Leeds United

By: Thomas Hill | Add Comments

Injury-plagued defender Ben Parker has joined Carlisle on loan until February 25th.

The move will give Parker the opportunity to gain some fitness, after a torrid few years with constant injuries. After playing some behind-closed-doors games at Thorp Arch, Parker will now step up in level and move to Carlisle who currently play in League One. During his time with the Cumbrians Parker will be available for six league games.

Speaking about the move on the official site Grayson said:

” This is something we’ve been looking at for a few weeks now. Ben has had a very, very difficult few years with injury and it’s testament to him and the physio’s that he has come through it and back playing again. The Physio’s have been keeping a close eye on him over the past few weeks with the increase in training and the games, and he has come through well. The next logical step once he was playing again was a loan move to play some competitive games and with Carlisle going so well at the moment this is a move that suits everyone.”

Hopefully Parker’s spell with Carlisle will give him some much needed game time. Although the friendlies are good for fitness, as they say there is no better way of becoming match fit than playing in competitive matches. Parker’s injury has seen him lose a yard or two of pace and maybe going on loan could help him. To be honest I don’t see Parker having a future at Leeds, his contract is up at the end of the season and Aidy White has been in form. Having said that, White could be on his way out also, and with Bates not spending much money on transfers Parker could be a cheap option, labelled as ‘like a new signing’. The rumours will also be circling that Parker has been sent on loan due to his comments in the Pavilion (about Howson departure), but in all fairness I think this move has been planned for some time.

By: Thomas Hill | Add Comments

It was inevitable and expected but today’s conformation of Jonny Howson’s departure cut deep…very deep in the hearts of Leeds fans all over the world. Any fan favourite’s departure will cause distress but when it is a home-grown Leeds boy it is even harder to take in. Like many Howson’s departure has shocked me, even though his contract negotiations haven’t been going along swimmingly you always hoped he might sign.

Unfortunately Howson’s sale just highlights the problems at Leeds United, the captain of the club and boyhood fan doesn’t believe the club are going to be playing Premier League football any time soon. The sale shows the distinct lack of ambition at the club under the control of Ken Bates, and I expect Howson’s departure to be the first of many over the coming months. On the day Jonny was pictured with his Norwich shirt, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some of my best memories of his times at the club.

4. Scunthorpe 1 – 4 Leeds United: Against Scunthorpe Howson scored a 15 minute hat-trick to help Leeds claim all three points at Glanford Park. The hat-trick wasn’t an ordinary one either, a header, left footed drive and right footed curler (the perfect hat-trick) sent the Leeds fans into raptures. The trio of goals showed the division Howson’s ability as a goalscoring midfielder, one of the many attributes Norwich will be taking advantage of now (jammy bastards).

3. Manchester United 0 – 1 Leeds: Ahhhh who can forget January the 3rd. I won’t break out into song, but as well as being on the pitch and halting the likes of Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, Jonny was the architect in the goal that gave Leeds the famous away win against the scum. With Richard Naylor dispossessing the opposition, Jonny was given time on the ball to pick out Jermaine Beckford…and well the rest is history.

2. Carlisle 0 – 2 Leeds: Back in 2008 Howson struck a 90th minute winner to book Leeds’ place in the League-One play-off final. Earlier in the game Howson had drawn Leeds level on aggregate with a low shot in the tenth minute. The nerve wrecking thoughts of Extra Time were slowly creeping up on Leeds when Howson hit a low left footed shot into the corner past a dejected Kieren Westwood. As the video shows, Howson was on top of the world scoring for his beloved Leeds United on such an important occasion.

1. Leeds United 2-1 Bristol Rovers: One of the best moment for any Leeds fan in the past decade was the game at home to Bristol Rovers. With Leeds down to ten men after Max Gradel’s dismissal, Howson was brought on from the bench and made an instant impact. The midfielder linked up with Luciano Becchio on the edge of the box, and carefully curled the ball into the right-hand corner. The goal sent the Elland Road crowd wild and moments later Leeds took the lead thanks to another departed hero Jermaine Beckford.

