Crystal Palace gave themselves a real opportunity of joining the race for automatic promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship with a deserved victory over promotion rivals Leeds at Elland Road.

Leeds started the game with the prospect of moving within one point of faltering Sheffield United, who occupy second spot but this defeat means they remain fourth following Watford's victory on Monday night.

Jobi McAnuff scored the all-important goal two minutes from half-time to inflict on the hosts only their second defeat in 16 games - and move Palace to within eight points of the Blades.

Striker Andrew Johnson was the provider as he calmly laid the ball off to McAnuff 12 yards out and the midfielder beat goalkeeper Neil Sullivan with a low shot just two minutes from half-time.

Although Leeds poured forward in the second half they only created one clear cut chance when Rob Hulse's point-blank header was parried by Palace keeper Gabor Kiraly.

The half-time lead was no more than the Eagles deserved after they created three clear-cut chances with Johnson twice and Fitz Hall failing to take advantage with the England striker causing constant problems.

Both sides signalled their attacking intent from the start with Shaun Derry influential in midfield for the hosts, winning the ball in uncompromising fashion and providing the platform for attacks while attempting to disrupt the visitors' forays forward.

Although it was Leeds who initially showed the greater urgency and cohesion, Palace had a clear-cut chance to take the lead in the fourth minute.

McAnuff played the ball through to Clinton Morrison in the penalty area and the former Birmingham striker threaded it to Johnson who spun and shot at Neil Sullivan from six yards but the ball hit the keeper's legs and Morrison could not capitalise.

The game was swinging from end to end and Johnson got ahead of his marker but he sent his shot skidding across goal and wide from an acute angle.

Midway through the half Leeds came close to taking the lead when Eddie Lewis' corner was cleared only as far as Kelly, who sent in a fierce shot from outside the area which was tipped wide with Kiraly beaten.

However, the home side were grateful when Fitz Hall managed to steer the ball wide from two yards with Sullivan on the ground after the keeper parried Mikele Leigertwood's long-range shot.

Douglas sent a low ball in across the area but a Palace leg cleared the danger and McAnuff took advantage of Johnson's unselfishness to put the Eagles ahead.

The second half started at the same frantic pace as the first with Lewis putting a free-kick narrowly wide as Leeds harried the Palace defence into making mistakes.

The visitors, however, were showing more quality and composure with Leeds' urgency often displaying itself as panic and they were let down by the final ball.

But the home side were almost level when Rob Hulse's point-blank header from Lewis' free-kick was somehow pushed away by Kiraly in the 68th minute.

Leeds were pouring forward and Kiraly had to be alert to intercept a teasing cross with Hulse hovering before substitute Robbie Blake - who had replaced David Healy - skipped past his man into the box before shooting narrowly side.

Jermaine Beckford came on to make his debut and with four minutes the former Wealdstone player appeared to be poised to level the scores when he was unmarked six yards out - but the offside flag was raised as he slipped the ball wide.

Leeds continued to attack without seriously threatening the Palace goal and they slipped to defeat to leave them with only two points from the last nine available.

Teams:

Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon,Crainey (Beckford 77), Miller, Douglas (Bakke 85), Derry,Lewis, Healy (Blake 62), Hulse.

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Moore.

Booked: Kilgallon, Kelly.

Crystal Palace Kiraly, Boyce, Ward, Fitz Hall, Leigertwood,Riihilahti, Watson, Hughes, McAnuff (Reich 90), Johnson,Morrison (Soares 74).

Subs Not Used: Popovic, Freedman, Speroni.

Booked: Hughes.

Goals: McAnuff 43.

Att: 24,507

Ref: P Joslin (Nottinghamshire).