the other end.

But United were back in front on 56 minutes courtesy of a terrific goal. Howson, who was outstanding all afternoon, found Kandol, who in turn showed good control to feed Beckford, and the in-form marksman made no mistake as he rattled home his 10th goal of the season.

Boss Dennis Wise introduced Radostin Kishishev in place of Seb Carole on 61 minutes, and the Bulgarian was eased back into the action with his first appearance since returning on loan.

Swindon continued to put up a real fight as the game turned into a real battle - the visitors had six players booked in the second period - and they had the ball in the net with nine minutes remaining.

Substitute Barry Corr, a former Leeds youngster, forced Casper Ankergren into making a good parry, and the offside flag was raised as Cox bundled the ball home from close range.

There was little else in the way of entertainment as the clock ticked down, and the final whistle was greeted by the sight of a posse of Swindon players surrounding referee Lee Mason.

But it mattered little, as Wise's men took full advantage of results elsewhere to move to the highest position so far this season.

United: Ankergren, Richardson, Marques, Heath, Clapham, Prutton, Hughes, Howson, Carole (Kishishev 61), Kandol (De Vries 82), Beckford (Constantine 90). Subs: Huntington, Thompson. 

Swindon: Brezovan, Cox, Zaaboub, Ifil, Aljofree, Commings, Peacock, Easton (Corr 73), Pook, Paynter, Roberts (McGovern 82). Subs: Nicholas, Tozer, Scott. 

Referee: L Mason

Booked: Roberts, Easton, Commings, Aljofree, Pook, Paynter, Cox (Swindon), Beckford (United).

Att: 27,990

Catch the reaction on Saturday and highlights from Sunday on LUTV...