These four memories are probably rather general and would be the same for most Leeds fans. There are plenty of memories of Jonny’s time at the club that many won’t forget, but his departure is made worse by the current state of affairs at Elland Road. In every performance for the club Howson gave his all for the cause. He wasn’t a world beater, far from it, and this season has probably been his least influential.

Despite this, I have no doubt Howson will go on to be a success in the Premier League, and hey if Ken ever leaves someone may bring him back to the club. So in three-and-a-half years time Jonny could be strutting his stuff in a white shirt again….if only.

All the best Jonny, good luck for the future.

By: Thomas Hill | 5 Comments

As I sit and write this report from today’s game, I sit and wonder how on earth Leeds United have got anything from today’s match. A point would have been lucky, but to beat Ipswich and by 3-1 beggers belief. Most reading this will be disgusted and say a win is a win, but its becoming clearer and clearer, something is very wrong at Leeds United and needs resolving. Some fans will claim it is a never say die attitude, but what about the 11 v 11 contest – Leeds didn’t cause Ipswich any problems and if our old pal McCarthy didn’t get sent off then who knows what the scoreline would have been. After the dismissal Ipswich’s defence simply gifted Leeds the win with some shocking errors from Ibrahima Sonko.

For the first time in a few months, I arrived at Elland Road to the chorus of “Bates Out” –  with the Leeds faithful disgusted at the sale of captain Jonny Howson. Finally taking my seat in the Kop, just in time to find out Aidy White had been dropped to the bench for Danny Pugh…the reason behind that decision is still puzzling me now. Fabian Delph who returned to the club on loan on Friday was back in the centre of midfield alongside Adam Clayton. Mikael Forssell was given his first start with Luciano Becchio being dropped to the bench.

The game started with neither side able to settle and play some football. As per usual Darren O’Dea was pinging his pointless long balls to nobody and Fabian Delph was out of the game for the early parts with the ball evading him. United threatened from the odd set-piece and the odd through ball to Ross McCormack was a problem for the Ipswich defence. Leeds continued to do what they’ve done all season – stop pressuring the opposition and watch them play. A few minutes later it almost cost them – Andy Lonergan had to rush out of his goal to deny Lee Martin.

Lonergan was at fault however on 35 minutes when Adam Drury’s shot from a corner found its way into the back of the net. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas then went close just before half-time when his long range shot clipped the upright. At half-time most conversations were about the state of the club and how Mr Bates just has to leave. Season ticket holders for decades have had enough, they refuse to give any more money to a man they believe is killing the club.

Grayson clearly didn’t say much at the halfway point to give the players any confidence they could change the result. As the second half started there was no passion, no drive and no effort to do anything. One man was trying his best – Robert Snodgrass once again running up and down the wing trying to carve something out of nothing. On the hour mark Grayson replaced Andros Townsend with Aidy White and Becchio was thrown on up top in place of Forssell.

It was around the 65th minute mark that Alex McCarthy started his mission to help Leeds win. Firstly he dropped a catch which almost give Aidy White a chance to score. Then his next five or six kicks ended up in the dugout much to the frustration of his manager Paul Jewell. Finally his private mission was complete – when he was sent off for handling the ball outside the box. Young Arran Lee-Barrett was the man to replace McCarthy and one of his first tasks was to pick the ball out of the net. Snodgrass was gifted a chance when Sonko passed him the ball for him to slot the ball home and it was 1-1.

Barrett’s confidence was knocked and he made a mistake to allow Leeds to take the lead. McCormack chased down a loose ball and Barrett dilly dallied and McCormack got a big enough touch to send the ball into the empty net. At 2-1 my bet was a winner which pleased me no end, but my bet slip was soon thrown to the floor when Luciano Becchio made it 3-1 with minutes to go. Becchio chased another lost cause and managed to tuck the ball past Barrett to give Leeds a very dubious and undeserved three points.

The win sees Leeds go 9th and one point behind the play-offs…how we’ve done that is beyond me. I’ve reported on every game at home this season and constantly said how bad the atmosphere has been- today beat that by a country mile. Some fans weren’t even watching when Ipswich scored…they were too busy chatting away without a care in the world about the football. They’ve paid in advance and therefore turn up, only to be disappointed further by the terrible performances on the pitch.

