Sorry report is late - only just got home (spent night in Wakefield)The tribute to Speed was excellent - whilst I know it is not a competition but I doubt if any of his other clubs will do better than us- a brilliant video on the big screen of his goals for us, a trememndous minutes applause that raised the roof (not sure I like the chanting of his name during it) a poignant laying of the wreaths by McAllister, Strachan and Batty. Grayson could hardly keep it together as he came down to the Revie Stand to place a wreath behind the goal The Bremner statue covered in flags, shirts and flowers..Best and most impressive of all the Ooh Gary , Gary, Gary , Gary, Gary Speed chants that echoed round the ground for 11 full minutes starting on the 11th minute. It was hard work to keep it going for that length of time and was very emotionalGary Speed RIPAnd so onto the game, Millwall tried to unsettle us by making us kick towards the Kop, something we never try to do first half. SG not unsurprisingly kept the same team that got such a great result at Forest. The only real action early doors was when Becchio rose well and got himself a free header at a corner but his aim was off. It was then hard to concentrate on the game as the Gary Speed chants started up, but we did have our best few minutes of the half in that period when Snoddy caused them all sorts of problems and there was a bit of pinball in their box and the ball was cleared off the line and we came close and won a couple of corners. They also created on chance in this period when a firm header, again from a corner, was well saved by McCarthy. Brown did make one great crunching tackle fair but hard that left their lad limping. There was a bit of niggle and an edge to the game throughout. White and Snoddy were both having some success down the flanks but the game was fairly flat. At some point White went to left back and Pugh to left wing / midfield. We were trying to work out why, when things changed again as Howson went down heavily and it was obvious despite him trying to limp back on at one point that he was going off. We wondered if Nunez would get his chance to play in the hole but instead Sam was brought on. The lad in front did point out to my mate that on Sams last appearance at ER when he was subbed my, normally placid mate, had shouted "Yeah go on Sam, fu*k off the pitch" Sams first few touches did not inspire confidence but second half when he was allowed to play his proper game as a right winger he was a revelation and tore their defence to bits on a few occasiions. We were just settling to this formation when Brown also limped out of the game to be replaced by Keogh and we went 4 4 2 with Keogh and Becchio up front and Snoddy, Clayton, Pugh and Sam in midfieldThe enforced subs had spoiled any rythmn we had and the half time whistle was a relief.The second half was more of the same but with Sam causing no end of problems and Snoddy putting in a real grab it by the bollocks performance as he ran himself into the ground.Millwall were pretty poor and their only chance came when the lad pushed the ball past Kisnorbo and then, realising he had put it too far, changed his run so that he crashed into Kis - the ref fell for it big time - a free kick on the edge of the box and a yellow card, terrible decision. McCarthy saved the free kick . Soon after Clayton ran at them and was pulled down on the edge of the box as he threatened to break though on goal. Amazingly no booking for the defender, but we had the last laugh as Snoddy fired in an unstoppable free kick - power, pace and precision - brilliant/Then soon after it was game over - a good run by Sam, he beat the full back and a good cross was bravely met by a stooping Snoddy and his header went through the keeper. 2 0. After that we had 3 easy chances, Snoddy was though but instead of getting his hat trick he squared to Becchio who messed up. Becchio then messed up another gilt chance, and finally Sam was given the ball in a good positon but his shot was well saved - as he teed it up we could imagine the headlines - third and winning goal by the number 11, but it was not to be.So in the end a fairly comfortable victory on an uncomfortable day.Snoddy my mom followed by Sam. Lees looks more and more assured. Kisnorbo gave it 100% and Pugh slotted into centre midfield very well in the re-shaped line-up So well done to SG and the team - 6 points in a very difficult week especailly when compared with the rubbish that was the Barnsley performacne last week 2 questions - how bad is Johnnys injury ? Where was McCormack ? Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected]
PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
