tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86532895947097562502024-02-07T18:24:13.471-08:00Girl In The GelderdGirl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-85526053713296132832013-03-18T10:24:00.001-07:002013-03-18T10:29:43.249-07:00Never a dullOkay, so, I lied, the majority of the game on Saturday was dull. I decided dead against writing a full on report about it, mainly because I have said it all before and I feel like I’m repeating myself.<br />
We painted it white and played like shite. That’s kind of what happened in a nutshell. (If by any chance you do want to read the match report, you can view it here: http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20130316/united-beaten-at-home_2247585_3110062 )<br />
<br />
I guess you can say the Play Offs are a lot more un-realistic now, we’d pretty much have to win every game and hope those above us, all made a habit of losing. Though I feel if we were to bring a new manager in….Maybe we could turn it round, maybe it could still be done but we’d have to look at doing it before Ipswich.<br />
There is nothing more Neil Warnock can do with this team, its not working and things will never change while he is in charge but if by any chance we did manage to bring someone in, I think I would still cling to the hope that we could potentially make the play offs, stranger things have happened!!<br />
<br />
Overnight odds on Nigel Adkins becoming the new manager plummeted and he became 4/11 favourite to replace Neil Warnock. As it stands right now, Adkins is 11/8.<br />
Adkins is in high demand though, and we’d have to fight off competition from Reading and Leicester if we were to employ Southampton’s former gaffer.<br />
Adkins is my preferred choice, but he isn’t everyone’s and I have been reading on Twitter, people would rather have Brian McDermott who was sacked from Reading not long ago. Leave a comment below and let us know who you would like to see manage Leeds United and why.<br />
<br />
Both Ross McCormack and Steve Morison were sidelined due to injuries at the weekend, those injuries mean they can’t play for either of their international teams this weekend either. Hopefully the break does them good.<br />
<br />
Good luck to Tom Lees, Aiden White, Paul Green and Rodolph Austin who are all away on international duty this week too. <br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xxGirl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-72728636161699093222013-03-14T05:57:00.001-07:002013-03-14T06:30:18.707-07:00Frustrating....The one word that sums up Tuesday night's game against Peterborough and pretty much the whole of the season to date.<br />
<br />
The squad remained unchanged for the 6th match in a row for the first time in 20 years.<br />
<br />
Peterborough were really throwing everything but the kitchen sink at us in the first half, especially in the first 30 minutes of the game. We were very much on the back foot and were failing to deal with the attacking threat they were posing.<br />
No sooner had I heard someone behind me say "A goal is coming for them isn't it?" did we concede one of the easiest goal this season. Dwight Gayle was first to react to a brilliant long ball from their keeper, Olejnik and Lee Peltier failed to stop the determined striker from shooting inside the area past Paddy Kenny to make it 0 - 1.<br />
I thought this might wake us up slightly as we'd hardly been in the game, but The Posh were looking to double their lead and hit the crossbar not long after.<br />
Tom Lee's was substituted due to injury after the goal and replaced by Jason Pearce.<br />