Aidy White was dropped today, he has been a revelation at the back this season and was dropped for Danny Pugh who was woeful…and that is me being kind. Andros Townsend is a different player from that MOM performance against Burnley. Fabian Delph put his foot in but looked a little rusty and hopefully we will see more from him as his loan comes to an end. Mikael Forssell was terrible up top and shouldn’t start against Birmingham, fair enough Becchio has been poor but Forssell’s performance doesn’t warrant a starting place.

For the first time during Grayson’s spell I have started to question him. Watching him today was hard – he looked a lost man with hands in pockets not really barking any orders. When they were given his merry men of Snodin and co gave the tactics while the ball was out of play. I want him to succeed so badly…but there is no passion from the team until late on, when usually the other team makes mistakes. Its ten days until the window shuts, expect plenty of rumours once more. One excuse the club can’t use is that they have a game to distract them, the next time we play it’s against Birmingham on the deadline. The squad we have at present will not get us promoted in fact I very much doubt we will finish the top half with the performances at the moment.

It’s depressing being a Leeds fan at present and I don’t see it getting any better.

By: Thomas Hill | Add Comments

Well tomorrow it’s back to the football, a little break from captain sales, pathetic loan length signings and rumours galore. 90 minutes of freedom to watch us beat Ipswich….I wish, I have a feeling tomorrow could be the worst atmosphere of the season and there has been some bad ones.

The opponents Ipswich haven’t been to great this season, but it would typical for them to raise their game tomorrow. As usual I interviewed Phil from www.twtd.co.uk – the independent Ipswich Town website.

You’re currently sitting 19th in the table with 28 points. It’s fair to say you probably aren’t happy being down there, but are you seeing any improvements from the team on the pitch?

Some improvements, yes, although results haven’t really matched performances. We deserved something at Reading and Birmingham and should have beaten Blackpool last week until an inspired performance from Blackpool’s subs, Kevin Phillips most notably.

According to the press we’re locked in talks with Sean St Ledger, just like yourselves. What is the rumours doing the rounds at Ipswich and are you confident you can sign him?

St Ledger was coming here last week until Leicester realised, somewhat belatedly, that that would leave them short of central defenders with Sol Bamba off to the Africa Cup of Nations. I suspect that if they sign Wes Morgan from Forest, St Ledger will be on his way, probably to Town, unless we’ve signed someone else by then.

In the summer we were linked with David Stockdale. He didn’t have the best have spells with the ball passing him on many occasions. Despite the lack of clean sheets was he a good signing or can some of the blame be passed on to him?

He was probably at fault for two or three goals but not too many more. He’s a good keeper and seemed a decent bloke as well. I don’t think too many people blamed him for the high goals-against total.

Ex-Leeds star Lee Bowyer signed for you before the window shut, claiming he didn’t want to move up north again and instead settled with his family over a dramatic return to Leeds. As a player I think he could play in the Premiership still, he did well for Birmingham last year, But what about for yourselves, has he played well?

He started slowly but was beginning to get towards the top of his game when he got injured. Like a lot of our experienced summer signings, we’re yet to see the best of him.

You signed Keith Andrews and he scored some good goals for you. We’re apparently after him too, is he worth signing and would you welcome him back to Portman Road on a permanent deal?

I think we would but it looks like he’s going to go to Wigan. Premier League interest was always going to be the biggest obstacle stopping us from getting him on a permanent basis. Finding someone to replicate his nine goals from midfield isn’t going to be an easy task.

Paul Jewell has come under some scrutiny this season, is it justified and is he the man to lead the club, considering many fancied you for the play-offs this year?

When a club goes on seven-game runs of defeats the manager’s always going to come in for some stick. Given the money spent, we should certainly be doing better. Home performances have been particularly poor for some while, not just under Jewell, so it’s no shock that there’s frustration amongst fans. The owner’s given him his backing and the club will benefit from a period of stability – as long as results show some signs of progress in the right direction.

Jewell will obviously send the team out to win, but how do you see yourselves lining up?

