Even in the freezing fog which made for such difficult viewing almost throughout from the four stands, it was clear to see that Leeds were the most likely winners right from the first whistle.
From one lightning burst down the right by Wales international winger Dan James, the attempted clearance from Stoke defender Ben Wilmot skewed only just wide.
Brenden Aaronson also had a right-foot shot from outside the box saved in the top left corner by Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson.
But the Leeds breakthough finally came three minutes before the break.
Ethan Ampadu threaded though Piroe into the inside-left channel and his footwork did the rest as he bore down on Johansson.
The Stoke keeper blocked him but the ball ran loose, Piroe was…