Leeds United head coach Garry Monk hailed his side's desire after the 1-0 win over Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday.
Leeds United impresario Garry Monk was delighted after an emphatic last-gasp header courtesy of towering centre-back Kyle Bartley ensured that Leeds United will spend Christmas sitting pretty in a play-off place for the first time since 2010-11. The victory was United's third consecutive home win, and the fact that in each of those games concerned, his side did not concede a single goal, makes the taste of victory even sweeter for Monk, a former defender in his playing days.
Monk, who captained Swansea City to promotion via the play-offs in that same 2010-11 season, praised his side's spirit while stressing the importance of continuing to fight, tooth and claw, in each and every forthcoming match.
"We never really got going in the game, but defensively we weren't really threatened which was pleasing," Monk told the club's official website.
"Overall, we looked a bit tired, but that is understandable, we have had a tough period in these last few weeks, we have been battered and bruised.
"I felt after the 60 minute mark we really believed and when the goal went in, the roof lifted off the stadium, the atmosphere was tremendous.
"If you want to be a good team, you have to have that drive and belief in matches, that you can go and get a late winner.
"We fight right until the end of every game, which is really important and moments like that in the final minutes can be critical for the whole season.
"It is good to be where we are in the league at the moment, but everyone and the players need to keep fighting in every minute on the pitch.
"We will have a little break now, the players have earned a few days off and it is important for them to rest both physically and mentally.
"After that we will be back at the training ground to prepare for the busy festive period and two really important away matches," the 37 year-old concluded.
United's next match in the Sky Bet Championship is away to Preston North End at Deepdale, on Boxing Day. Of course, that entails a reunion with former manager Simon Grayson, whose previous achievements include winning promotion to the Championship while manager at Elland Road in the 2009-10 campaign.