I reckon it will be the same as last week with Alex McCarthy in goal, Aaron Cresswell and Carlos Edwards the full-backs, Ibrahima Sonko and Tommy Smith the centre-halves, Andy Drury and Luke Hyam the central midfielders and Jay Emmanuel Thomas on the right and Josh Carson on the left of midfield. Lee Martin will play in behind lone striker Jason Scotland.

If you could pick out any player/s who will be a threat to Leeds on Saturday who would it be and why?

I reckon Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is due a goal which will either be a 45-yard keeper decapitator or a mazy dribble through innumerable defenders and a tap home.

Leeds have been average at best this year, but is there anyone you’ve seen in our team you would love to have at Ipswich?

A lot of Town fans were sad to see Andros Townsend go back to Tottenham early when he was here last year. Dangerous going forward but for me didn’t do enough defensively. Be interesting to see how he’s progressed over the year.

And finally prediction for the match?

We probably won’t keep a clean sheet. I reckon a tight-ish one. Maybe a 1-1 draw or 2-1 to us if we play like we did last week.

Big thanks to Phil for the answers…lets hope his prediction is wrong. My prediction is a 2-2 draw or a 2-1 win to Leeds, a guarantee will be Fabian Delph to pick up a yellow card.

Enjoy the game!

Follow Leedstheoffside/Ciaran on Twitter and on Facebook.

By: Ciaran Roche | 2 Comments

Paul Jewell’s Ipswich Town are the visitors to Elland Road this weekend as Simon Grayson’s merry men look to record their first victory over Ipswich in just short of ten years when goals from Robbie Fowler and Ian Harte were enough to see off the Tractor Boys in March 2002. Ipswich, who have the leakiest defence in the Championship, come into the game without a win in 6 games in all competitions and sit just four points above the relegation zone. United’s recent record is not much better though having won just one of their last seven games leaving them three points outside the play offs in eleventh place.

Leeds United fans have been rocked this week with the news that homegrown, club Captain Jonny Howson is set to leave LS11 for Norwich after a fee was agreed between the sides. It means that little thought has gone on the game and even three points will do little to deflect their anger towards owner Ken Bates.

Team News:

There are no new injury concerns for boss Simon Grayson but the squad is boosted by the arrival of Fabian Delph who today rejoined the club on an initial one month loan from Aston Villa. Robert Snodgrass could also make a return to the starting line after the Scotland International made a goal scoring comeback as a substitute last weekend away at Crystal Palace. Snodgrass had been out of the side following appendix surgery.

Ipswich will be without Lee Bowyer, meaning there will be no Elland Road return for the former United favourite. The midfielder is ruled out with a groin injury and Paul Jewell told the club’s official site: “Lee Bowyer won’t be fit enough to feature at Leeds. He’s had an injection on his groin injury and should be fine to come back into contention next week”. However Jewell may be able to call on Grant Leadbitter and Damien Delaney after the Ipswich boss revealed they both may return from injury in time for the Elland Road clash.

One to Watch:

With the Tractor Boys top scorer Keith Andrews back at his parent club Blackburn, Ipswich need their strike force to step up to the plate and start scoring. Jason Scotland is one of the men trying to do just that and after recently being preferred to Michael Chopra in attack, Scotland is currently Town’s third top scorer with five goals in all competitions. After beginning his career in Trinidad and Tobago, Jason Scotland made his name in Scottish football with Dundee United and St Johnstone, where he scored 33 goals in 66 appearances. After a move to English football with Swansea produced 45 goals in 90 appearances, Scotland caught the eye of Premier League Wigan. However, Scotland’s spell in Wigan proved unsuccessful and now the Trinidad and Tobago international finds himself at Portman Road. Scotland will be hoping to kick start his, and Ipswich’s season this weekend and will no doubt prove a handful for Tom Lees and Darren O’Dea in United’s defence.

Jason Scotland celebrates his equaliser against Leeds earlier on this season.

My Prediction:

The events that have occured this week can’t have instilled much confidence into the squad and with rumours that a few more key players could be on their way, I’m not very confident that the Whites will put on a good show this weekend. Ipswich are in poor form themselves and haven’t won since the middle of December when they beat Derby 1-0 and it is good chance to earn another three points. However, I feel the bad vibe the Jonny Howson news has created will mean the team will struggle on the pitch, I predict a draw.

