Andy Key's Leeds are now just a point adrift at the foot of the table

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Andy Key believes that Friday night's 19-10 victory at Sale could prove their 'springboard' to Premiership survival.

The win at Edgeley Park leaves Leeds just a point behind Worcester, heavy 37-13 losers the following day at Bath.

"This will now springboard us," Key told BBC Radio Leeds. "This shows the belief we have in the side.

"We don't fear anyone and we now look forward to welcoming the challenge of Wasps and then Saracens at Headingley."

The West Yorkshire side's win at Sale was only their third league victory of the season, all of which have come away from Headingley.

And Leeds' challenge at home is made no easier by the fact that they are up against two of the top four - fourth-placed Wasps this Sunday (28 February, 1400 GMT), when they celebrate their 500th competitive game, and third-placed Saracens on (7 March, 1500 GMT).

"This win alone will not keep us up," said Key. "We know we have to now get on a winning run.

"The players can enjoy this win but we know we have to bring them back down to ground this week in training to get them refocused.

"Next week's result has to be a win, otherwise this win against Sale counts for nothing and the players know that.

"Time is running out for us, with just eight games left.

"We are still at the bottom of the table but at least we have now closed the gap on our rivals.

Key also had words of praise for captain Marco Wentzel, the South African forward inspiring a superb team performance with another impressive individual display.

"Marco once again summed up Leeds Carnegie and what we are all about," said Key. "He showed what a huge talent he is.

"We have been very fortunate to be able to get a Marco Wentzel to this club. But all the guys were fantastic.

"You can't pick a man out because they were all outstanding.

"We have a side that we know, and they know, can compete at this level and have huge talent."

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