Through It All Together - All Posts

Watford 1 - 2 Leeds United: McCormack Earns Leeds an Away Win to Ruin Watford's Automatic Chances

2013-05-04T21:52:47Z

Before we start discussing the trials and tribulations of the final day, let us start with the shocking news of the day.
No not Peterborough going down, or even Reading winning a game.

Yes ladies and gents - Leeds United scored a first-half goal and won away from home. Breath taking doesn't cover it well enough.

It was your typical final day with the excitement brimming from around those grounds in danger of doing down or in our case a team able to achieve promotion. Leeds went south to Watford with little chance of causing an upset in the eyes of many fans, the season was dead and the best we could hope for was a positive end to the season and maybe a high enough finish.

Zac Thompson came into the starting eleven at first but then got pulled from the team due to paperwork issues after his loan from Bury. Steve Morison started up top and Adam Drury came in for Stephen Warnock at left-back. Watford also made a late change with Almunia being replaced in goal by Jonathan Bond.

The action got underway in what has to be one of the most bizzare games of football in a number of years. Steve Morison's afternoon ended early when he caught a stray arm in the face and had to come off - Dom Poleon his replacement.

The match was slow to get started and then there was another stoppage, this time for Bond the sub keeper who collided with Almen Anya after Poleon tussled and seemed to nudge the defender who then accidentally collided with the keeper. Poleon was carded for his part in the incident which wasn't intentional but Bonham was on the field of play getting treatment for over 15 minutes. His replacement was 19-year-old Jack Bonham who was making his professional debut for the club.

Leeds' first real effort on goal brought them a goal and it was the determination of Poleon that got him behind the defence and a lucky deflection saw him run towards goal and tap it home.

With 16 minutes of added time, Watford eventually found an equaliser after some poor marking from Tonge and Drury so Abdi find space and he curled the ball into the top corner.

In the second-half Watford peppered the United box as they tried to get the goal that could have taken them into the automatic places. United did well throughout to hold the home side thanks to some great saves from Paddy Kenny.

Watford continued to throw bodies forward but for once it was United who spoiled the day when McCormack pulled wide and ran towards the goal and Bonham had a mare when he tipped the ball into the net.

All in all, a nice way to end the season. Backs against the wall, hard-working effort and McDermott will be delighted to end the season on a high. We've rambled on about the season in general but we're delighted to get a summer break when we will be back to try and cover some more positive play.

Another wasted season but lets hope that on the final day we're either home and dry or within reach of the places to join the Premier League elite.

On on on!!

Official Team News and Updates: Watford v Leeds United

2013-05-04T11:22:05Z

Watford v. Leeds United

Location: Vicarage Road
Date: 04/05/13

Time: 12:45

Records:

Home: Watford

Form: W/W/L/L/D

Away: Leeds United

Form: L/L/W/L/L

GK: Almunia	GK: Kenny
D: Doyley	D: Peltier
D: Ekstrand	D: Lees
D: Casetti	D: Pearce
D: Anya	D: Drury
M: Abdi	M: Green
M: Chalobah	M: Thompson
M: Hogg	M: Tonge
M: Pudil	M: McCormack
F: Deeney	F: Morison
F: Forestieri	F: Varney

Watford - Subs:	Hall, Briggs, Battocchio, Yeates, Vydra, Geijo.
Leeds United	White, Warnock, Brown, Poleon, Hall, Cairns, Killock.

Watford v Leeds United: Match Preview

2013-05-03T12:55:05Z

It's time to call time on another season of frustration for Leeds United and their fans. Brian McDermott takes his side to Watford on Saturday lunchtime with the home side hoping to secure automatic promotion if they can beat United and better Hull's result against Cardiff. A win for Brian McDermott could see his side finish the season as high as tenth but defeat and the Whites could end up in 20th. United haven't won in the last four against Watford and the bookies don't give us a prayer of changing that this weekend with odds of 7/1 being given for a Leeds win.

Team News:

United will be without El-Hadji Diouf and Rodolph Austin after the pair both saw red cards in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton. Player of the year Sam Byram, who suffered a hip injury during the warm-up of that game is also ruled out.

The promotion chasers have no new injury worries ahead of their crucial clash with Leeds. John Eustace and Fitz Hall have returned to fitness following injury and may take up a place on the bench. Nyron Nosworthy (Achilles), Neuton (Shoulder) and Tommie Hoban (Ankle) remain on the treatment table.

One To Watch:

Watford have built a great team of foreign loanees this campaign and despite being heavily criticised, their system has worked and they are potentially one game away from a return to the Premier League. Someone that was already at the club though and has had a fantastic season is Troy Deeney. Deeney joined Watford for £250,000 from Walsall where the Birmingham born front man hit 27 goals in just over 100 starts and the 24 year old has continued his development at Vicarage Road where he is usually known for his hard work and endeavour. This year though, Deeney has added a healthy portion of goals to his game and has found the back of the net 19 times so far this season. Watford's number 9 will be looking to make that at least 20 as the Hornets look to Deeney to help fire them to the Premier League.