We were lucky to only be one goal down at half time and to say we needed to see an improvement would have been an understatement. This wasn't the Leeds United I'd seen in the past few weeks, we looked to had taken a bit of a backwards step.<br />
<br />
Warnock decided to make a change at the break, bringing El-Hadji Diouf on in place of Steve Morrison who, according to Warnock, had been playing through the pain barrier at Leicester and Crystal Palace. In fairness, he'd not really been in the game anyway so the decision to take him off was a good one, I felt, even though he had scored a brace in the second half against Palace.<br />
<br />
There was more life in the home side in the second half though and a fantastic delivery from a corner taken by Stephen Warnock let Sam Byram equalise after he was given space at the back post to score on the 56th minute. This gave a somewhat fuller Elland Road than we've seen this season a lift and we really got behind the lads.<br />
<br />
Both sides were hungry now and both trying to look for the winning goal & we thought we'd taken the lead with just under quarter of an hour remaining when Luke Varney had the ball in the back of the net but the linesman's flag was up and the goal didn't stand.<br />
<br />
We were putting a lot more pressure on and we had so many more chances to win the game but we were failing to put them away.<br />
<br />
The game ended and the points were shared, which was probably a fair result however both sides were presumably left wondering how there weren't more goals in the game.<br />
<br />
We had twenty shots on goal, nine of which were on target, Peterborough weren't far behind with sixteen shots in total, they also had nine on target.<br />
It sounds obvious but we really need to start putting these chances away.<br />
<br />
Again, five points off of 6th place, we are left wondering....Could we?! Things would have looked a lot rosier had we'd have won, but when have Leeds United ever done anything the easy way?!<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FTvwNoyzQ4MVp8gcUdUUPpDeLiD8FlT1Q2KWP9yQXHl4UVl8EKDcFodXzpGhqnig3P5WCDNnoYXEtdhIqSt9vOMrfILYo6arLkgO3kB7gCJB9Kbt3Tr5y2cD65IbwwNjcoGCYarKaa6s/s640/blogger-image-990787752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FTvwNoyzQ4MVp8gcUdUUPpDeLiD8FlT1Q2KWP9yQXHl4UVl8EKDcFodXzpGhqnig3P5WCDNnoYXEtdhIqSt9vOMrfILYo6arLkgO3kB7gCJB9Kbt3Tr5y2cD65IbwwNjcoGCYarKaa6s/s640/blogger-image-990787752.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0rXmWk9ofbOoHfbMU05KilCp0mf6uS0iKg4WRbgftr0gzxrf_qxgkv_5IG5RAMUtYbVqOS3p8dW_hWFZ0dN2OiXuQNvINme8l4naV8p0ReIqU5pf77u3ouuN2iaIXUjRc4v370p5gQTT/s640/blogger-image--1195314340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0rXmWk9ofbOoHfbMU05KilCp0mf6uS0iKg4WRbgftr0gzxrf_qxgkv_5IG5RAMUtYbVqOS3p8dW_hWFZ0dN2OiXuQNvINme8l4naV8p0ReIqU5pf77u3ouuN2iaIXUjRc4v370p5gQTT/s640/blogger-image--1195314340.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYQHFWJf7jVXH_4Eb7KeMYw7whelVdDK8NLTwbLCYCimaYbdVsdQ5mbQnjqpRyBiZXtGEE0XOBGToj2OWyxzoGXMU8Lah62gANJZGTN5OW6wYDZkKa7enhDoucyUuKZchfWGlWTFntdiY/s640/blogger-image-1037298298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYQHFWJf7jVXH_4Eb7KeMYw7whelVdDK8NLTwbLCYCimaYbdVsdQ5mbQnjqpRyBiZXtGEE0XOBGToj2OWyxzoGXMU8Lah62gANJZGTN5OW6wYDZkKa7enhDoucyUuKZchfWGlWTFntdiY/s640/blogger-image-1037298298.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SFZqKikS1cQtEgjeX9EAwCzNahgzRGtIQtqeXKVjPiHlyXBw4M5IZ2xSwnzKypSbEeg1kjPg-ZcWR78dSTvRWdfHhb6sxRipTWSF0h0d6PhUfSYR1u1nBpZ5tuDacW-e1IRJqyQS5bNv/s640/blogger-image-175242964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SFZqKikS1cQtEgjeX9EAwCzNahgzRGtIQtqeXKVjPiHlyXBw4M5IZ2xSwnzKypSbEeg1kjPg-ZcWR78dSTvRWdfHhb6sxRipTWSF0h0d6PhUfSYR1u1nBpZ5tuDacW-e1IRJqyQS5bNv/s640/blogger-image-175242964.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-90849825348645353592013-03-12T06:55:00.001-07:002013-03-12T06:59:19.297-07:00Can it be done....?It's clear to see that performances have improved over the past couple of weeks and we have come on leaps and bounds, though annoyingly we have dropped points with the goals we've conceded late on. The question remains though, can we still make the Play Off's this season?<br />
