A 2-1 defeat heavily flattered us. Had it not been heroics by Schmeichel, we could have easily conceded 4 or 5. From the kickoff, we didn't touch the ball before Hulse, I think it was, shot just over. There was the usual home Leeds huff and puff 90mph stuff, but as so often, nothing at the end of it. Derby then settled down and pretty much took control passing more to feet while there was the likes of Naylor hoofing it up from the back with Derby defenders easily winning the clearing headers. That went on for ages though!! It was a good end to end game which was entertaining. Robbie Savage said at the end "We battered them" ...not so Robbie, quite simply the better footballing side won. As the game went on, we decided to do what Derby had been doing and pass it around a bit, this looked nice and eased the frustration, but as with the hoof and hope from earlier, very often ended up in nothing. Our play was predictable and inflexible, verging on agricultural at times, I thought - we couldn't mix it up and Derby had us sussed quite early on - that I found embarrassing. We struggled to defend when they ran narrowly at us and that was how the first goal came with defenders c aught between dealing with the man with the ball or the runner and in the end failed on both counts and Hulse received a simple pass to score with power - his celebration was very low key as a mark of respect to his old club - the goal was worthy of a more elaborate salute. When we equalised a few minutes later after Derby were guilty of losing possession in their own half and generally faffing about, we all probably thought that this would be the turning point but it wasn't. The penalty that we conceded was a fair call by the ref - some would have given it, others not - that doesn't matter, it's the loss of direction and creativity that bothers me against one of the division's weaker members. As Mark Larwenson said "Derby have a structure to their play" and he was right. We were missing Snodgrass and (perhaps)Paynter so that should help and it is only the first game of the season (so much for fortress Elland Road!) At half time Peter Lorimer and Eddie Gray were interviewed and when asked about the second half, Lorimer was trying to put a brave face on it but it was clear that Lord Eddie was not so optimistic - he, like Lawrenson, was right.
However, chin up I suppose, it's only the opening game. I was disappointed with our performance today (can you tell!?) and Forest will hurt us more as the nation watches on. Grayson will sort it in the end. Can't have it both ways - winning most our games in League one and sitting pretty or thrashing it out in the Chumpioship. We must replace Beckford in some capacity - we can't carry the loss of such a big player and expect the rest of the side to absorb it. Wouldn't mind Rob Hulse back at ER - he still looks good value Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman-new.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] MARCHING ON TOGETHER
