It wasn't really about football yesterday, it was all about bottle. It's been a
long time since I've seen the boozers pre match so packed, lots of anticpation.
I think given we went down to ten men and then conceded a goal and still came
back to win I'd have to put this up there in the list of great home victories.
Nothing seemed more certain that we would f'ck it up and end up in the pay offs
but you've to give credit to the players and the manager for pulling it off.
Apparently Billy Bremner, Eddie Gray and Johnny Giles were used in Grayson's
crucial half-time team talk - it worked. The pivotal moment was the arrival of
Howson, the local lad who has been f'cked around with regards to his team
selection and his position. On minute, team captain the next moved to a right
winger the next, sat on the bench. I love Johnny Howson, he's the only player
over the last few years I've been really excited about (Maybe Delph as well).
The crowd intensity was
cranked up a couple of notches when Howson came on. He'd obviously decided
just to go for it and was very direct in his play which is exactly what we
wanted. His goal was magnificent and if he isn't installed as our Champonship
central midfielder next season then it's a crying shame. The problem for Johnny
this season is who he has been playing with. Doyle, for me has been too
pedestrian and Howson has suffered. We've hardly seen the preferred pairing of
Kilkenny and Howson - that would have worked this season. Both get through
plenty of work. I thought Kilkenny was excellent yesterday, he put in a hell of
a lot of work and kept the team ticking along.
The winning goal was a disaster for their keeper as he threw it out staight to
Johnson. He took it into the box and tried a shot (?) which was deflected to
Beckford who finished easily. Chaos in the stands. The last few minutes and
injury time were painful but surprisingly we looked pretty much in control. I
don't mind admitting that the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up and
there were tears in my eyes as I realised that we were about to get promoted. A
brillaint achievement.
I can't do scores on the doors 'cos the whole match now seems a bit of a blur.
I thought we played ok under the circumstances. I thought their lad up front
caused our defence some problems and I think Grayson has to have a real think
about the defence. I worry about Grayson's recent tactics and team selections.
I don't think a team with Doyle, Johnson and Becchio is good enough at this
level and won't be next season - it needed the subs to get us going and that's
not the first time this season. I think we've just about got away with it this
season. In midfield I thought Kilkenny was a one man midfield, Doyle put in a
lot of work but was average, Johnson was poor and should have scored twice,
Gradel looked lively until he lost his head. He will need to sort out his
temper if he's going to figure next year. Up front I thought Becchio worked his
socks off ( I could never accuse Becchio of not trying, he gives it
everything) without really having a shot
or looking like scoring and Beckford provided a good outlet and does what he
does best and win games. Bates get your cheque book out now.
The subs Snodgrass and Howson made the difference.
So let's sit back and enjoy watching Town in the play-offs. I think Grayson
needs to move fast in putting his plans together for next season.
My only gripe yesterday were the day trippers with the painted faces .... you
know who you are and you haven't been to Leeds since we were in the Premier
League. I can't abide that.
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