Leeds United edged a point closer to chairman Ken Bates’ 90-point promotion target with a 2-2 home draw with Huddersfield Town in a vibrant West Yorkshire derby.

Both sides could make cases for victory but, overall, a scoring draw was probably the correct result in front of a near-37,000 crowd at Elland Road.

Leeds, with 46 points, are ahead of Bates’ schedule but cannot take anything for granted as the half way mark approaches.

United were gifted the opener when Terriers’ ’keeper Alex Smithes fumbled a weak Sam Vokes shot and Robert Snodgrass swept in the loose ball.

Although the Whites had chances to increase their lead the home defence looked flimsy in the absence of the organisation of Patrick Kisnorbo and Richard Naylor. It was no surprise when Leeds failed to deal with a cross and Lee Novak headed in the equaliser just after half-time.

Leeds, though, had the better chances before super-sub Max Gradel came on to restore the lead with a thumping angled drive.

Adventurous Town finished strongly, levelling once more when Leeds failed to deal with a routine cross and Alex Rhodes nodded in a second equaliser.

The visitors could have snatched all three points at the death, but Anthony Pilkington’s free-kick came off the bar to safety.

Leeds boss Simon Grayson is expected to ring the changes for tomorrow’s FA Cup replay against Kettering and he may be tempted to look at his defensive options.

Leeds United: Ankergren, Crowe, Michalik, Bromby, Capaldi, Howson, Doyle, Kilkenny (Gradel 62), Snodgrass (Ephraim 85), Vokes (Becchio 62), Beckford. Subs (not used): A Martin, Marques, Prutton, Grella.

Huddersfield Town: Smithies, Peltier, P Clarke, N Clarke, Skarz, Roberts, Collins, Kay, Pilkington, Novak, Rhodes (Robinson 88). Subs (not used): Glennon, Goodwin, Williams, Butler, Berrett, Ainsworth.

Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire).

Attendance: 36,723.