My first away match of the season (wow how I miss not going) and we had a great time. Went in two Wetherspoons near MK station and they were both packed with Leeds fans. No suprise since we had over 6,000 there (out of 18K) in what is a new style but nice ground.I have missed the two home games whislt on hols and all the early season optimism with my mates seems to have evaporated. We agreed that any result was possible -win, lose or draw we would not be surprised. Rosler had gone back to 4 3 3 with Wood up top alongside Byram and Dallas. Murphy replace Andeyemi in midfield and Wooton was recalled. From the off we looked second best. Time after time they opened us up, nothing clever: just a good through ball or one of the wingers or midfield players taking us on. Somehow we made our reject Ryan Hall look good. Thankfully their finishing was quite wayward and even their decent strikes went just over or wide. We struggled to make anything of what little ball we had until a great run from MOM Charlie Taylor ended with him being tripped in the box after half an hour. 100% pen and the ref was right on the spot. We wondered who would take it with Antenucci on the bench and were amazed (after Doncaster) that Wood stepped up. Fair play to him, he slotted home with aplomb. We then made the most of the lead and took a bit of control of the game culminating with a great run from Taylor from the half way line. They let him run and run and suddenly, to the surprise of all he hit a great shot from the edge of the box that nestled into the far corner. Great goal. So we went in 2 up albeit against the run of play for the most part.All we had to do then, in modern football parlance, was to do a bit of 'game management'. Keep the ball, keep them out and maybe hit them on the break and get a third. Instead we sat back and let them do what they wanted as we hung on. We had bits of play - a great cross was met by Wood but his chest went straight to the keeper, a lovely run by Dallas down the right (where a right footed winger should be in my opinion) nearly led to a tap in, but we never really looked comfortable. It was no surprise when we let them back in - a run by their winger went past Wootton (who had been OK till then , but why oh why do we play him?) and the cross eluded both Bamba and Cooper and picked out two of theirs at the far post , one of whom tapped it in. Would we throw away another two goal lead ? We were worried but then a very late tackle got one of theirs sent off (so late I missed it really) - surely 2 1 up, them down to 10 an only 20 mins to go- all would be OK ?No, we went right into our shell and let them come at us time and time again. Why did Bokata not get a run out ? Surely this was the best time possible to give him a run out - winning and with a man advantage- hit them on the break , have a bit of flair. Instead we just continued to huff and puff and just about keep them at bay. Just when we thought we may blow it, a set piece led to them sending the keeper up. We broke and Cook had the ball inside their half with an empty net. Just shoot we all thought, but he ran and ran and messed it all up,his shot scrambled away and then it fell to Antenucci who messed it up too. The whistle was met with loud cheers from the Leeds section but cheers more of relief than celebration for the most part. We probably did not deserve to win overall and we made very hard work of it - but a win is a win etc and after one point from six at home it is two away wins on the trot. So satisfied but a long way from being happy.Having said all that I really enjoyed my day out and it reminded me how much I love 'away days' Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected]
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