LEEDS United need to wrap hotshot Jermaine Beckford in cotton wool if they are to push for a Coca-Cola League One play-off slot.

After missing six of the last eight games through injury, the striker came off the bench to make an instant impact with a couple of goals against high- flying Peterborough.

Those strikes paved the way for a crucial 3-1 win against a slick promotion-chasing Posh side in a thrilling encounter.

Both sides had produced some quality high-tempo football, yet as the game advanced towards the hour mark it was still goalless.

With Peterborough starting to assume control, Leeds boss Simon Grayson produced his trump card in the shape of Beckford, whose cutting edge has been badly missed recently.

Within minutes he won a free-kick on the edge of the box, which Bradley Johnson fired goalwards. ’Keeper Joe Lewis, who had been excellent in the first half, let the shot slip away from him and Beckford gobbled up the spare ball.

Ten minutes later, superb control and an exquisite pass by on-loan Lee Trundle sent Beckford in for his 21st goal of the season with a sublime finish.

Although Beckford was the executioner, it was the clever footwork and strength of Trundle that continually gave Posh’s defence a hard time. Grayson could well turn to the pairing to start tomorrow’s home game against Southend.

Flair player Trundle was not the only star on show. Andy Robinson was a real handful, midfielders Jonathan Douglas and Fabian Delph got through a mountain of work and Richard Naylor was strong at the heart of a much-improved defence.

With ten minutes to go George Boyd’s header came off the bar for Craig Mackail-Smith to slot home for Posh.

Leeds didn’t buckle and broke away in added on time for another sub, Jonny Howson, to wrap up back-to-back wins for the first time since October.

* United have cancelled Ian Westlake’s contract by mutual consent and the midfielder has joined Cheltenham until the end of the season.

Leeds: Ankergren, Hughes, Naylor, Marques, Dickinson, Robinson (Snodgrass 88), Douglas, Delph, Johnson, Becchio (Beckford 59), Trundle (Howson 80).

Subs (not used): Lucas, Michalik.

Peterborough: Lewis, Martin, Morgan, Zakuari, Lee, Whelpdale (Batt 90), Coutts, Keates, Boyd, Mackail-Smith, McLean.

Subs (not used): McKeown, Torres, Crofts, Blanchett.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).

Attendance: 22,966.