But it took a Jermaine Beckford goal, his first in seven games, to rescue a point for Simon Grayson's men. Results elsewhere meant they lost ground on the Canaries and ended the day just two points above third-placed Charlton.
Keeper Casper Ankergren denied Sam Wood when the Bees felt they should have gone ahead, but was beaten on the hour mark when Ben Strevens forced the ball home from a corner.
Beckford levelled 12 minutes later, converting Gary McSheffrey's cross and although Lubo Michalik came close by hitting the woodwork, Leeds had to settle for a draw.
"It's all about results at this stage of the season, it doesn't matter how you play, so to play well and still not win is frustrating," said Grayson after.
"We played well today and I think it's the best we've played for a number of weeks now. We passed it very well and we didn't get our rewards today but if we perform like that for the rest of the season I'm sure well get to where we want to get to this season."
Leeds beat Tranmere Rovers 4-1 a couple of days later and despite losing four on the bounce, recovered to eventually seal second place and promotion back to the Championship on the final day of the season.
The Whites will host Brentford again on Sunday, this time in the Premier League.
Here's where the team who played against the Bees almost a dozen years ago are now.
13. Bradley Johnson
The midfielder has played in five of Blackburn Rovers' last eight Championship games, having made 25 starts last season under Tony Mowbray.
14. Paul Dickov
Dickov managed Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers after retirement. Now he's a pundit for Manchester City and head of sporting excellence at the Laurus Trust.