A second-half Luciano Becchio penalty gave Leeds United a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers in the Championship clash at Elland Road this afternoon.

Leeds had the first effort of the game after 12 minutes from a Rodolph Austin free kick, which was fired towards goal from 35 yards and deflected just wide.

Bolton had a chance three minutes later through Darren Pratley, though he was unable to hit the target.

The away side almost took the lead after 21 minutes when Kevin Davies played Chris Eagles in on goal, though the final effort went inches wide of the post.

Eagles came close again for Dougie Freedman's side, firing an effort on goal from 30 yards, though Paddy Kenny flew across his goal to palm away

Marcos Alonso had the first meaningful effort of the second half when he drove forward and shot narrowly over the bar on 51 minutes.

Leeds were awarded a penalty on 64 minutes when Tyrone Mears brought Ross McCormack down in the area. Luciano Becchio stepped up and sent Adam Bogdan the wrong way to make it 1-0.

David Ngog had a great chance to equalise after Davies pulled the ball back into his path, but the forward hit his shot well over the bar.

Bolton players appealed for a penalty on 85 minutes after Alan Tate appeared to lunge at Ngog, though the referee waved away the claims.