<br />
At the moment there is a constant battle between my head and my heart, my head says, write this season off, build on it and we'll go again next season. My heart, however says, we're not out of this yet, give it one more game and then decide, The problem is, I've been giving it one more game for weeks!! We've had some fantastic opportunities to get closer to the Play Off's as other teams around us have lost but this league is so unpredictable right now and the table is so tight!! I think we could yet see some late twists and turns in the latter stages of this season.<br />
<br />
Tonight we are facing Peterborough United who are currently second from bottom and struggling for survival, however should they win tonight, they will climb out of the relegation places.<br />
It's always a tricky time to play a team fighting to stay up but on the other hand, we still have something to play for too, does this have the makings of a great match? Hopefully!<br />
<br />
Tonight is another game in the recently introduced Watch Leeds 4 Less scheme (more info here: http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20130206/watch-leeds-4-less_2247588_3067131 ) Hope to see a relatively full Elland Road to cheer on the boys!<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xxGirl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-49169039530939020122013-03-07T12:12:00.001-08:002013-03-07T15:37:59.649-08:00Leicester City 1 - 1 Leeds UnitedThe win at the weekend painted a much more positive picture as we set off to Leicester on Tuesday evening, though we were all still quietly cautious about whether we could still make the Play Off's or not.<br />
<br />
An unchanged side was named once again to face Leicester, who, before the game, sat in 5th position in the League Table.<br />
<br />
In the opening stages of the game, we seemed to be on the back foot, Leicester looked the team most likley to score and were having the better chances.<br />
<br />
On the 16th minute a mistake by Paul Green gave Chris Wood an opportunity to score, saved only by Paddy Kenny who reacted well.<br />
<br />
Ex Leeds United keeper, Kasper Schmeichel, denied Sam Byram on the 22nd minute after a corner delivered by Ross McCormack.<br />
<br />
Leicester responded a minute later, Harry Kane shot on target, Paddy Kenny was there again to make the save.<br />
<br />
Paddy Kenny had already made some very good saves, but on the 35th minute Chris Wood struck a fierce shot that was dipping beneath Paddy Kenny’s crossbar before he managed to produce a wonderful stop to tip the ball over the bar.<br />
<br />
In the last few seconds of the first half Knockaert took a free kick and it was Kenny to the rescue again as he pulled of another great save.<br />
<br />
Paddy had very much kept us in the game thus far. Though Leicester did look the side most likely to score, when we broke down their midfield, we looked a threat and the game hadn't been without its chances for us. <br />
<br />
Leicester had the opening chance of the second half when David Nugent's shot cleared the crossbar but it was the travelling fans who were celebrating on the 52nd minute after Sam Byram was in a great position to put away a delivery from a corner taken by Ross McCormack.<br />
