By Ian Appleyard LEEDS UNITED recorded a fifth consecutive victory against Hartlepool United at Elland Road today to wipe out the 15 point penalty imposed by the Football League.
Goals from Tresor Kandol (18) and Jermaine Beckford (49) secured all three points but Hartlepool were unlucky losers after enjoying long periods on top. Just under 27,000 supporters attended the game which leaves Leeds on zero points at the bottom of the League One table but with their sights firmly focused on a promotion push. With Jonathan Douglas away on international duty for the Republic of Ireland and Alan Thompson ruled out with a groin injury, Leeds manager Dennis Wise was forced to make two changes from the side that had won last weekend against Luton Town. On loan defender James Clapham was recalled at leftback with Andrew Hughes pushed into the centre of midfield alongside teenager Jonathan Howson, who replaced Douglas. The game, the first league meeting between the two clubs, was preceeded by a minute's applause in memory of charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson. Leeds might have gone behind after five minutes but Hartlepool winger James Brown shot over after Ankergren failed to punch away a near post corner. Leeds improved quickly and took the lead on 18 minutes when Tresor Kandol rose to head home a far post cross from Frazer Richardson. But Hartlepool, who had won three of their first four games, were no pushovers. Striker Richard Barker thought he had levelled when a header struck the crossbar and bounced down on the line but Ankergren grabbed the ball and the referee waved play on. Ankergren made another good save moments later to block a driven effort from Godwin Antwi as Hartlepool kept up the pressure. Leeds grabbed a glorious second goal, against the run of play, four minutes after the break.. Beckford showed great technique to bring down a long ball from Carole before instinctively lifting a shot over Hartlepool goalkeeper Jan Budtz from 25 yards. Leeds stood firm and also rode their luck as Hartlepool refused to give up the chase. A deflected header from Brown bounced back off the post and both Ian Moore and Andy Monkhouse blew golden opportunities during a goalmouth scramble.. Clapham and Howson both cleared off the line in the closing stages as Hartlepool's afternoon ended in frustration _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist Join The Leeds United Supporters Trust at www.lufctrust.org
