The game marked a full 90 minutes for Howson, returning after suffering a knee injury during the 3-2 defeat to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium just before the New Year.
Neil Thompson was forced to make a late change when 'keeper David Lucas dropped out due to illness and was replaced by Alan Martin.
Young Elliott had a couple of other good chances while Scott Gardner, Fabian Delph and Howson all went close for Leeds who were denied maximum points by Elliott's equaliser nine minutes into the second half.
Another disappointment for Leeds was the dismissal of substitute Duane Grace late on.
Leeds Reserves: Martin, Madden, Wilkinson, Milne (Grace 70), Fisher, Gardner, Howson, Rothery (Ovington 82), Delph, Weston, Elliott (Cartman 72).
Subs Unused: Lund.