Leeds sends Northampton Town to League Two
By: j |
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Northampton Town’s hopes to avoid relegation took the bitterest turns as they fell 3-0 to Leeds whilst both Brighton and Carlisle United came up with victories on the final day of the campaign. At the days conclusion the Cobblers are relegated whilst Leeds readies for the opening of the playoffs against the Millwall.
With near 35,000 in attendance at Elland Road, Leeds overwhelmed their troubled visitors and after early threats, once again the Argentine maestro Luciano Becchio sent in Ben Foster’s cross just before the break. Although early chances were squandered, Simon Grayson was surely pleased as his starting eleven kept an airtight midfield display that barely allowed a threatening advance. Following the break the visitors showed a great attacking spirit but it went for naught and Robert Snodgrass provided Jermaine Beckford the set-up for his thirty-fourth goal of the campaign. The young Scot made it 3-0 in added-time with a professional scissor-kick to the back of the net.
Leeds now turns its attention to their visit of Millwall on 9 May in the first leg of the playoff semi-finals.
Category: News
Leeds prepares for playoffs against Northampton Town
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Leeds welcomes Northampton Town to Elland Road Saturday afternoon with their eyes keenly focused on the playoffs that commence next week. Whether the Whites face the MK Dons or Millwall in the semi-finals Simon Grayson will use Saturdays affair as a dress rehearsal before the main event that commences on 8 May.
Despite the rallying cries and other media banter of finishing off the campaign with a victory, Leeds needs to hold back the reigns on Robert Snodgrass to ensure the young Scot is fully fit as well as anticipate a curmudgeonly approach by the visitors. Any thoughts of Northhampton being a casual observer in the final match day of the season needs to be cast aside as the Cobblers are in a relegation scrap and could be sent down should Brighton and Carlisle United come up with victories. Northhampton manager Stuart Gray might be inclined to use a more defensive approach tactically with the notion of gutting out a an all-important point and Simon Grayson is best to consider this in his starting eleven.
All that aside for League One followers the title bout of the day is most assuredly Tranmere’s visit of Scunthorpe United. With the Rovers only two points behind Scunthorpe in the final playoff spot this will be a massive test of wills.
Category: NewsLeeds defeats Hartlepool 1-0
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Leeds heads towards the playoffs with a solid 1-0 victory over Hartlepool United. While the Whites had already secured a playoff berth, manager Simon Grayson was focused upon gaining the maximal points in their two remaining matches.
The style of victory was precisely what Leeds needed as they displayed playoff-sound tactics and limited the hosts opportunites. Without the services of Fabian Delph and Robert Snodgrass for the day Simon Grayson’s side showed notable attack vision the loss of the important cogs. After threatening a number of times, Leeds finally broke the deadlock on the hour as Ben Parker’s cross was turned in by Jermaine Beckford thirty-third mark of the year. While the consequences of the match are a debatable point, it served as a good marker for reviewing tactical compliance with Leeds earning a favourable grade-out.
Leeds returns to play against Northampton Town at Elland Road next Saturday with an eye towards the playoffs starting on 8 May.
Category: NewsMarching on Together: Leeds v Hartlepool match preview
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Leeds travel to Hartlepool United on Saturday afternoon with a keen eye towards the playoffs that commence in the second week of May. As Simon Grayson looks toward the final two matches he has stated that wishes to keep create a winning momentum into the important dates. Rightfully so but given injuries have stricken the Whites of late, they will need to juggle the realities of structuring play intelligently and not wearing down players before the run towards the Championship.
Against relegation concerned Hartlepool, Leeds is without play-maker Fabian Delph, who is in the sin-bin and Robert Snodgrass who has been dealing with a curmudgeonly ankle injury. The injury to the young Scot is most concerning as he will need to be fully-fit in the opening leg of the playoffs and should not be rushed in these two final matches. While there as been commentary of him returning to training early next week, they need to structure his return for the first playoff match less risk his involvement. Equally while it is tempting to utilize the striking combination of Luciano Becchio and Jermaine Beckford, now is the time to make more use of England U18 Tom Elliott with Liam Dickinson. Equally there is never a better time to give fine young players such as Jonathan Webb and Ollie Hotchkiss an opportunity.
Enjoy the match and as always I will report on it as it concludes. Until then we’re Marching on Together.
Category: NewsLeeds step closer to playoffs
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Leeds won their tenth successive match at Elland Road Saturday afternoon as they defeated Tranmere 3-1. With the victory Simon Grayson’s side sit fifth in the table with a six-point advantage over the Rovers. Although appearing quite comfortable with a playoff berth the Whites cannot afford any slip-ups in the remaining weeks as Scunthorpe does have two matches in-hand.