<br />
We switched it on and began to pressure Leicester, whose defence looked to be struggling. The goal was like a breath of fresh air and a newly confident Leeds United side looked hungry for a second goal, which almost came when Ross McCormack took a shot at goal on the 57th minute. The effort was saved though, by Schmeichel.<br />
<br />
Leicester were by no means giving up though and were hitting us at any possible opportunity. Our defence was working hard to keep them out.<br />
<br />
Agonisingly though, on the 93rd minute, after a flurry of chances and corners, Leicester City managed to equalise. A pretty much, free header from close range by Michael Keane saw the sides draw level. <br />
Elation from the home fans and frustration from the travelling Leeds United faithful. <br />
<br />
More three points lost than one point gained. <br />
<br />
Though happy with our performance, I left the ground dejected somewhat, but I felt that goal was coming, there were just too many corners to defend!!<br />
<br />
Though it might sound like it was all Leicester, I can assure you, this was the best I'd seen us play in quite some time. The only player I was disappointed with, was Morison. <br />
Other than his goal the other week, I've not been impressed by the striker at all. He doesn't get up well enough for headers and hasn't impressed me in the area either. <br />
<br />
Frustratingly what it all comes down to in the end, is, we have to start putting our chances away. We MUST go for that second goal. I can recall a moment in the match where instead of trying to cross the ball into the area, we chose to keep it in the corner, this is Okay on the 89th minute but this was no more than 70 minutes played. We can't do this, we have to go for that second goal. Defending a one goal lead is always risky no matter how good your defence is.<br />
<br />
I gave my man of the match to Paddy Kenny. Though others deserved it just as much, he had a fantastic game and saved some absolute beauties. It was a shame we just couldn't keep a clean sheet. <br />
<br />
Crystal Palace next up for The Whites, away at Selhurst Park & I won't be there!!!! First league match I've missed all season, absolutely gutted. Safe journey everyone, cheer on the boys for me!!<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp8P1F1eWKItN1Ej4njzycdwRyGeF03AYtihVQ_DUZfq-o__1YA4qEejMOlHQovtouV8wDHxML7pHORQBt_yDUM1CSZJe2TgndkqRzNvfTLTdRnmhRfiN7jl0V2ec1DlPp5XetNJErDS-/s640/blogger-image--708236567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvp8P1F1eWKItN1Ej4njzycdwRyGeF03AYtihVQ_DUZfq-o__1YA4qEejMOlHQovtouV8wDHxML7pHORQBt_yDUM1CSZJe2TgndkqRzNvfTLTdRnmhRfiN7jl0V2ec1DlPp5XetNJErDS-/s640/blogger-image--708236567.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIswM00DPbvrkHJdbKQ-9THTA9Iqfsq4mKVskubaLhVFi4wBlj4XJPlhTOQ8s4mvcGwbVjOjKtY5JuHEOV3d2dKRLL2AyUXe0EZHFBmGV84ob2o9S5-flo1LH9PAOCx8Xf21FfYpVSL5Zz/s640/blogger-image-1145468733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIswM00DPbvrkHJdbKQ-9THTA9Iqfsq4mKVskubaLhVFi4wBlj4XJPlhTOQ8s4mvcGwbVjOjKtY5JuHEOV3d2dKRLL2AyUXe0EZHFBmGV84ob2o9S5-flo1LH9PAOCx8Xf21FfYpVSL5Zz/s640/blogger-image-1145468733.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRkrQOew1wmqirfMegh2xl4AxEPRUeXd3m8Uh1PtBZL6JasNZFP01IeaeHw82n49fireavz8bpaqk_0m0dtT_6qS0HiPculNueR-oqgYnS7rT2gSR3bzmq0pjmrVwDRXpoBFHkBhibVRS/s640/blogger-image--1682744638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRkrQOew1wmqirfMegh2xl4AxEPRUeXd3m8Uh1PtBZL6JasNZFP01IeaeHw82n49fireavz8bpaqk_0m0dtT_6qS0HiPculNueR-oqgYnS7rT2gSR3bzmq0pjmrVwDRXpoBFHkBhibVRS/s640/blogger-image--1682744638.