Swansea City 3 Leeds United 2: Ten-man Swansea stifle Leeds to sail five points clear

Swansea opened up a five-point lead at the top of League One after this thrilling defeat of Leeds on Saturday. Victory for the visitors would have seen them reclaim top spot but they were beaten despite playing the second half with a man more.

Andy Robinson opened the scoring, Jermaine Beckford levelled and Garry Monk made it 2-1 to the home side before Ferrie Bodde was sent off. Jason Scotland made it 3-1 in first-half stoppage-time, but Leeds were only able to respond with an Alan Thompson free-kick in the first minute of the second half.

"We worked together and rose to the occasion," said the Swansea manager, Roberto Martinez. "If we continue to show such character we won't go far wrong. We kept our heads. I was very proud of my players as they battled for every ball."

Swansea took an eighth-minute lead when Robinson curled home a fine free-kick after being fouled by Thompson. Leeds though were level within four minutes when Beckford, who has 15 goals this season, turned and smashed home from six yards.

Swansea were back in front in the 22nd minute when Monk headed home a Paul Anderson corner. Bodde was sent off in the 38th minute for a rash challenge on Jonathan Howson, but it was Swansea who scored the next goal when Scotland latched on to Anderson's through pass and calmly stroked the ball home.

Leeds then scored early in the second half with a stunning Thompson strike from a free-kick after Monk had fouled the striker, Tresor Kandol. Leeds then threw everything at Swansea as the clock ticked down but the 10 men were able to hang on and pick up a valuable win.

Goals: Robinson (9) 1-0; Beckford (12) 1-1; Monk (23) 2-1; Scotland (45) 3-1; Thompson (46) 3-2.

Swansea City (4-3-3): De Vries; Rangel, Lawrence, Monk, Painter; Anderson (Tate, 84), Britton, Pratley; Robinson (Butler, 74), Bodde, Scotland (Bauza, 69). Substitutes not used: Orlandi, Duffy.

Leeds United (4-4-2): Ankergren; Richardson, Marques, Heath, Howson (Prutton, 40); Hughes, Thompson, Westlake (Flo, 68), Carole (Weston, 77); Kandol, Beckford. Substitutes not used: Huntington, Kishishev.

Referee: A Marriner (West Midlands).

Booked: Swansea Monk, Rangel. Leeds Hughes, Heath, Westlake.

Sent-off: Bodde (38).

Attendance: 19,010.