Last Six Meetings:

27th August 2011 – Ipswich Town 2-1 Leeds United

12th March 2011 – Leeds United 0-0 Ipswich Town

2nd October 2010 – Ipswich Town 2-1 Leeds United

28th April 2007 – Leeds United 1-1 Ipswich Town

16th December 2006 – Ipswich Town 1-0 Leeds United

31st January 2006 – Ipswich Town 1-1 Leeds United

Follow Leedstheoffside / Ciaran on Twitter and on Facebook!

By: Ciaran Roche | Add Comments

The week in which one product of the Leeds United academy looks set to leave for pastures new, another one has rejoined the club on an initial one month loan deal. Fabian Delph has come back to the club he left in 2009, when Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa stumped up £6 million for his services. Since the big money move, Fabian has made 36 appearances for the West Midlands club but has failed to really establish himself in the side.

Delph scored 6 goals after breaking into the Leeds side.

Villa manager Alex McLeish thought it best that Delph go out on loan and Simon Grayson wasted no time in snapping up his former midfielder on a short term deal. “We’ve been talking for a couple of weeks now with Villa about the possibility of bringing Fab back to the club. As everyone knows Fab is a talented footballer who did very well here and secured himself a big move on the back of what he did.” Said Simon Grayson on the club’s official website.

Leeds moved for Delph at an early age after the youngster impressed for hometown club Bradford City, Fabian then continued his development at the Leeds United academy before eventually making his debut for United in the club’s final game in the Championship before relegation to League One back in 2007. It wasn’t until Gary McAllister took over that the youngster established himself in the side and the Bradford born midfielder then went on to appear 56 times for Leeds, scoring six goals. The United faithful will hope Delph can reproduce some of the form which got him his big money after a turbulent week for the club. Delph has been training with the squad already and will go straight into Simon Grayson’s squad for the game with Ipswich.

Fabian Delph Factfile:

Nationality: English

D.O.B: 21.11.1989.

Place of Birth: Bradford, England

Height: 5ft 9in (1.74m)

Previous Clubs: Bradford City, Leeds United, Aston Villa

Position: Midfielder

Follow Leedstheoffside / Ciaran on Twitter and Facebook!

By: Thomas Hill | Add Comments

After a turbulent 24 hours for any Leeds United fan, the club have finally announced some positive news (if you can call it that). USA international Robbie Rogers has been granted a work permit after a long wait, but his deal won’t be completed until early next week.

The 24-year-old now requires international clearance and a visa before he can begin his career with the Whites. Rogers’ hearing was in London on Wednesday, and after playing over 100 games for MLS side Columbus Crew he can begin his career in Europe.

Rogers will sign an 18 month deal, but the club do have the option of a further year. Boss Simon Grayson has confirmed that he sees Rogers as a big part of his plans, which casts doubt over the future of some of the regular squad. The former Columbus Crew man can play on either wing and is two footed, and according to the man himself his biggest strength is his pace.

With Rogers being another unknown, the fans will obviously have their doubts. However, in the past it has worked with the likes of Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma, so you never know Rogers could be a success and he deserves a chance. Lets just hope in 12 months time we don’t sell him on for the cheap…we’ve heard that far too many times before.

Follow Leedstheoffside/Ciaran on Twitter and on Facebook.

By: Ciaran Roche | 5 Comments

Morley born Jonny Howson is currently travelling to East Anglia to hold talks with Norwich after an ‘undisclosed’ fee was agreed between the two clubs thought to be around the £2 million mark. Club Captain Howson, whose contract is up at the end of the current campaign has been a major part of the Leeds side since making his debut in 2006 during a League Cup tie with Barnet. After making his debut for the first team, Howson has gone on to make over 200 appearances for United, in a number of different positions including all over the midfield and just behind the striker, a role in which he has flourished. The 23 year old ironically scored his first goal for Leeds against Norwich at Carrow Road during the year that would see the Whites relegated to League One for the first time in their history. The midfield man has hit a total of 28 goals in United colours and could always be relied on to score a vital goal for the club. Some of Howson’s more important goals include his two against Carlisle in the League One play-off semi final second leg to steer United to Wembley, and his equaliser after coming of the substitutes bench against Bristol Rovers in the game that saw Leeds climb out of League One and back into the Championship.

