As I posted beforehand there is an odd atmosphere around Leeds at present after 2 poor results and the mood in the pub was mixed- a bit of 'we will be fine and relishing the game' but mixed with 'we can't defend especially set pieces, and where on earth are our goals coming from?' We started well, even if not quite the goal in 40 seconds of last season, and it looked like being a typical performance, keep the ball, create and waste half chances. However we then got the bit of luck we needed and deserved as a shot cum cross from Alioski, which was going wide was deflected in off Bartley. A first 'assist' of the season for Harrison who played the ball to Alioski The crowd of over 34k went wild. Easy to forget that for a midweek game we used to hope to get over 20k , I saw Wigan hull and Blackburn all got less than 15k last night. We continued to press and then on the stroke of half time we did our "usual" somehow failing to put the ball in the net from 5yds twice- give the keeper some credit but really we need to score those, first Bamfords little flick from inside the 6yd box was parried and then Costa fired the rebound straight at the keeper. 2 up at half time snd it would have bee game over, instead we were left ruing the missed opportunities and having to defend that slender lead. Shackleton who had been having his best game of the season joined Cooper on the injury list and suddenly, a game we were largely in control of turned on its head They began to dominate and even stranger we just couldn't keep the ball. Time and time again we gave away possession and let them come onto us with plenty of skill. Our defence, despite conceding fewer goals than almost anyone is viewed as our Achilles heel, but yesterday they stayed strong and were reminiscent, at times, of the Monk team of a few years back.They caused us some problems especially the small lad with the afro but to be honest, I actually felt reasonably confident that we would hold out, and despite a few shredded nerves, hold out we did without too many scares. Attacking wise we were almost non existent second half apart from one moment that perfectly summed up Jack Harrison, he beat 2 men dribbling inside the area, brilliant, but just as he was about to shoot or put in a dangerous cross he fell over the ball and let it trickle out for a goal kick! So in some ways an odd game , as others have said only the 2nd time we have had less possession than our opponents but really solid backs to the wall defending, defending that many of us did not think we were capable of. Most importantly 3 points against a good team who will be right up there, a clean sheet and the first home win since August, it could prove to be the turning point of our season in some ways as we ret9to the top of the table. Of course ,as always, we need to build on it starting with millwall away, a game that is never easy for us as they raise their game in their cup final but I am reasonably confident I thought white was excellent again, pontus who? Shackleton looked the part and I hope his injury is minor, Bamford really put a shift in as they say and deserved the man of the match but needs to score, a John Pearson/ Alan Smith non scoring centre forward is only ok if there is someone alongside them banging them in. Costa first half showed he does indeed have special ability and a decent run in the team should see him prove his worth. Also nice to see Ayling back So, all in all a great night, a good game with a good atmosphere and 3 points Dave Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email leedslist-unsubscr...@gn.apc.org
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