As Rich says most people will have seen it on the box and have had the benefit of slo mo replays and a better view of the main incidents so , like him, I will keep my comments to general thoughts and overview. The early kick off meant I was sober for the game (had a few celebratory pints post game) I thought the crowd was great - surprised only 23k there , seemed more than that- really upbeat from first to last and really got behind the team (even Diouf) and kept it up (ooer missus) all game. I cannot remember many games last season where there was no negativity and anti Bates stuff. Today really seemed like the start of something new and (hopefully) something good. The players responded with a display of 100% commitment and they all seemed to revel in being here - Diouf took his shirt off at the end and threw it into the crowd as he took the plaudits, joined by the rest of the team, all celebrating this win as if they had won a trophy. Exactly the sort of players we want and need, players who want to be at Leeds and know that Leeds United is not just any club. Past players like Andy Hughes and David Prutton got it - they are second rate players at a first rate club. Without wanting to get carried away there were bits of todays team and performance that had echoes of the Wilko promotion team. Good organisation at the back, a fierce combative midfield (Austin and Norris for Batty and Vinny) coupled with good breakaway play and a never say die attitude. Bryam early doors and White at the end both had a torrid time but both stuck to the task well. First half was great - we created quite a few chances and totally controlled things - the goal was brilliant , a great pass (kick out does not do it justice) from Kenny to Ross and then a lovely touch and cross from him was met brilliantly by Becchio with a precise diving header into the bottom corner. Yeah Becchio has his faults but he can be deadly inside the 6 yard box and todays finish was as good as any you will see all year. Austin was immense and really can be the new Vinny - a cult hero for us and feared by opposition players and fans alike. Norris, Green and Varney all really 'put in a shift' as they say these days. McCormack is our new main man and will soon make us forget Snoddy (hopefully) the back 4 for the most part looked solid - Pearce and captain Peltier both looked good .Byram had his bad moments and will not play every game this season but is a real find. Further forward Diouf showed that he has the class to get even his biggest critic onside. The lad who sits in front of me is a critical fan but all he has every asked for is a well organised team giving it their all and today he got that and went home happy Yes, we have plenty of stuff that needs putting right and yes, a lot of our players were dead on their feet at the end and yes,Wolves had a few chances that they messed up and yes, the second half was instantly forgettable BUT today I came away pleased and proud with the way the team had played. As a fan you are always wary at 1-0 up (especailly when you know there will be plenty of injury time) but today from the minute we went ahead I honestly believed that we would win - and we did ! So, very early days indeed , and many game and challenges to come, but for today at least I can say ' I'm Leeds and I'm proud of it' Will what we showed today be good enough to get us up ? I don't know, but if we give that level of commitment and performance week after week I will be happy, promotion or not. I am gutted that I will be away for Blackburn (and Oxford games) but I think those watching on tv would have been happy with what they saw and many will be thinking that if that is what we can expect I want to be a part of it Dave
________________________________ From: Richard Walker <[email protected]> To: LEEDSLIST <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, 18 August 2012, 17:04 Subject: [LU] Wolves Quick match report cos I know you all saw it on tv. I was well happy with this performance. There were so many new faces I spent the first half trying to work out who was who ? One player that was unmistakable was Austin who was everywhere putting in challenge after challenge - a great debut. It was never going to be beautiful pass and move football with so many new faces and to be honest I'm not sure that this team are capable of that style of football but it was full on effort with everyone working for the team. The most impressive thing for me was that even though there were a few dodgy moments I felt we looked pretty solid at the back and even as they pressed late on I wasn't on the edge of my seat waiting for that equaliser. Wolves looked like a team low on confidence and although I thought they played the only really decent bits of passing football they need to go back to basics and sort themselves out. My thoughts on the new team: Kenny - 8 Nowt to do really but gives an air of confidence. Great pass to Macca for the goal. Byram - 7. Good debut against a tricky customer. White - 6. A couple of slips that could have cost us dear but generally ok. Nothing much going forward. Pearce - 8. Strong and solid, won his headers and put himself on the line. Peltier - 7. Calm and composed. Complimented Pearce well. Captain material, not sure? Norris - 7. He's a busy little player and kept running all match. Would like to see a bit more composure on the ball but I'm not sure that's his game. Austin - 8. great first half, faded a bit second half but was just what we needed in this game. Wolves couldn't settle on the ball. Green - 7. I thought he looked really lively and looked like he had an eye for a pass, however when Diouf came on I thought that gave us bIt of composure on the ball and an outlet. Varney - 5. The only player that disappointed me slightly. He certainly worked hard but his control and composure was poor. Looked like a slow, out of form Darren Huckerby. I'm sure he's better than this. McCormack - 6. Great running for the goal and great cross with his left foot putting on palate for Becchio, but generally ineffective. Becchio - 7. Struggled most of the match to make an impact. Worked hard though and was in the right position at the right time. Most centre forwards would have side footed that home, Becchio decided to head it from 6 inches off the ground. I bet he couldn't do that again - good finish that cannot be denied. I really think that Macca and Becchio won't work though - not enough pace and ability. Subs: Diouf - 8. My sort of player. Cool and composed, always has time on the ball. will be a great asset to this team. Lees - did his bit. Crowd - not bad seeing as on TV. I think people will come and watch this team due to the commitment. > > > PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate _______________________________________________ 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 _______________________________________________ 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
