Leeds United 0 Fulham 1

LEEDS slumped to their second loss in a row, rendering their fine 2-0 win over Derby a fortnight ago a distant memory.

And while defeat was Neil Redfearn's first at Elland Road as manager, the ongoing situation with soon-to-be-banned owner Massimo Cellino means a dark mood lingers over the club.

"I'm disappointed with the result and for the first time today, at home, we lacked that conviction and that devil," he said.

"I thought our passing was a little bit tatty and we left ourselves open on the counter-attack.

"We got ourselves to that stage where we had some momentum at home but I thought we looked tentative in and around the box; the final pass didn't quite happen and when it did we didn't have someone in the box."

Leeds are 19th in the table and Redfearn – who took over at the start of November – feels any defeats on his watch carry extra weight.

"Whatever headway you make, when you do get a blip it magnifies the defeat. But we have made it better and are playing better," he said.

Fulham and Hugo Rodallega are crazy in love and manager Kit Symons is delighted to see his striker back on the goal trail.

The Colombian put away his ninth of the season at Elland Road – outshining expensive sidekick Ross McCormack, who was back in Yorkshire for the first time since his £11million transfer.

Rodallega scored just two league goals as Fulham dropped out of the Premier League but is back on his game now and boss Symons is thrilled with the 29-year-old.

"Confidence is a huge thing in football, especially with strikers more than anyone," Symons said.

"Hugo is really enjoying his football, he's a lovely lad, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he needs to be happy and loved. He's all that at Fulham and we are loving him scoring the goals for us."

Rodallega struck on the hour, a rare moment of note in a dull game which Fulham edged by staying resolute at the back and taking their clearest chance.

It was a far cry from their 5-0 home loss to Watford last weekend and Symons was quick to praise their resolve.

"Leeds have a great home record under (manager) Neil (Redfearn), (we) knew it would be a tough game and I'm delighted with the result," Symons said after watching his side keep a first clean sheet in two months.

"It was very important after getting battered 5-0 by Watford. It was important we tightened up, that was exactly what we did and we were excellent.

"Leeds have a fantastic home record, we knew it would be difficult. The Watford defeat hurt and I'm glad it did because what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."