My Predicted United Line-up:

El-Hadji Diouf's stupid red card last card could see a recall for Steve Morison while David Norris could come back into the side in place of Rodolph Austin.

My Prediction:

Well United will be aiming to spoil the party at Vicarage Road on Saturday but while everyone is hoping to end a disappointing season on a high, I think Watford will be too strong for United. I don't think we will see a repeat of the 6-1 scoreline we got at Elland Road against Watford this season but I would expect a Watford win. Gianfranco Zola's men need a favour from Cardiff who travel to Hull and if they get it and beat us, they are up. Hopefully it will be us looking to gain promotion this time next year.

Last Six Meetings:

10th November 2012: Leeds United 1-6 Watford

31st March 2012: Leeds United 0-2 Watford

10th December 2011: Watford 1-1 Leeds United

16th April 2011: Leeds United 2-2 Watford

28th August 2010: Watford 0-1 Leeds United

25th August 2009: Leeds United 2-1 Watford (League Cup)

Poll

What will the outcome be at Vicarage Road? Will Leeds United spoil the promotion party for Watford?

Watford Win

24 votes

Leeds Win

17 votes

Draw

7 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

Clarkyboy Comments - Petulance & Play Acting - That's Modern Football

2013-05-02T07:00:01Z

The season is over at Elland Road, and I for one am glad to see the back of it. Despite the promise of a "new shirt, new start" it was "new shirt, same old shit." 12 months of Neil Warnock has seen Leeds United slowly stagnate and eventually decline onto the lower reaches of the Championship.

However every dark cloud has a silver lining, and the 2012/13 season has been an enormous black cloud tipping down misery on the hardy souls who have spent their time and money watching the club this season. The silver lining though is that finally the team have a manager in Brian McDermott who cares more about the performance of the team and how that reflects on Leeds United Football Club than a narcassistic fantasist who was only in for the ego boost a record number of promotions would bring.

In the four games played under Brian McDermott, Leeds have lost as many games as they have won but the football they have played has been of a different class to that we have been forced to suffer during the 12 months of Warnock's hoofball tactics.

Saturday afternoon is a case in point. Despite losing to another late goal, I came away from the game against Brighton feeling very happy with what I had seen. Under Gus Poyet, Brighton have been lauded as the best footballing side in the Championship, yet for vast swathes of the match it was Leeds United who were far and away the best side on the pitch.

Despite playing the vast majority of the game a man light (and I'll come to the ludicrous refereeing later) it was the home side who dominated posession of the ball and were far and away the most dangerous looking side in attack. Unfortunately with Luke Varney as the spearhead, chances were few and far between, the striker reverting to his Warnock era form in a desperately disappointing performance.

Ironically Tom Lees could be blamed for the opening goal, his poor header allowing Will Buckley to slip the opener past Paddy Kenny. Despite the concession Leeds looked well capable of regrouping and getting back into the game.

That task was made harder by Mr Scott, yet another of the shit ref's we always get at Elland Road. In the 12th minute he decided that Rudy Austin running into Ashley Barnes was worthy of a straight red card, one of those decisions that defies belief.

Unfortunately a trait of modern football is the overreaction of players to any physical contact and there is no doubt that it was Barnes' reaction that greatly influenced the referee. Rolling around in agony clutching his face was enough to con the ref into a red card and as usual once that card had been produced the "victim" made a miraculous recovery.

Leeds are not completely innocent in this type of behaviour, in fact Ross McCormack was guilty of staying down for no real reason on an occasion in the second half, but I would like to think that the sort of behaviour that Ashley Barnes got away with would receive short shrift from an Elland Road crowd if one of our own attempted to get a player sent of. I would much rather see a player get up and show some anger, rather than feign injury.

The referee was always likely to take the opportunity to level things up and when Ignacio Calderon pulled down El-Hadji Diouf inside the penalty area, Mr Scott could not wait to pull out his red card again. Diouf tucked away the spot-kick to achieve parity on the scoresheet before a moment of petulance saw him immediately put Leeds at a disadvantage.

Whether Diouf should have reacted to the Brighton fans in the way he did is questionable. Players receive all sorts of abuse but are expected to rise above human nature bu not reacting. What is clear in my opinion though it that there was absoultely no way it was a sending off offence, and that the assistant referee on that side of the field, the man who made the decision, was extremely sensitive if he found that a gesture likely to cause trouble.

