Luke Varney scored the only goal of the game as Leeds United secured a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium in the Championship.

Brian McDermott's men got off to the ideal start, with Varney nodding home Luke Murphy's sixth-minute corner to give the visitors an early lead.

Manager Dougie Freedman sought an immediate response from his men and nearly found one through David N'Gog, but the Frenchman's effort whistled wide of the post.

The Whites could have doubled their advantage moments later, though, as Noel Hunt let fly from an acute angle but the Irishman's effort flew past the target.

Jay Spearing should have restored parity in the dying embers of the first half, but the former Liverpool midfielder saw his thumping effort from the edge of the area fly into row-z.

Varney came close to adding his and his team's second of the afternoon midway through the second half, but his left-footed effort was dealt with by goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.

Jermaine Beckford - a former Leeds favourite - and Michael Tonge both saw bids to level matters rebuffed by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

McDermott's charges, who have lost just once so far this season, pushed toward securing a second goal and almost had it through Murphy, but his effort fizzed over the woodwork.

However, N'Gog spurned arguably the opportunity of the game, expertly spinning his marker but the 24-year-old's finish did not match the skill shown to produce the chance.

Kenny produced a stunning save in the dying embers to secure his team the three points, tipping Darren Pratley's shot on to the post.