Roofe strikes to give Leeds victory at Derby in playoff semifinal first leg

Football

Leeds United forward Kemar Roofe scored in the second half to seal a 1-0 victory at Derby County in the first leg of their Championship playoff semifinal on Saturday.

Roofe, who scored in both league clashes with Derby this season, collected a fine cross from winger Jack Harrison and tucked the ball past Derby goalkeeper Kelle Roos in the 55th minute.

It was the 15th goal of the season for Roofe, who could have doubled his team’s advantage only to be denied by Roos as Leeds came alive following a sedate opening period.

Derby were awarded a penalty after Harrison appeared to foul Jayden Bogle in the 77th minute, only for referee Craig Pawson to overturn his decision and award a free kick to the visitors after consulting a linesman.

Leeds held on as Derby struggled to create chances at home, failing to register an attempt on target. The teams meet at Elland Road in the second leg on Wednesday.

Aston Villa defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in the first leg of the other semifinal earlier on Saturday.

The finalists meet at Wembley on May 27 to decide who will join Norwich City and Sheffield United in the Premier League next season.

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