Howson's two goals against Carlisle steered United to the League One play-off final in 2008.

However, Howson was not only known for scoring goals. Since his injury against Millwall at the start of December, United have lacked a real creative spark and a team that couldn’t stop scoring goals during the last season and a half is now barely troubling the score sheets. These seem to be very worrying times for the football club and part of a club statement read “ The club had been in discussions with the player about a new contract at Elland Road for more than 12 months, but he has been steadfast in his position that he would like the opportunity to play Premier League football and on that basis Jonny hasn’t felt in a position to commit himself to Leeds United at this moment in time “. How can the club fail to make the homegrown, club captain and longest serving player at the club ‘feel in a position to commit himself’? Jonny Howson obviously feels that signing a new deal at Leeds United means he wouldn’t be getting Premier League football anytime soon and feels joining Bradley Johnson at Norwich is a better option.

Howson would be teaming up with Bradley Johnson again at Norwich.

If Howson feels the need to jump ship, what chance do we have of securing Robert Snodgrass and Adam Clayton on long term deals? Both of whom will be in the exact same position as Howson this time next year (if we keep them that long). Meanwhile another homegrown talent, Tom Lees is being pursued by Bolton, a team who are also taking an interest in Adam Clayton. Furthermore, it has been reported by the same newspaper that broke the Howson news that Ross McCormack was at the Wigan game on Monday night with his agent, so there is a strong posibility that come the end of January we could be without our captain and our top scorer.

McCormack could also be on his way before January is over.

Of course unsuccessful contract negotiations are not a new thing at Leeds United but I think the failure to tie Howson to a new contract is the last straw for many Leeds fans. Should Howson agree personal terms with Premier League Norwich he will be following a number of key first team players out of the exit doors at Elland Road since the club won promotion from League One. These players include Jermaine Beckford, Bradley Johnson, Neil Kilkenny, Kasper Schmeichel and Max Gradel. All of whom would have agreed fresh terms with Leeds but for inept contract talks with the men in charge whether that be Bates, Harvey or Grayson. Neil Kilkenny made his feelings about Ken Bates clear when he scored at Elland Road in the recent game with his new side Bristol City. The Aussie angrily ran over to where the chairman sits at Elland Road to vent his frustrations at Bates. Both Bradley Johnson and Kasper Schmeichel went public to defend their name after Bates had publically slated them over the breakdown of talks, while Max Gradel had made clear he wanted to stay at Leeds in the press before the club allowed the saga to drag on and on so much that Gradel’s head was turned and he too eventually wanted out. Leeds United can attract some great players such as the Gradel’s, the Beckford’s and so on but they can’t hold on to any of them and now the same goes for promising young players the club produce at Thorp Arch. As soon as a players contract is nearing an end we are forced to get rid in a cut price deal or risk losing them for nothing at the end of their contract. The sad truth is we all know the exact same thing will happen again and again with the likes of Snodgrass, Clayton and others.

Leeds have lost numerous first team stars including Max Gradel.

Ken Bates still expects the dedicated Leeds support to pay Premier League ticket prices though and for what? So we can see the likes of Danny Pugh wander round the Elland Road pitch having no effect on the game at all? Or maybe a new loan star? I’ve been a season ticket holder for 15 seasons now but this latest chapter is really making me question whether it is worth making it 16. I probably will because I enjoy going to the game too much but I know that this is the last straw for so many hardcore United followers, some who have even seen the likes of Bremner and co give their all for Leeds United.

Key first team players continue to be sold while the expensive redevelopment nears completion.

The good news though, is that the Fabian Delph stand is nearing completion while we continue to sell our best players and who knows, he may even be back in time for the grand opening.

Follow Leedstheoffside / Ciaran on Twitter and on Facebook!

