Well that result was a real kick in the teeth to the splitters, glory hunters, fair weather, TV watching, couch potato fans who could not be bothered turning up today - 19,000 ffs - shocking
Only joking - who would pay £25+ for an end of season, mid table kick about v some non entities when the manager has already said he did not expect us to win and wished the season was over !! Whatever the situation this was, especially second half as good a performance as I have seen at ER this season against definately the worst team to come here for years - they were awful and only some shocking defending by us (nothing new there then) made it a contest for the first half. I was in the Pavillion for the first time this season when the team was announced and tried, and failed, to work out if the cheers that greeted Paynters name were ironic or heart felt. For myself I gave a genuine cheer, partly because I hate jeering our own and partly because I feel he gets unfair stick.On paper his record is awful - one goal in 20 games or whatever it is - but very similar to the now hero Ross Mc last season - but in fairness to both they hardly started a game or got more than a few minutes in any one game. Can Billy do it at this level ? I don't know, but surely he is worth a try. Within a few minutes Billy had won a couple of headers and flicked them on with purpose and presicion and almost scored but hsis shot was blocked by a Leeds player (again). We were looking sharp (against sub standard opponents) and Robbie Rogers had one good run and then beat a player and put in a lovely short pass - can he play a bit like Klinsman says we wondered or is he another waste of space who flatters to deceive like Nunez ? Well we never got to find out as he was tackled , fell to the floor and was subbed. We carried on dominating proceedings but looking a bit shaky when they broke, then Charlie Taylor made a good tackle inside our box, but instead of clearing it he decided to be clever and tried to beat the first of 2 men who were aound him and was dispossessed - real schoolboy error stuff. He lost the ball and it ended in the back of our net. We then fell apart for a bit and only a great clearance by Tom Lees stopped us going further behind. The sparse crowd was restless and began getting on the players backs and I was just readying myself for the half time boos when a hopeful punt into the box was dropped by the keeper as he was surrounded by 2 of his team-mates and Billy was on hand to scramble home from close range. It meant we went in level and the crowd put their displeasure on hold. Within 3 minutes of the re-start it was game over - a cross to the far post was bundled in by Ross Mc. Then the best move of the game found Clayton unmarked on the wing and his precision cross picked out Ross who buried the chance. We had a few more chances as we dominated a game that was basically over and Billy had a good volley saved before he got his 2nd and our 4th. Webber curled another good shot wide after a nice ball from Clayton as we threatened to run wild. Despite him being one goal short of a hat-trick Colin then replaced Billy with Becchio as we ran down the clock. After recent awful results and some awful (and some decent) performances at home a 4 1 win was very welcome even if it was agains the worst team I have seen this season Plus points - Clayton running the show and 2 goals each for the strikers , especially pleasing was Billys transformation from joke to hero. The big question is can he do it week in , week out ? I would hope he starts in our next (last) 3 games so we can see if he can be the player we hoped for when we signed him. Also the cameo from Robbie Rogers - he showed good touch and awareness whilst he was on but can he stay fit Negatives - Taylors mistake for the goal and the fact that a team as poor as them did score. The crowd (albeit understandable) and the jeering of our own player (Paynter) 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
