Brian Kidd was the toast of Leeds as the bitterness of just a few days ago gave way to celebratory relief as United finally won their first match since New Year's Day.

The thunderous cheer which echoed around Elland Road at the final whistle spoke volumes as Leeds banished their 2002 blues with a vital victory over an Ipswich side facing an end-of-season relegation battle.

It took a freak goal and a penalty to end the misery which Leeds have endured over the last two months just when it appeared as if their European hopes were going to be blown further off course by a gale-force wind at Elland Road.

Robbie Fowler's ninth goal for Leeds since his £11million move from Liverpool at the end of November is arguably the most important United have scored this season.

It arrived just 16 seconds into the second half and ended a wretched goal drought spanning 441 minutes, with Fowler the last to find the net for United in a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough on February 9.

Certainly the shouts and cries of joy which accompanied it were in stark contrast to the vitriol which had turned the air blue at Goodison Park on Sunday.

That was thankfully not in evidence during this game as the condemnation from boss David O'Leary, chairman Peter Ridsdale and all the players over the last few days had seemingly done its job.

Kidd was the subject of derogatory comments throughout the goalless draw against Everton, which led to O'Leary slamming the fans responsible as he was "disgusted" with their actions.

What followed was a unified front, initially led by Ridsdale who appealed to supporters at Goodison Park.

O'Leary then gave his full support for Kidd, followed by Leeds stars Rio Ferdinand, Nigel Martyn and Alan Smith on behalf of the rest of the squad.

Such unity was extended prior to kick-off, with supporters shaking hands with the 52-year-old as he made his way along the touchline to the Leeds bench.

As the players followed behind him, they were given a rousing reception, although what followed during a dismal first half was hardly the kind of rousing stuff all inside Elland Road had been desperately hoping for.

Sadly, the blustery conditions made the prospect of decent football a forlorn one, and it is not unkind to say the rubbish which gusted across the pitch resembled much of what was served up by both sides in that first period.

The best of the uninspiring action saw Town goalkeeper Andy Marshall produce a full-stretch save in tipping away an angled Gary Kelly drive, while Alun Armstrong flashed a header past the right-hand upright.

If the natives were getting restless during the interval, their nerves were eased moments after the restart when Fowler unleashed a speculative 22-yard shot.

Marshall looked to have it covered as he dived to palm the ball away, only to see it take a wicked bounce over his outstretched hands and into the net, sparking wild scenes of joy which included substitute Olivier Dacourt giving Kidd a hug.

With the wind at their backs Ipswich countered, with chances falling the way of Jim Magilton and Armstrong, but the luck was clearly with Leeds as firm drives were deflected narrowly wide.

Any anxiety which may have been building as the game headed towards its conclusion was cast aside in the 77th minute when Alan Smith was brought down by Marshall inside the area, although his fall was a touch theatrical.

Referee Dermot Gallagher was convinced and immediately pointed to the spot, which allowed Ian Harte to send the keeper the wrong way as he stroked the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

Harte then led a posse of players, including Gary Kelly and Harry Kewell, towards the dugout where they mobbed a delighted-looking Kidd in celebration.

Leeds will now hope to build on such a triumph, while for Ipswich, the closing weeks of the season appear fraught with danger as they suffered a third consecutive defeat, part as they face Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United in their last three games.

Teams

Leeds: Martyn, Kelly, Ferdinand, Matteo, Harte, Smith, Bakke, Batty, Kewell (Keane 80), Fowler, Viduka.

Subs Not Used: Robinson, Dacourt, Wilcox, Duberry.

Booked: Batty.

Goals: Fowler 46, Harte 78 pen.

Ipswich: Marshall, Wilnis, Hreidarsson, McGreal, Clapham, Venus, George (Tommy Miller 85), Holland, Magilton, Armstrong (Counago 79), Stewart (Marcus Bent 79).

Subs Not Used: Sereni, Bramble.

Booked: McGreal, Marshall, Wilnis.

Att: 39,414

Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).