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_N38xwOptCUJAuAKnD6j0YRToS0NCS9MtdLSSZvgjwd7N0Kmo-dQJHM0m6mOMdMyKPDoDwrmqlm7SKzHcV6Y-eRvoHaB05-yVSfv97zMhBXpczqi4Euwkwa-AmpiS9nOqb1hlxOJm8Xo/s640/blogger-image-1557206103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_N38xwOptCUJAuAKnD6j0YRToS0NCS9MtdLSSZvgjwd7N0Kmo-dQJHM0m6mOMdMyKPDoDwrmqlm7SKzHcV6Y-eRvoHaB05-yVSfv97zMhBXpczqi4Euwkwa-AmpiS9nOqb1hlxOJm8Xo/s640/blogger-image-1557206103.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zugaHpwl8gKFcb8mnP9RpauviWnIGYoiQLeQLuhlXaGnh6O5-WJKJ2JClDgikBJ9Qe9NZcNsN58m5-vHGGE-7vl-OvK1uDTNtmwAE53dj9u0QPYQ0SLzhfh7njf7mj3DVqXlhORnR8zF/s640/blogger-image-1351295454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zugaHpwl8gKFcb8mnP9RpauviWnIGYoiQLeQLuhlXaGnh6O5-WJKJ2JClDgikBJ9Qe9NZcNsN58m5-vHGGE-7vl-OvK1uDTNtmwAE53dj9u0QPYQ0SLzhfh7njf7mj3DVqXlhORnR8zF/s640/blogger-image-1351295454.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-38571591825007726062013-03-03T10:09:00.001-08:002013-03-03T10:09:52.169-08:00Leeds United 1 - 0 MillwallA beautiful, sunny, (dare I say it) Spring morning, made the journey to Elland Road a pleasant one for an early kick off against Millwall.<br />
<br />
Warnock opted against changing the team for the third game running and with games quickly running out, we knew we had to get three points to be anywhere near keeping the hope of a Play Off position alive.<br />
<br />
Millwall opened the game with the better of the possession, Woolford hit the side of the net with his shot on the second minute. 10 minutes later, Millwall went even closer when James Henry hit the post with a shot he really should have scored. <br />
<br />
This may have been the kick up the backside we needed to pressure them as they did look a little shaky at the back, Luke Varney's header on the 16th minute was well wide. Tonge's ambitious 25 yard effort 2 minutes later was also wide but at least we were looking more positive.<br />
<br />
Just as the game was beginning to get a little scrappy, Shane Lowry brought down Sam Byram inside the area and there was no hesitation by referee Mike Jones who immediately pointed to the spot on the 26th minute.<br />
Ross McCormack stepped up to take the penalty, he hit it low and probably not as hard as he'd have liked. David Forde saved and Millwall had been let off.<br />
<br />
John Marquis had a shot on goal on the 35th minute, testing Paddy Kenny who made a great save. Ross McCormack responded and found himself in a great position in the area, his first touch was poor though and he shot straight at the Forde who scooped up the ball with ease.<br />
<br />
The referee brought an end to the first half and both sides went in to the dressing rooms without a goal. The game hadn't been without it's chances though and I was left thinking I was none the wiser as to who was going to win. It could still go either way. <br />
<br />
We started the second half much more positively than we had the first.<br />
<br />
Ross McCormack had a go at goal on the 56th minute but it was too high and never pressured Forde.<br />
<br />
Tonge was working hard and had two opportunities in as many minutes. Another effort of his from long range went well wide but David Forde was forced to save the second shot, though we were having the chances, we weren't yet scoring, we could only hope this wasn't going to come back and haunt us like we know it all so often can.<br />
<br />
Kenny Jacket changed his side on the 66th minute taking Benik Afobe and John Marquis off, replacing them with Nathan Tyson and ex Leeds United Loanee - Andy Keogh who received a good reception on his return to Elland Road. The two made an almost immediate impact as the visitors began to look a lot more sure up front.<br />
<br />
