Championship: Doncaster Rovers 0 Leeds United 3

Leeds United moved into the Championship’s playoff places after coasting past local rivals Doncaster Rovers 3-0 on Friday.

Goals from Danny Pugh, Ross McCormack and Tom Lees at Keepmoat Stadium propelled United to their fifth win of the season, ensuring Simon Grayson’s men are now undefeated in four matches.

On-loan Stoke City utility Pugh – in his second spell at the club – prodded home from a Robert Snodgrass corner on 20 minutes to hand Leeds a sound start, though they had to wait until the 51st minute to double their advantage.

It came from the boot of striker Ross McCormack, who made up for a poor first touch from Snodgrass’ pass to volley acrobatically over his head and past Doncaster goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Coming against a club at which he spent a short loan spell from Rangers in 2005/06, it was McCormack’s eighth goal in nine Championship matches and the perfect response after being overlooked for Scotland’s Euro 2012 qualifiers last week.

Defender Tom Lees – a product of Leeds’ youth academy – then added a third 13 minutes later to wrap up the win, ensuring Dean Saunders fell to his first loss as Doncaster manager since taking over on September 23 after the sacking of Sean O’Driscoll.