After a early attempt by Jonny Howson that slammed off the Tranmere post nearly provided Leeds the lead, Jermaine Beckford chipped in his thirty-second goal of the campaign via a nice link from Robert Snodgrass at the fifteenth minute. Eleven minutes later Leeds was possibly the beneficiary of a missed offside call with Jonathan Douglas supply from distance to Neil Kilkenny, with the Aussie finishing brilliantly. However in a unique twist of fate the goal was canceled out less than a minute later when Sam Sodje’s header went over Casper Ankergren and sadly fell into the Leeds net. Following the early opportunities, the Leeds attack went into the doldrums for the balance of the half and was unable to threaten, while Tranmere came close on a few occasions. Finally, in one of Leeds first notable attempts since the re-start Robert Snodgrass’ free-kick was re-directed in by Luciano Becchio from point-blank range. Up 3-1, the match drifted with Leeds confidently killing the day off and securing the important three points. While this final point is likely to be considered much and is far off the glamour beat of Football, this single ability to close out a match when in the lead has been a major problem throughout the year for the Whites and bodes well for the coming playoffs.
Category: NewsMarching on Together: Leeds v Tranmere match preview
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As Leeds welcome Tranmere to Elland Road on Saturday it will be with full knowledge that a victory will guarantee a spot in the playoffs. The match however comes with a number of tests and should Leeds be upset at home they will be exposed to late surge by Scunthorpe that could push them out of the playoffs.
That aside the biggest test for Simon Grayson is the absence of Fabian Delph and while the manager said to the Yorkshire Evening Post that, “it might do him the world of good and get him refreshed for a possible play-off campaign”, to lose one of your most important players in a crucial match is never an advantage. The concern is without the young England U-21 directing traffic, the Leeds attack will slow to a monotone grind, with little pace and the resulting wishful bash into the box after everyone has slowed to their spot. This was at a root of the early season woes and one of the reasons why the smooth passing attack of Gary McAllister ground to a halt, eventually costing the manager his job. If Leeds are to successful on Saturday Andy Robinson will need to press the attack in transition more than in the past.
In addition to loss on young Mr. Delph, Jermaine Beckford is still not up to par and it will be a match time decision if the striker is to gut it out. While he is anxious to return the delicate concern is whether he should be risked at this date with the playoffs likely in the horizon. Ultimately the decision comes down to the severity of injury and the managers confidence in the pairing of Liam Dickinson and Luciano Becchio in what is crucial match.
For viewers, this will be a very interesting tactical match as Leeds debates between a more free-flowing approach to more compact one that we will see in the playoffs. Based on recent play I anticipate more of the later with the reinforced back-line of SamSodje and Richard Naylor paying rich dividends as they look to squash Tranmere’s advances.
Category: NewsLeicester City downs Leeds 1-0
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Leicester City brought the curtain down on Leeds eleven-match unbeaten streak as they defeated the Whites 1-0 Monday afternoon at the Walkers Stadium. The loss leaves Simon Grayson’s side in fifth place, three points above Tranmere with three weeks to go.
Leeds welcomed Sam Sodje back into the lineup and Luciano Becchio toughed it out to be in the starting eleven. That aside the Championship headed Leicester created the greater of the opportunities and carved out openings early. Through the able work of Leed’s defending group and ‘keeper Casper Ankergren, quality efforts by Andy King and Matt Fryatt were held back as the Whites slowly began to have more confidence going forward. One of Leeds best opportunities to find the mark came when Robert Snodgrass corner nearly found it’s way into the netting as it was punched into the crossbar but the Foxes escaped without damage. Later, Andy Robinson, who had come in for Luciano Becchio with twenty-six minutes remaining, provided Fabian Delph a quality opportunity but the England U21 couldn’t find his way past Leicester ‘keeper David Stockdale. Slowly chances for three points came available for Leeds but as each fell short, the match appeared like it was heading to a nil draw. However the hosts had other plans as they grabbed the victory in injury time with Steve Howard nodding in Max Gradel’s corner.
Category: NewsJonny Howson provides winning margin for Leeds
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With a playoff promotion battle looming ahead, Leeds edged Stockport County 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. Although any celebration of defeating struggling Stockport is best held off, the victory was an important one in the march towards the playoffs.
Simon Grayson was forced to go forth in the match without the services of Sam Sodje and Jermaine Beckford, inserting Liam Dickinson for the ailing striker. From the get-go Leeds had the upper-hand as Stockport was incapable of launching much of an attacking presence. Nine minutes after the opening whistle Jonathan Douglas’s cross from the right, via LucianoBecchio resulted in Jonny Howson sending the ball in. Up 1-0 Leeds went hunting for more with Liam Dickinson quickly pounding the ball off the post shortly thereafter. Leeds, while controlling the balance of play but equally having an unnerving finishing problem as a series of close ranges were added to the log. Ten minutes after the restart Luciano was replaced by Andy Robinson due to injury and for the balance of the match, scoring chances were purely Leeds. While they couldn’t hit the mark,Stockport was snuffed out by ‘keeper Casper Ankergren and the match concluded with Leeds ninth successive victory at Elland Road.