If that celebration was likely to incite a crowd, then surely any player celebrating in front of the opposition fans should be receiving a red card in future. The reality is that supporters get pissed off no matter who scores, and do get even more wound up when the scorer gives it large in front of them. Diouf was idiotic but I feel a yellow card was the worst he should have received.

Unfortunately that is modern football. It seems more and more decisions are made because of intentions than because of actions. Gesture to a crowd you can get sent off, roll about on the floor you can get an opponent sent off. Having the intent to break someones leg is often punished more harshly than tackles that could actually cause an injury.

Football has gone soft. Nothing gets a crowd on its feet than a good hard tackle, now it seems that someone grabbing their tackle is deemed too unsavoury for the modern game. It may be my age but I long for the days of old, when players tried to stay on their feet, shrugged off a physical challenge and a red card was as rare as a Leeds United first half goal. Times though have changed and in my opinion football is worse for it.

Leeds United v Brighton: Match Preview

2013-04-27T07:00:02Z

It's almost time to wrap up another disappointing season for Leeds United. Brian McDermott is preparing his side for their penultimate game of the season and the last in front of their own supporters this campaign. Gus Poyet's Brighton side are the visitors to Elland Road and a win for his side would ensure that Brighton will take part in this years end of season play-offs. United might be ending the season in disappointing fashion once again but with Watford away being the last fixture of the campaign, the Whites can still have a say in who goes up this season.

Team News:

Brian McDermott reported that Adam Drury and Rodolph Austin had picked up slight injury knocks ahead of the game with Brighton. Otherwise, McDermott has no other new injury worries as he looks to end the Elland Road season on a high.

Lee Peltier is pushing for a recall after returning to action last weekend against Birmingham as a second half substitute.

Gus Poyet has a fully fit squad to choose from. Former Manchester United shot stopper Tomasz Kuszczak was substituted in the second half of Brighton's 6-1 victory last weekend but is expected to play his part.

One To Watch:

Brighton striker Ashley Barnes has hit 9 goals so far this season in all competitions and celebrated coming back from a lengthy ban last weekend with a brace. The front man, who's 18 goals helped the Seagulls gain promotion from League One to the Championship in 2011 will be hoping to make it into double figures at Elland Road this weekend. Barnes started his career at Plymouth but it has really been kick started since the 23 year old joined Brighton after the Somerset born front man initially joined the club on loan from Plymouth in 2010, he wasted no time in putting League One defences to the sword by hitting a goal every other game with 4 in 8 appearances. Gus Poyet liked what he saw and snapped up Barnes on a two-year deal.

My Predicted United Line-up:

Here is the line-up I've gone for. Given it's a nothing game for United though, the team could be very different. Here is what Brian McDermott had to say about the game:

"There are always players that aren't involved.

I've seen the Under 18s play and we have some players coming through. I watched the Under 21's on Thursday night and that has given me another picture of some players.

I'm not the kind of manager to just put a player in for the sake of it just because they are young. I think it's patronising to that younger player and they wouldn't want that themselves.

If they are good enough they are old enough, Sam Byram is a perfect example of that. He's 19-years of age and playing regularly in the first team.

That will be the same for the Academy players, if they are good enough they are going to be old enough. They won't get in because they are 17-years of age, it will be because they are good enough and old enough."

My Prediction:

It's a nothing game for Leeds but Brighton still have it all to play for and the visitors are looking to guarantee a play-off spot with a game to spare. United supporters will be looking for their side to get a win from their last game at Elland Road though and hopefully the Whites can give the Seasiders a game. I'm predicting a draw for this one, 1-1.

Last Six Meetings:

2nd November 2012: Brighton 2-2 Leeds United

11th February 2012: Leeds United 1-2 Brighton

23rd September 2011: Brighton 3-3 Leeds United

20th February 2010: Leeds United 1-1 Brighton

21st November 2009: Brighton 0-3 Leeds United

17th January 2009: Brighton 0-2 Leeds United

Birmingham City 1-0 Leeds United: United Mullered at St Andrews

2013-04-21T14:00:59Z

Leeds United travelled to St Andrews on Saturday as new manager Brian McDermott took charge of his first away game. After recording two wins in his first two games, McDermott was looking to become the first United manager to win his first three games and the former Reading boss named the same side that defeated Burnley 1- 0 at Elland Road a few days earlier. Steve Morison did return to the match day squad though and took up his place on the United bench.

The first half was a fairly open affair with both sides being the recipients of very good chances. The first of the game fell to Ravel Morrison after some good work from the Manchester United trainee saw him bear down on goal. His chip beat Paddy Kenny but not the crossbar and the Whites escaped. United's best chance of the game came shortly after Morrison's effort and it fell to last weeks hero, Luke Varney. A tame long range shot from Rodolph Austin was spilled by England hopeful Jack Butland and the ball found it's way to Varney. His effort was blocked by a defender and a great chance was spurned.

