Leeds Utd 2 Norwich City 2: Yorkshire yips slow the Leeds charge
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Your support makes all the difference.The promotion yips are sweeping Yorkshire. Leeds belatedly caught a dose of the jitters that have been casting a shadow over Sheffield United's hopes of automatic elevation to the Premiership.
A stunning stoppage-time free-kick from Eddie Lewis stretched Leeds' unbeaten run to nine, after Gary Doherty had unwisely climbed all over Paul Butler 25 yards from goal. And the point cuts second-placed Sheffield's advantage to five, having played a game more, ahead of the neighbours' meeting at Bramall Lane next month.
"It looked like it was slipping away so it's a great point," said Leeds' assistant manager Sam Ellis. "We're a point nearer and promotion's in our own hands for the first time since September." But as news filtered through from the Ricoh Arena of the Blades' latest demise, Leeds were left to rue their inability to build on the impetus of an early lead as Norwich fought back and deservedly denied them a seventh consecutive Championship home victory.
A routine home win looked on the cards when Rob Hulse poked home to break the deadlock from close range on 20 minutes, a benefactor of a sublime turn from Lewis.
Norwich levelled 12 minutes after the break. Andy Hughes made the most of some awful marking to take Simon Charlton's lofted pass into his stride as he progressed into the box, scoring via deflections from the goalkeeper Neil Sullivan, the defender Paul Butler and a post.
A first away victory of the year looked a distinct possibility when Norwich struck again 15 minutes from time. Darren Huckerby swung over a cross from the left, and Paul McVeigh did the rest with a confident side-foot finish into the bottom corner.
Norwich retain play-off hopes, and they can do Leeds a favour when they face Sheffield United next up. "There's always a chance while it's mathematically possible," said their manager, Nigel Worthington.
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