A team who had lost four on the bounce and hadn't managed to win in eight faced a team, who had the Championship started in December, would be in contention for promotion. All the signs pointed to Leeds' downward spiral continuing and a defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday could've sent Leeds rocketing for relegation.
As it was however, Leeds squeezed through, courtesy of two Luke Varney headers after Jermaine Johnson opened the scoring. The first half started brightly for Leeds who carved out a number of openings with Steve Morison, yet to prove he can fill the hole left by Luciano Becchio, guilty of spurning the best chance of the game. In addition, Rodolph Austin, still searching to replicate his long range effort against Cardiff, had a number of shots hit the back of the stands rather than hit the net. It was Austin's fellow Jamaican, Johnson who would open the scoring after confusion between Pearce and Warnock with a cute lob. This is a derby game which has seen a lot of trouble in recent games, highlighted by the police warnings beforehand, yet Johnson decided to try and incite trouble, giving it the big I am in front of the home crowd. Leeds responded quickly and should've been awarded a penalty as Drury went down inside the area, yet referee Neil Swarbrick gave a free kick.
As it was however, Leeds squeezed through, courtesy of two Luke Varney headers after Jermaine Johnson opened the scoring. The first half started brightly for Leeds who carved out a number of openings with Steve Morison, yet to prove he can fill the hole left by Luciano Becchio, guilty of spurning the best chance of the game. In addition, Rodolph Austin, still searching to replicate his long range effort against Cardiff, had a number of shots hit the back of the stands rather than hit the net. It was Austin's fellow Jamaican, Johnson who would open the scoring after confusion between Pearce and Warnock with a cute lob. This is a derby game which has seen a lot of trouble in recent games, highlighted by the police warnings beforehand, yet Johnson decided to try and incite trouble, giving it the big I am in front of the home crowd. Leeds responded quickly and should've been awarded a penalty as Drury went down inside the area, yet referee Neil Swarbrick gave a free kick.
Leeds started the second half brightly and the introduction of El Hadji Diouf proved to be a master stroke by McDermott. Diouf played like the man who started the season and added composure and skill to an often blunt Leeds attack. Another tactical change worked wonders as Varney was shifted to the central role and was on hand to score a header via the underside of the bar. The decision may have been questionable, but it made amends for the penalty not going our way earlier in the game. Sam Byram was next to break into the Wendies' area but he lacked the composure and failed to find any of the three Leeds players waiting to apply the finish. Six minutes after the first goal and it was again McCormack providing the cross as Varney scored another header. The game would finish 2-1 despite Leeds having to sustain heavy pressure for the last 20 minutes as both Lita and Howard went close too levelling the match. Austin was impressive as he was thrown into centre back after Warnock was forced to leave the field of play due to injury. The three best players were the attacking trio of McCormack, Diouf and Luke Varney who continues to try and win over the fans.
In terms of the performance, it was much improved. Particularly the second half where Leeds showed a desire to get forwards and win the game, contrasting with other performances where the players lacked fight and were seemingly happy to go through the motions. While this performance can be attributed in part to Brian McDermott's appointment, credit must go to Neil Redfearn for stepping in in the club's hour of need. The players once again 'did it for Redders' and his celebrations were matched by those of McDermott's who will have no doubt enjoyed his first match in the dugout at Elland Road. While it is still possible for us to get relegated, I think it is very unlikely and it wouldnt surprise me if the squad is heavily rotated in the last few games as McDermott looks to see who will be on those 'retained' and 'released' lists. All in all a good performance matched by a good result.
Vile Animals 2-1 Shedfield Wednesday
MOT
In terms of the performance, it was much improved. Particularly the second half where Leeds showed a desire to get forwards and win the game, contrasting with other performances where the players lacked fight and were seemingly happy to go through the motions. While this performance can be attributed in part to Brian McDermott's appointment, credit must go to Neil Redfearn for stepping in in the club's hour of need. The players once again 'did it for Redders' and his celebrations were matched by those of McDermott's who will have no doubt enjoyed his first match in the dugout at Elland Road. While it is still possible for us to get relegated, I think it is very unlikely and it wouldnt surprise me if the squad is heavily rotated in the last few games as McDermott looks to see who will be on those 'retained' and 'released' lists. All in all a good performance matched by a good result.
Vile Animals 2-1 Shedfield Wednesday
MOT