Following the absolute ecstasy of the Leicester game, this was absolute relief, especially as the literal last kick of the game was a brilliant chance to them inside the area , poorly struck and well saved by Mes. All game we wanted ( and felt we needed that second to ensure the 3 pts. First half was comfortable, with stoke offering nothing bar one long range shot by Lewis baker that Mes tipped over. Their keeper on the other hand was having a blinder- lucky to get away with a foul on the excellent Dan James which should have been a penalty, then unlucky with the goal, another deflected shot finding its way in, this time by James. He saved well twice from James, once from Bamford after a lovely chipped pass by Georginio ( who also headed over), as we totally dominated the first half. Second half was a totally different proposition as we started to look leggy and tired , losing our zest, and they took some control, and suddenly Meslier was the much busier keeper. The second half was best illustrated when their lad skipped past Ampadu but shot straight at Mes . " thats the first time ive seen someone skin Ampadu all season " was my sons comment. We were not exactly hanging on but we were under the cosh and unfortunately we could not get the second despite the best efforts of the impressive Matteo Josep, on for Bamford, he did well to win the ball and round the keeper but could not get real purchase on his shot that was cleared on the line. His next effort just fizzed by the far post. James also had a chance when one on one with the keeper but shot straight into the keepers face. The sending off of their lad for a 2nd yellow did not affect much as stoke continued to control the game and looked for an equaliser. Thankfully due to poor finishing, good goal keeping and resolute defending we kept them out for the 3pts we needed ( f**king Ipswich ruining our happiness on the bus back to leeds as they turned 1-2 into 3-2 - leif davis's name being shouted down the bus as he got their winner)We need to win on Friday and then the players can take a well earned few days off, its been relentless but there is no room for slip ups and sheff Wednesday is a ' must-win" , mind you aren't they all at this stage? On a different point any refs on here know the rules re time wasting ? They wasted time ( not quite Huddersfield standard) from the first minute, the keeper taking an age over everything but the ref just ignored it all, then half way through the second half Mes did the same and suddenly the ref is hurrying him up and pointing at his watch. Is it only something the ref cares about if a team are winning or in the last 15 minutes? It is something that has been very noticeable this season Anyway, another 3 pts, more relief than joy but the wheels keep on churning. The players just need to keep going and find that last bit of energy Dave _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: https://mailman.gn.apc.org/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email leedslist-unsubscr...@gn.apc.org
Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/leedslist/ Dave Dowden, a legend, a Totty Twin, a pie man! R.I.P.
