Giuseppe Bellusci scored a late equaliser to earn Leeds United a 1-1 draw in their Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in the Championship this afternoon.
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The home side made the stronger start to the match, with Tommaso Bianchi trying to set up Alex Mowatt only for Kieren Westwood to come off his line and claim the ball.
The Wednesday keeper was under pressure again early on as Mowatt played the ball through for Souleymane Doukara, but the striker fired wide.
Rodolph Austin was the only player to have a shot on target in the first half as he unleashed a powerful effort from 30 yards out, but once again Westwood was on hand to keep it out.
The best chance before the break fell to Stevie May, but the Scottish striker headed inches wide from a Chris Maguire cross to leave the sides level at half time.
The deadlock was broken less than 10 minutes into the second half as Maguire won the ball out wide before firing a low shot into the corner.
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Mirco Antenucci had a chance to get Leeds back on level terms just a couple of minutes later, but Westwood punched the ball clear.
The derby atmosphere built as the match went on, with the referee having to hand out a string of yellow cards in quick succession.
Austin wanted a penalty as the hosts continued to push to get back on level terms, as Jeremy Helan appeared to handle the ball, but with his hands by his side the referee was not interested in awarding the spot kick.
Leeds did manage to find an equaliser with just over 10 minutes to play as Giuseppe Bellusci half-volleyed the ball past Westwood after Gary Madine failed to clear from a Mowatt free kick.
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Madine had a chance to restore the visitors' lead in stoppage time, carving out space for a shot in the Leeds box, but his finish lacked power, leaving Marco Silvestri with a comfortable save.
The result leaves Leeds 11th in the table, while Sheffield Wednesday sit ninth ahead of this afternoon's matches.
Sian Cowper
