Leeds' promotion follows three seasons in League One

Leeds boss Simon Grayson lavished praise on his players after they came from behind to beat Bristol Rovers and clinch promotion to the Championship.

Grayson's men won 2-1 to finish second in League One and end a three-season spell in English football's third tier.

"They're a fantastic bunch of players," Grayson told BBC Sport. "They've been a joy to work with all season.

"They've got their just rewards. It's an absolutely fantastic achievement and we will kick on from here."

Leeds went into the final day on 83 points, a point clear of Millwall and Swindon who faced each other at the New Den.

A victory at Elland Road would therefore see Leeds promoted in second place behind Norwich.

606: DEBATE Beckford scored the goal that ultimately got us out of this league. We can all stop arguing about him now - he is forgiven everything for what he did. We are back, and I hope he stays Black Rhino

But their bid took a turn for the worse when Max Gradel was shown a straight red card on 33 minutes and Darryl Duffy put Rovers ahead shortly after half-time.

Grayson responded by bringing Jonathan Howson on for Shane Lowry and the move paid off in spectacular fashion as Howson equalised with a stunning 20-yard strike.

With Millwall now ahead against Swindon, Leeds had to go in search of a winner and it came in the 63rd minute when Jermaine Beckford pounced on a loose clearance to convert from six yards.

The goal sparked wild celebrations and there was a pitch invasion at the final whistle as Leeds' promotion was confirmed.

"When we went down to 10 men it was obviously going to be a difficult ask for us," said Grayson, who succeeded Gary McAllister on 23 December 2008 following a run of five successive defeats.

"But we kept believing we could do it and knew we'd get opportunities. Even when we went 1-0 down we still believed we'd do it and full credit to the players."

Grayson, a Leeds fan who began his playing career at Elland Road, added: "My professional pride means I wanted to get a promotion on to my CV.

"But it's even better that it's the club I supported and started my career with. We're going to cherish tonight.

"We're back in the next level of football where we deserve to be, I think. We'll take stock and get ready for next year."

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