Another penalty was awarded to The Whites on the 70th minute of play when Alan Dunne fouled Ross McCormack in the area. This time, January signing, Stephen Warnock grabbed the ball and took it to the spot, he took a run up and confidently hit the back of the net. 1 - 0.<br />
<br />
Now, pace and Michael Tonge aren't usually used together in the same sentence but on the 73rd minute he ran like we've never seen him run before, his burst of pace was met with encouragement from the Leeds fans but his 'neck propelled' run did cause amusement, hashtag GoOnTongey, ha ha!!<br />
<br />
In the closing stages of the game, Steven Warnock tackled James Henry, he was later stretchered off the field of play, he did return to the game though shortly after the stoppage.<br />
<br />
Play was again stopped inside the five minutes of added time as Luke Varney was caught unintentionally by Warnock, it didn't look good for Varney as he writhed around in agony. After receiving treatment for a few minutes, he also left the field in a stretcher and was replaced by Jason Pearce.<br />
<br />
The whistle blew for full time & an important 3 points was confirmed. <br />
<br />
My man of the match as to be Stephen Warnock, worked so hard all match and took his penalty well. <br />
<br />
Leicester City away at the King Power Stadium next match, midweek, lets hope we can get another 3 points, though they will be trying to get over a loss to Ipswich and trying to keep hold of their Play Off position.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvMcDjfLCtgk9Z2RjR8MVu7kks_sIKmiWtUMoewD3Nk7lSpVtiq64CyaCImol0UHrJukJc7yiGna91Bctm2yFOamVsecPdJ0Nc3YfHZcTFEUklXuFTEwZpW-bmOv6NQpfT3o2ixx1mmkF/s640/blogger-image-342492320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvMcDjfLCtgk9Z2RjR8MVu7kks_sIKmiWtUMoewD3Nk7lSpVtiq64CyaCImol0UHrJukJc7yiGna91Bctm2yFOamVsecPdJ0Nc3YfHZcTFEUklXuFTEwZpW-bmOv6NQpfT3o2ixx1mmkF/s640/blogger-image-342492320.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeenDJ-War0FBJDQpkOq6DJJ9lmFqCR90gIs8_zLnEBron7XElxJbcJbV-LyoesguZoYTNNPIX4INS3B-dIi5FjvWBt5YTrJy3cFLnl_NB3R8EKTziCqcVEV4X_l9Rr4BpJEYvODz-j2d3/s640/blogger-image--1783944797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeenDJ-War0FBJDQpkOq6DJJ9lmFqCR90gIs8_zLnEBron7XElxJbcJbV-LyoesguZoYTNNPIX4INS3B-dIi5FjvWBt5YTrJy3cFLnl_NB3R8EKTziCqcVEV4X_l9Rr4BpJEYvODz-j2d3/s640/blogger-image--1783944797.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhqcgVEvWmi9eMdyEPmioLWOhCGYVTYqUf9iwrD9nJC_BM_VKpdOa2K91jEQKj8SAbuFOZw2SXkG9FZPg6eORhHDyVZUs3Xl1Cq6gDFvOOhbEapl7AN01TeU-nZoKQmN2rBnVrT_ghdnA/s640/blogger-image-849838001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhqcgVEvWmi9eMdyEPmioLWOhCGYVTYqUf9iwrD9nJC_BM_VKpdOa2K91jEQKj8SAbuFOZw2SXkG9FZPg6eORhHDyVZUs3Xl1Cq6gDFvOOhbEapl7AN01TeU-nZoKQmN2rBnVrT_ghdnA/s640/blogger-image-849838001.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4D1eK86tvyr10Dk9fj26wkvyKvcImVYsXwfm4dvV73_TCFkIq4et8xjXNIN0UwgU1o32ebwwIKRbqcAMUglL0AMjhHVsCwJOP7qGNJ2kGvoVt8s1Hp7BsZKt4UHKxIM3N_gVjo7ElAM8/s640/blogger-image-2088818734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4D1eK86tvyr10Dk9fj26wkvyKvcImVYsXwfm4dvV73_TCFkIq4et8xjXNIN0UwgU1o32ebwwIKRbqcAMUglL0AMjhHVsCwJOP7qGNJ2kGvoVt8s1Hp7BsZKt4UHKxIM3N_gVjo7ElAM8/s640/blogger-image-2088818734.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-27111472996553251852013-03-01T11:03:00.001-08:002013-03-01T17:12:40.816-08:00Support The Youth - Liverpool U18's 3 - 1 Leeds United U18'sBefore yesterday, I'd been to Liverpool more times than I'd care to remember but I'd never visited Anfield. It had been on my list of grounds to do for a long time, so when the opportunity to support the U18's in the Youth Cup there, came along, it was a no brainier.<br />
