Just what the doctor ordered, after 2 defeats and 2 poor performances a return to winning ways and an impressive all round performance. We deserved this win and to keep a clean sheet and score 3 without wood being one of them was very good. Pre match we all agreed that this was a must win game, a game that would show if the team were bottling it or just subject to a bit of a hiccough. We discussed players and formations and pretty much agreed that Roofe should start and that it was time that Hernandez did more than just take good set pieces, and we were proved right on both counts It was an open start, indeed an open game from start to finish. Beforehand we worried that they would score and therefore we would need two goals to win, and this was almost the case as the best early chances fell to them. Thankfully a bad miss and then a great save from the ever improving Green from a header at point blank range meant that we did not go behind. Instead a lovely move started and ended by the impressive Roofe got our noses in front. Roofe did a lovely one two with Wood and then as he tried to put it in the net the defender got to him and the ball was deflected up and into the goal - I say goal rather than 'net' since the keeper got back and caught the ball well over the line. Then came the most contentious bit of the game , Wood was put through and he slotted home, 2 0 and we all celebrated, the flag stayed down and the ref pointed for a goal, then for some reason he conferred with the lino and suddenly they decided it was off side and the goal was chalked off. The lino had a much better view than me but it looked a bad decision to me and those around me. We had a few more chances as Herndanez and Roofe, with help from Phillips, who again did well , (perhaps I have got him wrong and he will be a good player) ran the show, with Wood, Roofe and Ayling all coming close- Roofe especailly should have done better with his chance. Then just on the stroke of half time a great through ball from Roofe went past the last defender and Hernandez beat the onrushing keeper with a shot that rolled tantalising over the line. So 2 up at half time and we felt that that was that. Second half was enjoyable with both teams going for it and both hitting the woodwork - first Wood after a scramble following a corner lashed the ball against the crossbar and then Green made a decent save but the ball came out to their forward who somehow managed to put it onto the bar when it looked easier to score and then the other lad headed the rebound over. So comfortable and confident were we that we took off Wood and brought on Doukara, a move that almost brought dividends straight away as he was put through but shot accross the keeper (who got a hand to it) and just past the post. Beckford came on for them, to huge cheers and songs from Leeds fans - a bit OTT even if he is one of my all time favourites - and for once, he almost scored against us but failed to make real contact as the ball went across our goal. Then Hernandez was left in a heap long after the ball had gone - not sure what happened but the lad looked like he was walking off even before the ref could get his red card out Then the icing on the cake, another lovely through ball left Doukara goal side of the defender again, he again took it on and shot this time beating the keeper at his near post - a good move a good goal and a fitting end to a good performance and result We had laughed at half time at Reading being 5 down and knew that Huddersfield were losing - these results and our own were somewhat tempered by wins for Fulham and Sheff Wed, the two teams were are really competing with for the play off spot (although Reading are back in our sights) so instead of gaining 3 points on our rivals it was almost 'as you were' but with one less game to play I said before Brentford that 3 home victories and a point away may be enough for us, and we now have one of those home wins in the bag and a lift to our confidence going into a hard game v Newcastle when any point will be more than welcome - beat Wolves next Monday and things will look decent
Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] MARCHING ON TOGETHER