By: Ciaran Roche | Add Comments

Leeds United were in London for their second game in a row on Saturday as they faced a Crystal Palace side buoyed by their 1-0 semi-final first leg victory over Cardiff City earlier in the week. Simon Grayson made two changes to his United side that were beaten by a Thierry Henry strike at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening. Michael Brown came into the side in place of Mika Vayrynen while top-scorer Ross McCormack won back his place in the side at the expense of Ramon Nunez. Robert Snodgrass was also back for the visitors but had to make do with a place on the bench as the Scotland International returned after having appendix surgery.

Boss Grayson opted to continue with a young defence in Zac Thompson, Tom Lees, Darren O’Dea and Aidan White and they were under pressure early on as the hosts looked to race out of the blocks. The Whites shot stopper Andy Lonergan, who was again the captain for Leeds, had already been called upon to make two early saves when Chris Martin’s sixth minute strike hit the back of the net. United’s young guns at the back held off the Palace forward who made no mistake about guiding the ball into the corner of Lonergan’s net and Leeds had that familiar feeling and were a goal down in the opening 10 minutes.

Chris Martin put Palace in front inside ten minutes.

Martin’s early strike spelt the end of Palace’s period of dominance and the home side never really threatened Lonergan’s goal again after the goal. Leeds went in search of an equaliser for the 5,000 strong travelling army from West Yorkshire but in a similar fashion to a lot of recent games, struggled to create any clear cut opportunities. Ross McCormack had two opportunities with free kicks just outside the box. However the Scot couldn’t do what he did against Barnsley back in November and missed both of them. Adam Clayton did create a chance for himself though when he cut inside the Palace box and his curling effort would have pulled Leeds level but for a terrific save from Palace keeper Julian Speroni. Danny Pugh collected the rebound and drilled the ball back into the box where the ball fell to Tom Lees just in front of goal. Unfortunately for United, Speroni was up, he had dusted himself down and was ready to deny Leeds again just seconds later with another great save and the score was still 1-0 to Palace.

Just before half time, just like against Burnley, United were given a big helping hand by the referee. Sean Scannell had already been booked when he made a silly tackle on Danny Pugh. Mr Coote taking charge of the game wasted no time in brandishing another yellow card and Palace would have to play the second half with only 10 men.

Leeds looked to dominate right from the start of the second half but again were failing to create any meaningful chances. Grayson brought Robert Snodgrass on at the earliest opportunity but in a surprising move, opted to bring Aidan White off while Danny Pugh reverted to left back. United needed a spark and the introduction of Snodgrass certainly got the approval of the travelling Leeds fans who met his introduction with a roar. In a ‘Thierry Henry’ style comeback, Snodgrass only needed one chance and it was 1-1. The ball found its way to McCormack just behind the defence and he unselfishly cut the ball back to his fellow Scot. Snodgrass’ outstretched leg made no mistake in bringing Leeds back on level terms and with just under half an hour still to play, United had every chance of coming away with all three points.

Snodgrass came off the bench to equalise for Leeds.

United were dominating possession and Michael Brown was pulling the strings for Leeds’ midfield. The veteran was playing well, coming to collect the ball and then playing it simple, keeping things ticking over for Leeds. There was still very little creation from Leeds, though Snodgrass did have the beating of Palace full back Jonathan Parr on a few occasions. However once Parr had been beaten, Snodgrass’ final ball couldn’t find a team mate and the ball was cleared. Mikael Forssell replaced the once again disappointing Luciano Becchio as United looked to get a late winner for the second league game in a row. The best chance to do so fell to substitute Forssell who found the ball at his feet in a congested penalty area. Speroni was in no mood to let United score again though and once again rebuffed United’s effort and with that Simon Grayson and Leeds had to settle for a point as United slip to eleventh in the table.

I actually think we played better than we have done in comparison to our performances in the last month or so but the lack of creation is worrying. Despite a shaky start to the game, Zac Thompson improved and had a really solid second half and other than some lacklustre defending for their goal, the rest of the defence did okay as well. Luciano Becchio continues to be ineffective and it can’t be said that it is because he isn’t getting the service. Ross McCormack managed to get involved plenty of times during the game while Becchio was poor and not involved. Surely it is time to give Forssell a start because, for me Becchio doesn’t warrant his place in the side at all.