Michael Tonge also went close for Brian McDermott's side. Tonge curled in an effort from just outside the area but this time Butland was ready and made up for his early error by making a fine save. The game was end to end and was there for the taking for either side and the next United half-chance fell to Ross McCormack. The Scotland International connected well with the ball on the half-volley but Butland was once again equal to it and it was set to be a 20th game in a row without a first half goal for Leeds United.

In the first half Birmingham looked dangerous every time they came at United but the second half started a little differently. Leeds looked slightly more in control as they started the second half in a stronger fashion. McCormack saw a free kick clip the cross bar whilst Jack Butland fumbled another cross at the feet of Sam Byram, who had been pushed into a more advanced role following the introduction of captain Lee Peltier at right back. The youngster couldn't force the ball in though and his effort hit the side netting only.

It was somewhat against the run of play when with just under twenty minutes to play, Birmingham took the lead. Nathan Redmond fired in a fierce shot and Paddy Kenny could only parry it straight into the path of Hayden Mullins, making his 550th career league appearance. The 34-year old, former West Ham midfielder made no mistake in dispatching the rebound and the Whites were behind.

United's best chance of an equaliser was once again from long-range and the ball sat up nicely for Rodolph Austin to smash a volley on goal. Butland once again provided a good save on an afternoon where he could and should have been punished for his errors, the England International pulled off some good saves as well. That was the closest Leeds would come to an equaliser as Steve Morison was thrown on but to no avail.

It wasn't a terrible away performance by any means and a draw would have been a fair result. If United fail to win away at Watford on the final day of the season, they will have gone all season having won only three games away from home which is terrible. The important thing is that we can no longer be relegated from the Championship this season and it is a case of 'Job Done' for Brian McDermott. Lets see what the former Reading manager can do during the summer and see if we can come back stronger ready for next season.

Below are the manager's thoughts on the game, taken from BBC Sport.

Birmingham Manager Lee Clark:

"I thought that the way Leeds were playing with a new manager I just wanted an older head to look after the likes of [Ross] McCormack and he [Hayden Mullins] did it well.

I didn't include Hayden to be the match winner but it was a good occasion to celebrate his 550th game.

It was a terrific win so far as I am concerned. I'm delighted with the three points and a clean sheet."

Leeds Manager Brian McDermott:

"I thought we should have got something out of the game. When it was 0-0 we were on top and then they scored from nothing.

When I arrived at the club I put my reputation on the line and to make sure Leeds remained in this division. So far as I am concerned it is job done.

Everyone must be going in the same direction. If that occurs in this club you have a major chance."

Official Team News and Updates: Birmingham City v Leicester City

2013-04-20T14:32:41Z

Birmingham City v. Leeds United

Location: St Andrews
Date: 20/04/13

Time: 15:00

Records:

Home: Birmingham City

Form: W/D/D/L/L

Away: Leeds United

Form: W/W/L/L/L

GK: Butand	GK: Kenny
D: Caddis	D: Byram
D: Davis	D: Pearce
D: Robinson	D: Lees
D: Hancox	D: Warnock
M: Redmond	M: Green
M: Morrison	M: Austin
M: Elliott	M: Tonge
M: Ferguson	M: Diouf
F: Mullins	F: Varney
F: Zigic	F: McCormack

Birmingham City - Subs:	Doyle, Ambrose, Lovenkrands, Reilly, Burke, Thomas, Caldwell
Leeds United - Subs:	Ashdown, Drury, Peltier, White, Brown, Morison, Habibou

Leeds United 1-0 Burnley: Player Ratings

2013-04-17T11:17:47Z

A great performance from the Whites on Tuesday and on another night, it could have been 4 or 5 as Brian McDermott continues his great start as manager of Leeds United.

Rodolph Austin gets my highest rating but who gets yours? Have your says below.

Paddy Kenny: 6 - Could have stayed at home, had little to do.

Sam Byram: 7 - Got forward well and put in some good challenges.

Tom Lees: 7 - Came back into the side after a three match ban and did well, Got Warnock's rant at him out of his system.

Jason Pearce: 6 - Continues to look a little shaky in my opinion.

Stephen Warnock: 6 - Put in some crunching tackles to help get the crowd going.

Rodolph Austin: 9 - Easily Austin's best game in a Leeds shirt. Tackles, forward runs and a brilliant goal. Well done Rudy.

Michael Tonge: 6 - Not one of his better games but could become a key member of Brian McDermott's passing Leeds United.

Paul Green: 6 - Had a poor first half but improved in the second period.

Ross McCormack: 6 - Not at his best but continues to work hard for the team as he adapts to playing new roles.

El-Hadji Diouf: 8 - Outstanding assist for the winning goal.

Luke Varney: 6 - Could have had a hat-trick but didn't let it get to him and kept on going.