<br />
A chilly but sunny day in Liverpool made for a great day out but we were here for the football, so, we made our way to Anfield and parked in Stanley Park.<br />
<br />
We were some of the first people there and were told by the stewards it was unreserved seating, so we picked out a nice little seat just behind the goal in the Kop, which is pretty unfamiliar territory for us Leeds Fans!!<br />
<br />
It wasn't until just before kick off, when we heard the singing, that we realised, the Leeds fans had a little stand all of their own!! As You'll Never Walk Alone came over the tannoy, the travelling supporters were singing Marching On Together and were succeeding at drowning the home fans out.<br />
<br />
The match kicked off and the Leeds fans were still singing at the top of their voices, chants of 'Your ground's too big for you' and 'You're supposed to be at home' were making the home fans laugh, but they had no comebacks, the Kop was very quiet indeed.<br />
<br />
We controlled the first 20 minutes really, Corey Roper almost opened the scoring for us on the 18th minute but he failed to control the ball in the area.<br />
<br />
22 minutes in and Lewis Walters looked disappointed to be replaced by Eoghan Stokes as he was attempting to play on after taking a knock a couple of minutes earlier, sadly, his night ended early but you have to admire his determination.<br />
<br />
A minute later and Stokes put the ball in the back of the net but the referee spotted an infringement and the goal was not given.<br />
<br />
At times the game was a tale of the two number 11's - Jordan Ibe for Liverpool and Chris Dawson for Leeds United. Dawson saw one of his shots go wide on the 25th minute but just four minutes later Ibe showed his blistering pace and made the score 1 - 0 to the home side.<br />
<br />
Up until that point, we had somewhat been running the show but Liverpool looked deadly on the counter.<br />
<br />
The goal looked to knock the stuffing out of the Leeds United youngsters, 39 minutes in, Ibe scored a brace after running nearly the full length of the pitch and finishing in style, 2 - 0.<br />
<br />
Leeds were looking for a way back into the game in the second half and looked the more likely to score. <br />
<br />
The travelling fans paid their respects to the 96 Liverpool supporters that went to Hillsborough and tragically never returned, 'stand up for the 96' and applause from both sets of fans echoed around the ground.<br />
<br />
On the 61st minute Chris Dawson worked well to skip past the defenders in the area but his shot was well wide<br />
<br />
Substitute Lewis Cook gave The Whites hope when he scored a great goal on the 71st minute bringing the deficit to one goal. <br />
<br />
Ibe almost got his hat trick in the 74th minute but it was Jack Dunn who put the game out of Leeds United's reach in he dying minutes of the game.<br />
<br />
I personally feel we were a lot better than the scoreline suggests. We have some very talented young players on our hands and they all worked very hard. <br />
<br />
Liverpool also have a mass of talent in their squad, their counters were fantastic and their forwards never looked out of sorts.<br />
<br />
I was impressed with pretty much everyone on the pitch and don't like singling players out but Smith Tiesse was marking fantastically in parts of the game. Alex Mowatt looks like exactly what you need in a captain and never stopped. <br />
Goal scorer Lewis Cook looks very promising, his finish was calm and he took the goal well.<br />
