TEENAGER Jonny Howson had his boss Dennis Wise purring after Leeds United's 2-1 home win over Swindon moved them up to fourth in League One.

Wise hailed the 19-year-old's display as "outstanding" in a victory which took the Whites to within two points of the summit.

A swirling wind made life difficult for both sides, but Howson was the orchestrator of most of United's play with his portfolio of varied passing allied to high-octane work-rate and some steel-like tackling which was required against the visitors' physical approach.

"Jonny Howson was outstanding. He's had to wait a bit for his chance, but I told him it would come and he has taken his opportunity," said Wise.

The midfielder, making only his second league start this season, inevitably had a hand in United's spectacular winner. His inch-perfect crossfield pass picked out Tresor Kandol, who neatly slipped in strike partner Jermaine Beckford, who smashed home his tenth goal of the campaign.

Beckford had given Leeds the lead from the penalty spot after Hasney Aljofree handled a David Prutton cross, but Swindon drew level a minute after half-time when the home defence switched off and Lee Peacock bundled in a cross from the right.

Leeds found the perfect response with Beckford's superb strike nine minutes later and shaded victory against the Robins, who had a late equaliser by Simon Cox disallowed.

Swindon boss Paul Sturrock was unhappy ref Lee Mason dished out seven yellow cards to his men.

Leeds United: Angergren, Richardson, Marques, Heath, Clapham, Prutton, Howson, Hughes, Carole (Kishishev 61), Kandol (De Vries 82), Beckford (Constantine 89).

Swindon Town: Brezovan, Zaboub, Ifil, Aljofree, Comminges, Roberts (McGovern 82), Easton (Corr 73), Pook, Peacock, Cox, Paynter.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

Attendance: 27,990.