Sunday, March 8, 2009

late goal sends Leeds tumbling

Leeds visit of the Bristol Rovers ended in another disappointing day away from Elland Road as the Whites played to a 2-2 draw. The result is a costly one for Leeds promotion hopes as they now tumble to seventh in the table.

With Jonny Howson back in the starting grid with a solid midfield of Robert Snodgrass, Neil Kilkenny and Fabian Delph servicing Jermaine Beckford and Argentine maestor Luciano Becchio up-front, Leeds had a solid prospective attacking side. Sadly the tactical plan was a vapid mix of slow transitional work and the typical eventual bash into the box or set-piece. Utilizing talent to the absolute minimum the hosts took the lead fourteen minutes after the opening whistle as David Pipe's cross was turned in by Jeff Hughes. Lacking attacking vision Leeds next threatening move found the net just shy of the half hour as Robert Snodgrass cross from the byline found Luciano, to had circled to the open spot and thunderously headed the ball in. For the balance of the half both sides seemed hemmed in by a lack of tactical vision or resolve and the match went to the break level. Slow and tediously Leeds prodded through the early stages of the second forty-five with the young Scot,
Robert Snodgrass nailing in a free-kick from twenty-five metres two minutes before the hour. Comfortable with the one goal advantage Leeds showed a firm intent on locking down the match and for the most part neither 'keeper was disturbed to the final moments. For Leeds that disturbance was a disaster as Jo Kuffour scored as time ticked down to bring the match to a 2-2 final score.

Leeds returns to action on Tuesday against Yeovil Town.



David Prutton for Neil Kilkenny (87)
Jo Kuffour (90) (58)