Follow Leedstheoffside / Ciaran on Twitter and on Facebook!

By: Ciaran Roche | Add Comments

Leeds United turn their attentions back to the league this weekend after the Whites were sent packing from the F.A Cup on Monday night following a 1-0 defeat away to Arsenal. United make the trip to Selhurst Park, a stadium where their play-off ambitions all but ended last season with a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, a team who at the time were battling relegation. The Eagles are a completely different side now though and could leapfrog Leeds in the table with a victory over the men from West Yorkshire. Former United loanee, Dougie Freedman is doing at great job at Palace and has turned a relegation threatened team into young and exciting promotion candidates and has even guided the Eagles to the League Cup semi final, a tie in which they hold a 1-0 lead over Cardiff City going into the second leg.

Nevertheless, Simon Grayson’s men will travel to London hoping to secure the double over Palace after two goals from top scorer Ross McCormack helped United seal a 3-2 win over Palace at Elland Road earlier on in the season. It was a game that the visitors were unlucky not to win, never mind lose and the Whites will need to be in much better form this Saturday in order to get anything from the game.

Ross McCormack scored two against Palace earlier on in the season.

Team News:

The major decision for Leeds boss Simon Grayson is to decide whether Scotland International Robert Snodgrass is ready to return to first team action or not. The talented winger has been out following appendix surgery but may find himself in the squad for the trip to Palace. Otherwise, the side may be similar to the one that travelled to the Emirates on Monday night after the defence received lots of plaudits for Keeping Arsenal out for as long as they did. Simon Grayson told the club’s official site: “They’ll have learned from the experience and loved playing against some of the players they did. All of them did very well. They have a desire to do well, a fantastic work ethic, they are all good players, and I think the future is bright for all of them.” (Thompson, Lees, O’Dea and White)

Mika Vayrynen started at Arsenal and looked tired as he left the field, so Michael Brown may be preferred to the Finland International in the heart of United’s midfield, however Vayrynen may get another opportunity to build up his match fitness. Ross McCormack has been kicking his heels on the bench lately but could get another chance from the start after United’s attack has become rather toothless of late.

Meanwhile new Palace loan signing Paul Mcshane has been registered in time to face Leeds and will go straight into Dougie Freedman’s squad. Nathaniel Clyne is also expected to return for the hosts after the defender missed out on the League Cup tie with Cardiff with a virus.

One To Watch:

Palace have a number of young and exciting prospects within their side and 19 year old striker Wilifred Zaha is no exception to that. Speed, strength and trickery are just three things Zaha, who qualifies to play for both England and the Ivory Coast, has in his locker. Despite not being prolific so far this season in the league, Zaha has been a key member of the Crystal Palace side that has reached the semi final of the League Cup with 3 goals in 4 starts. Zaha signed a new four and a half year contract at Palace in November 2010 but with the youngster being touted as a possible January transfer window target for the likes of Liverpool, it may not be long before he is plying his trade away from Selhurst Park. Nevertheless, Zaha will be hoping to kick start his goal scoring season this weekend by putting United’s defence to the sword.

Zaha has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park.

My Prediction:

Hopefully the Whites will defend as resolutely as they did at the Emirates on Monday night when only the introduction of Thierry Henry could break Leeds down. Palace are a lot better than the side that beat us 1-0 at Selhurst Park last campaign and United will have to be in good form to return to West Yorkshire with all three points. If Snodgrass is fit, I fancy us to win the game. With the Scotland International on one wing, and Andros Townsend on the other, it certainly makes for an interesting proposition, Leeds to win the game, 2-1.

Last Six Meetings:

10th September 2011 – Leeds United 3-2 Crystal Palace

25th April 2011 – Crystal Palace 1-0 Leeds United

4th December 2010 – Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace

26th August 2010 – Leeds United 4-0 Crystal Palace (League Cup)

10th February 2007 – Leeds United 2-1 Crystal Palace

13th August 2006 – Crystal Palace 1-0 Leeds United

Follow Leedstheoffside / Ciaran on Twitter and on Facebook!