Tranmere 1 Leeds 4

 Two-goal Jermaine Beckford was outstanding as Leeds cut Norwich City’s lead in League One to four points.

Simon Grayson’s men comfortably won their game in hand at Prenton Park and recorded their first away league victory of 2010. Equally important, they opened a five point gap on third-placed Charlton.

Beckford scored his first goal from the penalty spot in the first half and his second was a superb individual effort on 65 minutes as he took his season’s haul to 27.

Robert Snodgrass and Luciano Becchio also scored first-half goals for United, John Welsh netting Tranmere’s consolation.

Leeds skipper Richard Naylor returned in place of Leigh Bromby, who dropped to the bench.

The game was only nine minutes old when Tranmere failed to defend a free-kick from Snodgrass and the ball flew directly into the net from the Scottish winger.

Seven minutes later Leeds were two up when Beckford’s pass found Gary McSheffrey, who was brought down inside the box. Beckford struck the penalty into the corner of the net to bring United’s leading scorer his 26th goal of the season and his second in as many games.

Tranmere needed a swift answer and it came three minutes later when Luke O’Neill had a shot well saved by Casper Ankergren and the home side took a short corner. The ball was played into the centre and Welsh was first to react, giving Ankergren no chance.

The entertainment continued as Leeds restored their two-goal advantage in the 34th minute. Neat midfield play by Jonny Howson enabled Beckford to cross for Becchio to score with a header as Leeds grabbed three first-half goals for the first time since their 3-2 victory at Crewe a year ago.

Leeds continued to look calm and assured after the break, with Beckford especially showing some clever touches. He wasn’t far wide with a speculative drive but his second goal and Leeds’ fourth soon arrived as he latched on to a long ball and judged a lob over keeper Luke Daniels to perfection.

He was only denied his hat-trick by a smart save from Daniels after Becchio’s inventive back-heel.

Leeds go to Southampton on Saturday with their confidence restored and 11 matches left in the quest for automatic promotion.