Staff Reporter.
Photo Credit:Mike Egerton.
Leeds United are on the brink of promotion to the Premier League after thumping Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road.
The Whites’ place in the top flight now looks inevitable and will be confirmed later on Monday if Sheffield United fail to beat second-placed Burnley.
The hosts made an electric start at a buoyant Elland Road as Joel Piroe scored twice in the first eight minutes after poor defensive play from the visitors.
Things went from bad to worse for the Potters when the Dutchman, the league’s top scorer, completed his treble from close range, before Junior Firpo bundled in a fourth and Piroe made it 5-0 at half-time.
The pace predictably dropped off after the interval but Willy Gnonto headed in the sixth from Manor Solomon’s whipped cross from the left.
Stoke arrived at Elland Road unbeaten in five but this damaging defeat means they could yet get dragged back into relegation trouble.