HT report:
Leeds v Crystal Palace
Goals from Jonathan Douglas and Jermaine Beckford gave Leeds a commanding half-time advantage over Crystal Palace in their Carling Cup second-round tie at Elland Road.
Republic of Ireland midfielder Douglas marked his first start of the season with an 11th-minute strike and Beckford capped a superb first-half showing with a bullet header later in the half.
It was no more than the League One side deserved against a Palace side showing all the form that has seen them fail to win and score in their opening three Championship games so far this season.
With unsettled midfielder Ben Watson handed his first start of the season in the Palace midfield, the visitors were the first to show promise though and Kieron Djilali was the first to register an effort at goal when he stung David Lucas' palms after good work from Victor Moses.
But Leeds soon settled and took the lead with their first real attack. There appeared to be little on when Beckford nodded the ball on following a long ball but with the Palace defence sleeping, Douglas outpaced them all and scooped the ball over the advancing Darryl Flahavan.
Palace responded well to the goal and both Johannes Ertl and Moses saw snap-shots blocked by Lubo Michalik, although Leeds continued to probe with more danger as Beckford burst through to fire at Flahavan's body.
Beckford was now running the Palace defence ragged and it was little surprise when he got his name on the score sheet with 32 minutes gone.
Flahavan had again denied him with a superb save after a neat free-kick from Neil Kilkenny but from the resulting corner Beckford met the same player's dead ball with a powerful header that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
It could have been three a minute later as Luciano Becchio rifled over from the edge of the box, before Watson curled a free-kick into the arms of Lucas.
But with Leeds completely dominating, Fabian Delph and Kilkenny were both unlucky with long-range efforts as the half drew to a close.
HT: Leeds 2 Crystal Palace 0