Ampadu happy to grind it out as Leeds go second with Sheff Wed win

Leeds defender Ethan Ampadu is happy to keep grinding out victories after his side moved second in the Championship table by beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough.

Patrick Bamford and Willy Gnonto were on the scoresheet either side of half-time as Daniel Farke's visitors secured victory, despite having to ride waves of Wednesday pressure.

And after moving into the automatic promotion positions ahead of their rivals' matches this weekend, Ampadu insists the result is the most important thing at this stage of the season.

He told Sky Sports: "They [Sheffield Wednesday] have been on fire so we knew it was going to be a tough game.

"Obviously it being a local derby on a Friday night added a bit of spice.

"There have been lots of games over the last few weeks and we just wanted to grind out the result. That's what we did today.

"We have to take some belief now that we can achieve what we want to achieve."

Ampadu started the season at the base of Daniel Farke's midfield but has recently been deployed in an all-Welsh centre-back pairing with Joe Rodon.

And after conceding just three goals in their last 12 matches, Rodon believes Leeds' entire defensive unit deserves credit.

He said: "Obviously we play for the national team together so it's always going to be a bit more comfortable.

"But it's not just me and Ethan. The whole defence have been brilliant all season and long may that continue."

Player of the match Ampadu added: "You can see the way Georginio [Rutter] is working backwards, winning the ball and sending off counter-attacks.

"Everyone's buying into it."

Leeds have a nine-day break before their next match, a home game with Millwall next Sunday.