Goals from Richard Cresswell and skipper Paul Butler handed Leeds a hard-earned victory against Coca-Cola Championship rivals QPR.

Cresswell, a £1.15million signing from Preston last August, headed home after 39 minutes before Butler netted in the closing stages to continue United's promotion push.

The win takes Kevin Blackwell's side to within 11 points of second-placed Sheffield United, who do not not play until Monday.

Leeds' hopes of pipping Neil Warnock's men to a top-two finish remain unlikely but the prospect cannot be discounted.

Blackwell's men showed impressive character to grind out a victory against Ian Holloway's mid-table outfit, who, incredibly, had five players making their debuts.

Goalkeeper Phil Barnes lined up between the posts after being signed in an emergency loan deal from Sheffield United just hours before kick-off.

Defenders Keith Lowe and Marcin Kus were also handed debuts along with striker Leon Clarke while on-loan Blackburn left-back Andy Taylor made his first start for the club.

However, Leeds soon assumed control and began to force Rangers deep inside their own half.

Stephen Crainey lashed a vicious 25-yard effort over the bar before USA winger Eddie Lewis whipped in a dangerous cross which Lowe was forced to clear.

For all Leeds' inconsistencies away from home they have generally been solid at Elland Road and were aiming to extend their home winning streak to four matches.

Blackwell's side, who pilfered the points with a 1-0 victory at Loftus Road last September, began to dominate Rangers.

Midfielder Shaun Derry emerged as a key influence as Leeds controlled possession but struggled to penetrate a resolute Rangers rearguard.

Despite all the new faces in the visitors' side, they showed little signs of stage-fright and threatened to subject Leeds to an afternoon of frustration.

And they should have opened the scoring shortly before the half hour mark when Lee Cook volleyed over from six yards.

However, Leeds took advantage of Cook's profligacy after 39 minutes when Cresswell rose to connect with Lewis' left-wing cross and plant a firm header past Barnes for his seventh goal of the season.

Leeds continued to attack with purpose after the restart but were again left frustrated for long periods.

Lewis should have made it 2-0 shortly after the hour mark but could hit a right-foot shot wide of the target from 12 yards.

Blackwell's men came close again after 70 minutes when David Healy's header drew a fine save from Barnes.

But the points were secure six minutes from time when skipper Butler rose high from six yards to nod home another fine cross from Lewis.

Miller almost made it 3-0 in the closing stages but failed to control his 18-yard shot.

Teams

Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Gregan, Miller,Douglas, Derry, Healy (Blake 71), Lewis, Cresswell (Hulse 78).

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Pugh, Walton.

Booked: Derry, Kelly.

Goals: Cresswell 39, Butler 84.

QPR Barnes, Bignot, Shittu, Lowe, Ainsworth (Youssouf 66),Cook (Nygaard 66), Kus (Langley 87), Lomas, Moore, Taylor,Clarke.

Subs Not Used: Milanese, Donnelly.

Booked: Lomas.

Att: 21,807

Ref: P Walton (Northamptonshire).