Repeating the obvious, the victory is well received as Leeds looks to iron-out a spot in the playoffs, however it does raise some concerns over the lack of finishing. Stockport, with respect, have fallen out of bed of late and Leeds had ample opportunity to not only put this match out of reach but layer on an imposing score. Leading into the playoff run, Simon Grayson will need to address these concerns.
Category: NewsMarching on Together: Leeds v Stockport match preview
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With five matches remaining in the campaign, Leeds is course to promotion is a clear cut route via the playoffs. Sitting fifth in the table and well of-course for winning an automatic ticket to the Championship the Whites should be reasonably comfortable voyaging forward as Tranmere is a full six points behind.
However before considering this match I do wish to bring to your attention something of extraordinary importance. Twenty years ago ninety-six individuals lost their lives in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. For some, twenty years seems like an eternity and yet for those of us with a few flecks of gray, it seems like only like yesterday when so many lives were sadly lost. I ask each of you to stop for a moment and remember those whose lives were lost that day. No words can express the sorrow or ease the pain who lost their loves ones that day but as always, my thoughts and prayers go out to them.
These facts, as dry as they may be, need to be considered as Simon Grayson needs to carefully structure his side and ensure everyone is in good working order as the Whites enter the race to Wembley. Far from an endorsement of easing back on the throttle but as Leeds looks towards Saturday afternoons visit of Stockport County, they must wisely consider the health of a number of players lest lose them in the playoff round and a enter a vicious playoff mentality. This weeks demonstration against Leyton was the “perfect” example that they are nowhere near the mindset needed for a successful run as need to understand the fine art of grinding down a match.
Sam Sodje and Jermaine Beckford both missed this weeks dreadful draw to Leyton and while itching to get back into the starting eleven, this is itch best ignored. Neil Kilkenny, Richard Naylor and Robert Snodgrass overcame injuries to feature and the aforementioned mistake-prone draw and most concerning is the young Scot’s foot injury. Like both Sam Sodje and Jermaine Beckford, young Mr. Snodgrass needs to be fully-fit for the hearty playoff run and Simon Grayson should juggle his lineup with Bradley Johnson in particular taking a bigger role.
As always, I will report on the match as it concludes but until then we’re Marching on Together
Category: NewsLeeds falter with draw to Leyton
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Visions of winning automatic promotion came to a crashing end for the Whites as played Leyton to a disappointing 2-2 draw, with the host side fighting back with two late unanswered goals. Whilst the notion of straight berth to the Championship was reserved for only the most ardent of supporters, Leeds must now turn its course and set sail for the next tier via promotion.
Never to disappoint by supplying information prior to the match, United manager Simon Grayson failed to mention that new man Sam Sodje and striker extraordinaire Jermaine Beckford would both be out of the starting eleven with mild injuries. With both taking the evening off Rui Marques entered the back-line and Liam Dickinson joined Luciano Becchio.
Leeds thundered off to a hearty start. Billowing with confidence and visions of the return to glory the Whites tallied the first goal of the day as Robert Snodgrass, via Fabian Delph’s provision, slotted the ball into the back of the net. Up by one Leeds continued to attack with capable vision but something was amiss, a clink in the chain rusty and were unable to add to the margin as the match went to the break. Still showing to the be aggressor of the two, Leeds were keeping Leyton on their heels but were failing with the final touch. Just before the hour, Luciano Becchio’s goal bound strike was handled by Leyont’s Jason Demetriou, resulting in the spot being pointed to. With the young Cypriot’s day now concluded, Robert Snodgrass stepped up and plunked the ball giving Leeds the lead. With thirty minutes to goal and a man advantage, the road to victory was in-front of Simon Grayson’s side but sadly it was a road they did not go down.
In a haunting final half hour of play, Leeds exhibited careless defending and complete inability to kill a match off. Defensive tactics, tempo of play were all off given they were clearly in the drivers seat. Six minutes after the young Scot’s goal, Sean Thornton drew one back for Leyton with a free-kick just a smidgen outside of the area. Leeds scoured to restore their two goal advantage and after a few close-calls, the hosts completed their stunning comeback as Wales U21 Simon Church poached on a close range rebound to square the match. The match concluded without further incident in route to a disappointing 2-2 final and once again raised suspecting eyebrows to the tactical plan employed by Leeds.
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