Stubborn Leeds grind out a point at Brighton.

Brighton is a long way from Yorkshire. The Friday night kick off to suit the gods of TV meant we had to take a day off work to get to the match but the bright sunny weather and the pre match banter in the car soon saw the 225 mile plus journey fly by.  Having checked into the hotel and made our way to the AMEX stadium we were ready for this difficult game against Gus Poyet's charges. NW had kept the same team who did so well against Southampton in midweek so Becchio had to make do with a place warming the bench.  Confidence was patchy amongst the Leeds faithful.  Would the cup team or the league team turn up that was the question?

A the game kicked off we were about to find out as the home team battered us for the  first 15 minutes  culminating in Peltier giving away a penalty that Mickail Smith easily converted. 1.0 Brighton. This could be a long night HC commented and I wasn't about to disagree.  Brighton continued to dominate with some intelligent football.  Our midfield looked sadly out of touch as the home side pressed home the advantage. Salvation was round the corner though as the game reached the 40th minute.  On a rarecLeeds attack Byram and Diouf combined well to create space and when the ball was pulled back towards Varney the Leeds forward was prostrate in the box. Referee Mr Mason pointed to the spot much to the disgust of the Brighton players. Penalty it was and Diouf stepped up and rammed home the equaliser. 1.1.

The half time whistle blew and somehow Leeds were still level.  Brighton had dominated most of the half but not converted the numerous chances they had created whilst once again Leeds had showed their tenacity in digging in when things weren't going well. The half time view from most of the fans was less than complimentary though. We hadn't played well and were lucky to be level in truth.

Brighton retsored their lead almost immediately after the restart when Mikail Smith once again found the net via a deflection after the Leeds defence had been breached on the left flank. 2.1 Brighton.  Leeds were now in danger of being submerged by the Brighton attack but a combination of some
resolute defending and poor finishing kept the score at 2.1.  Becchio replaced the mis firing Varney on the hour and he provided an injection of much needed fire to the anaemic Leeds attack. Leeds were level soon after the introduction of our top scorer when a decent Leeds move saw Brown's curling shot end up nestling in the Brighton net. 2.2.

The Leeds fans now found their voice as they urged the whites onto an unlikely victory.Mr Mason had other ideas though as he blew for the third penalty of the night as he adjudged Byram to have fouled a Brighton attacker in the box.  Very harsh!  Kenny had the last laugh as he easily saved Makail Smith's effort. This inspired the Leeds team and they were able to see the game out to a respectable draw with Kenny pulling off a wonder save in the final minute to maintain parity. A point from a game we  didn't play we'll in is always welcome but once again we were relying on doggedness not quality.  A situation that can not last.  We desperately need some quality players.

The fans were quiet as they streamed away from the ground. The home fans disappointed they had wasted many chances to win the game whilst the away fans were just disappointed in another frustrating showing. The transfer window can't come quick enough.  Question is will we have any money to spend in it?

Burnley next up for Leeds.  We usually do well there so can Warnock's warriors sneak three points from our Lancastrian neighbours? I do hope so.

Can't wait.

MOT.


Brighton and HA 2-2 Leeds United by anythingtoday