An Alex Mowatt free kick has given Leeds United a half-time lead at home to Millwall in the Championship this afternoon.

The home side almost took the lead early on when Sam Byram's front-post volley flew inches past the post, as Leeds made a fast start in the opening stages.

Tall striker Stefan Maierhofer had Millwall's first effort on goal after 15 minutes, but he blasted the ball straight at Marco Silvestri after a quick break up-field.

The Lions grew in confidence and almost took the lead a couple of minutes later, as Jos Hooiveld's header from a corner flashed just over the bar.

Leeds got the breakthrough shortly before half time, as Mowatt's free kick took a deflection and gave David Forde no chance in the Millwall goal.

The goal breathed confidence into Leeds, who almost doubled their lead shortly after as Rudolph Austin's acrobatic effort was blocked by Forde on the goal line.