It was the climax to a thrilling West Yorkshire derby and meant that Terriers' caretaker manager Gerry Murphy has now twice stepped into the breach and masterminded victories over their neighbours.
Murphy brought Keigan Parker back after suspension and James Berrett also came into the team with Phil Jevons and Robbie Williams dropping to the bench. On-loan leading scorer Liam Dickinson was not in the 16 on what would have been his last match before returning to Derby.
There was some surprise among Leeds fans when Jermaine Beckford was again named on the bench in an unchanged line-up, but Gary McAllister's decision to keep faith with Robert Snodgrass soon paid dividends.
With only three minutes gone the young Scot nipped between static Town defenders and flicked Luciano Becchio's cross past Matt Glennon to put Leeds ahead.
Murphy could be happy with his side's response, recovering their composure and matching Leeds all round the pitch.
They grabbed their equaliser two minutes after the break when Huddersfield-born defender Joe Skarz stabbed home his first goal of the season.
That sparked an entertaining second half with end to end action.
As the Terriers started to tire, Leeds kept pushing forward with Andy Robinson bringing the fans to their feet with a couple of long-range efforts that went close and Becchio heading against the bar when it looked easier to score.
McAllister threw on Beckford, David Prutton and Jonathan Howson. Murphy countered with Cadamarteri and Williams and it was the Terriers' boss whose move turned out to be vital, former Leeds winger Cadamateri providing the cross for the goal that gave his side bragging rights in West Yorkshire.