The crew of the Ark Royal were guests at Elland Road as their adopted city paid tribute to the ship and it's crew before the famous aircraft carrier is put out to grass. A one minutes silence in honour of Remembrance Day preceded the game and then we were under way. A crowd of over 27,000 settled back to enjoy the game. Could we continue our recent good form? Would a 4.5.1 formation be effective at home? Would Leeds keep a clean sheet? All burning questions that were about to be answered.
Lord Larry had indeed gone with the 5 man midfield leaving Somma as the lone striker supported by the raiding Snoddy, Mad Max and Howson. Clearly the intention was to beat Bristol by keeping the ball on the floor. Leeds started brightly with Mad Max, Howson, Killa all prominent as Leeds claimed the early superiority. Somma, fresh from his international call up, took a lovely back heal in his stride and tested David James with a stinging shot. Things were looking good. I do like Saturday afternoon football. Leeds have developed a patient style of passing football of late that is easy on the eye and with Killa pulling the strings in midfield the two wide men, Snoddy and Max, were starting to enjoy themselves at the expense of the Bristol full backs. Bristol looked decidedly average with ex Puppy Dog, Jon Stead, looking their only threat and it was him who so nearly upset the home fans after 20 minutes when he just failed to connect with an inviting cross from 8 yards out. He did connect with Kasper though and left the flamboyant new Dad banging the floor in frustration as the pain of the collision seared through his leg. Ouch!
Leeds pressure down the flanks was increasing though and after yet another Snoddy raid Ex England keeper James pulled off a superb save from the knee of his own defender as the Scotsman's cross fizzed tantalising across the box. As the half progressed Leeds looked more and more comfortable on the ball and had by far the greater amount of possession but Bristol were defending doggedly and clear cut chances were at a premium. I detected a slight frustration amongst the Leeds faithful as the ever so patient build up play wasn't universally appreciated. "Get it forrad" one of the 27,000 coaches near me urged. Can't please everybody.
Half time came and I eagerly made my way to the gents for the debate on the first half. I can only assume the lack of debate was testament to the control Leeds had on the game? After all we gruff Leeds fans do like something to moan about don't we?
It is a well known fact that a team are most vulnerable just after they have scored and Leeds are definitely no exception so it was no real surprise that the euphoria of Lucciano's goal was soon replaced by despair as Stead got his foot on the end of a cross to equalise within 2 minutes. Oh no don't do this to me Leeds, not again!
There was still time for Schmeichel to pull off a spectacular save to deny a goal bound shot that had it gone in would have set the home fans nerves a jangling but Leeds ended the game on a high pushing for a 4th goal. The final whistle was greeted with a roar from the home fans safe in the knowledge that the mighty whites had just secured another 3 points that rockets them into 5th place in the table. I very much like Saturday afternoon kick offs.
Howson had a superb game today but clearly the man of the match was Becchio. When the Leeds wide men get crosses into the box there are few better finishers with their head in the country than Lucciano at the moment. These are heady days for Leeds as Lord Larry and his team are suddenly getting to grips with what's required to win games in this ultra competitive league. The talk on the way home was of play off finals and possible promotion. Somebody on the radio phone in suggested "we needed a couple of seasons in this league before we go up" Bollox, in fact double Bollox..............we are currently displaying promotion form and there's no reason why come next May we are not planning a trip to Wembley at the very least. Bring it on I say!
A nice trip to Norwich next week to gain revenge for last seasons defeat in the land of Mustard. Not so sure they will be that keen on facing a Leeds side on this current form. A tasty encounter is guaranteed. Get the pies on Delia..........Lord Larry's Barmy army are on their way
Can't wait!
MOT
Leeds 3 v 1 Bristol City 13/11/10
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