Farke’s side were controversially knocked out in a goalless draw with old club in the first leg of the play-offs

DANIEL FARKE will be the happier manager with Leeds pipping his former club Norwich back to even the Elland Road honours.

This play-off semi-final started at a frenetic pace with the Canaries largely dominating, but Leeds pulled the plug and comfortably kept their opponents at bay.

And controversially, Leeds had a Junior Firpo goal ruled out for offside.

Many thought this was Norwich’s best chance of getting a result against Leeds – going into the game unbeaten at home in 16 games.

But with one of the league’s worst away records, Leeds are now favorites to take things to Elland Road on Thursday night.

Norwich came out like an express train.

Marcelino Nunez almost put it past Illan Meslier after a clever pass from Shane Duffy, but the Leeds keeper won the race.

Leeds were appealing for a penalty when Wilfried Gnonto went down following a challenge from Borja Sainz – but referee Josh Smith waved it off.

Gnonto put a great ball on the plate for Georginio Rutter but he shot it out of the air and the danger was cleared.

Norwich went close when Jack Stacey accelerated down the right and Josh Sargent failed to get a decent touch on his inch-perfect cross.

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Nunez fired a speculative effort from the edge of the box that flashed wide.

And when Gnonto charged forward at the Norwich defence, Nunez produced a superb last-minute tackle.

Leeds thought they had moved into a lead on 30 minutes when Duffy’s weak back pass was flicked on by Firpo, who slotted the ball home.

However, the assistant had the flag up.

TV replays made it clear that Rutter, who was initially flagged for offside in the lead, was in fact in the game.

Stacey had a fantastic game on the right for the Canaries. He was a constant threat going forward and also pressed Leeds to prevent them from building attacks.

But the visitors began to dominate possession as the sweltering conditions began to take their toll on the hosts, who came out guns blazing.

Gnonto was booked for sarcastically applauding the referee and had to go to the ropes after the break.

Leave for Elland Road

Duffy entered the book after going behind the back of Crysencio Summerville.

Kenny McLean produced a beautiful pull-back for Gabriel Sara, which went inches wide of the left-hand post.

Summerville managed to find space on the left edge of the Norwich box and saw an angled effort saved by Angus Gunn.

Sam Byram then hit the air from 16 yards when he was set up by Archie Gray.

Gnonto needed lengthy treatment to dress a head wound after being caught by Sainz in a 50-50. There was nothing malicious, so the Norwich ace avoided a yellow card.

Christin Fassnacht missed a great chance for Norwich after Sargent put the ball into his path.

The Canaries ace failed to make any contact as the ball bounced in front of him.

David Wagner had a shot with eight minutes remaining when Sargent tripped and on came Sydney Van Hooijdonk – the son of former Nottingham Forest and Celtic star Pierre.

Farke replaced Summerville for Dan James, who returned from injury.

And the game is over and now it’s off to Elland Road.