London (AFP) – Garry Monk’s future as Leeds United manager took on a rosier hue on Saturday as his side secured their first win this season in the Championship, beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0.

Goals by new signing Marcus Antonsson and New Zealand international Chris Wood — his second in as many games — proved enough to seal an impressive away win over the ‘Owls’, who got to the play-off final last season.

The ailing English giants — who lost their first two matches — are six points adrift of early season pacesetters Huddersfield Town, who beat Barnsley 2-1.

Huddersfield have a two-point lead over a trio of clubs, including Chinese-owned Wolverhampton Wanderers. Walter Zenga’s side won 3-1 away to Midlands rivals Birmingham City.

However, they will all be looking over their shoulders, not so much at Leeds but at pre-season title favourites Newcastle United.

The Magpies look to be adapting to the second tier after losing their opening two matches as a Dwight Gayle goal was enough for a 1-0 win away at Bristol City and a second successive victory for Rafael Benitez’s side.

Monk, though, was just delighted his team had shown they were gelling after a difficult start to the campaign which had also sparked the usual rumours that trigger-happy owner Massimo Cellino was ready to fire another manager.       

“We had a game-plan today and the players followed it pretty much to the letter,” said Monk, who made a good impression in his first managerial job at Swansea City before being sacked last season.

“This was an important win for the players in terms of their progression. We got three points from two great goals and an excellent performance.

“We’re still not the team we want to be, but this was a game which showed a real improvement which is important for the development of our young players,” added the 37-year-old.

Benitez for his part was pleased with the manner in which his side played, and the form of Gayle, who scored a double in the midweek win over Reading.

“We’re getting a bit of momentum now, and hopefully we can keep winning. Every game is different though, and we know it will be a long, difficult season,” said the Spaniard, who made several changes again to his line-up, dropping Jonjo Shelvey to the bench.

“The main thing now is that we have to show the same character, personality and work rate as we have displayed in the game today.”