LEEDS United forward Patrick Bamford believes Southampton's "know-how" is what saw them win the Championship playoff final.

Adam Armstrong's first-half strike, which he drilled across the keeper, was the only goal in a 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium.

Bamford felt Southampton defended brilliantly, admitting Leeds did not look like scoring until substitute Dan James cracked the crossbar.

By full-time, Leeds had more shots on goal than Russell Martin's side but were unable to find a way past Alex McCarthy.

Bamford, 30, watched the game from the sidelines having been ruled out through a knee injury.

Speaking on the My Mate's A Footballer Podcast, he reflected on why Southampton ultimately deserved to gain promotion.

He said: “We started off really well, we had all the ball, but they had more know-how and experience and defended well. 

“They put bodies on the line, and until DJ (James) hit the bar, it didn’t look like we were going to score.

“While we had the ball, they controlled the game. They did really well to be fair. When it’s a final like that, it’s rare there is more than one goal because it’s quite cagey.

“It was horrible. I was sat there like a fan. I was jumping up at everything, hoping something was going to happen."

He continued: “Going into the game, I felt like we were going to win. It wasn’t our turn, really. A lot of the boys wanted to go and clap the fans afterwards.

“I spoke to Coops (Liam Cooper) and the manager. I said that we have to stay and congratulate Southampton.

“They have won. It was the right thing to do. They were in agreement and we stayed to clap them while they lifted the trophy.

“It’s bad to lose a game, but it’s worse if you lose and you’re bad sports. It was hard.”