Chris Dawson looks deadly whenever he gets the ball, lots of pace and energy, unlucky not to score on quite a few occasions.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was a great game, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Leeds supporters were fantastic they impressed and entertained a lot of the Liverpool fans in the Kop. <br />
<br />
Well done boys!! Three words....Support The Youth.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbF-1GqZkl4XnRsaKw90TF6KjCJcskLo53BsGNFak4qq6QIfvj6Y4A0uzNBEOl0L8a0uR0DsFP9X2wA6bOgQ3E3HpCrBcJLmVTpbWFFXAHuEgNZY-p1Lu7liLdCU0uKd01_a7B9RWX0bl/s640/blogger-image-184728773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbF-1GqZkl4XnRsaKw90TF6KjCJcskLo53BsGNFak4qq6QIfvj6Y4A0uzNBEOl0L8a0uR0DsFP9X2wA6bOgQ3E3HpCrBcJLmVTpbWFFXAHuEgNZY-p1Lu7liLdCU0uKd01_a7B9RWX0bl/s640/blogger-image-184728773.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KNae4H675rVFBP0pgXcyhdA9T_1Zqk0nW3Uj73AaLMdz9gGYSCC9U0fJjFQBXWHvpLIZoqupz96f8y1Sl5_FxMVrXCw6NutaKwYnAJVH3irOpy_X6WothrMRlK1xpVTBQuT53pTdg7bJ/s640/blogger-image-112657814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KNae4H675rVFBP0pgXcyhdA9T_1Zqk0nW3Uj73AaLMdz9gGYSCC9U0fJjFQBXWHvpLIZoqupz96f8y1Sl5_FxMVrXCw6NutaKwYnAJVH3irOpy_X6WothrMRlK1xpVTBQuT53pTdg7bJ/s640/blogger-image-112657814.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LB8fXZnIudKCUzB4QHinD2II_wTEiKDjokxHprxolpp8jEQ4sgN5-AYWBItSw7FEB9xs0AIhl7ES2FLe1NwT0q2O7NqDSILSb18kUMuQOHEYQBxf4ljc1djaY3nys5wJc5Gw8bYeDUak/s640/blogger-image--232242932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LB8fXZnIudKCUzB4QHinD2II_wTEiKDjokxHprxolpp8jEQ4sgN5-AYWBItSw7FEB9xs0AIhl7ES2FLe1NwT0q2O7NqDSILSb18kUMuQOHEYQBxf4ljc1djaY3nys5wJc5Gw8bYeDUak/s640/blogger-image--232242932.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0GTuufvAZLSz0eZb4Mtmw7XRTBmbn85SD-1BN6vj27HO_kWtPF5zITfZ076Vq_ncH-GFF0eikhtVz3sY5o_JxFySQZSRKXVWWviRUJsRYVUJjQBsj09e7l3o1H45j65C8Gsu67_-_7NP/s640/blogger-image-1286123123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0GTuufvAZLSz0eZb4Mtmw7XRTBmbn85SD-1BN6vj27HO_kWtPF5zITfZ076Vq_ncH-GFF0eikhtVz3sY5o_JxFySQZSRKXVWWviRUJsRYVUJjQBsj09e7l3o1H45j65C8Gsu67_-_7NP/s640/blogger-image-1286123123.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMfvXjofkFrUdgB0W8TA6PjogdorQKgEMAVjaKrIdjDPiMI37q7mdmMdoI_fL0jY5IgYjHEaq3hKlIz20sWuQTqhXWYeasn1k1vJq9ccFSBdDBZUK1pPuBDprm6yzCLa75e4_9hV46A6H/s640/blogger-image--148817051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMfvXjofkFrUdgB0W8TA6PjogdorQKgEMAVjaKrIdjDPiMI37q7mdmMdoI_fL0jY5IgYjHEaq3hKlIz20sWuQTqhXWYeasn1k1vJq9ccFSBdDBZUK1pPuBDprm6yzCLa75e4_9hV46A6H/s640/blogger-image--148817051.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-942967229178119252013-02-14T11:59:00.001-08:002013-02-14T11:59:06.861-08:00CluelessClueless….It’s not just a 1995 film starring Alicia Silverstone, it’s the word that springs to mind whenever I watch a Leeds United side play game of football under the management of Neil Warnock.<br />
<br />
I’ve made no secret just lately of just how disappointed I am with the way we are playing and what a mediocre season this has been thus far.<br />
<br />
The thing about us Leeds United fans is, we have high expectations of our club and we are quite hard to please, we know what we want and where we want to be and that isn’t what we are currently getting. <br />
<br />
The 'football' we are playing under Warnock is un-inspiring and pre-historic and I used the term 'football' loosely as it is mostly hoofball.<br />
<br />
Here is a comment made last week by the Wolves manager, Dean Saunders after we were denied a win in added time at the Molineux:<br />
<br />
"The football we faced today is the easiest to defend against. They just played for long throws, corners, free kicks." - Does this not say it all?<br />
<br />
One of Neil Warnock's biggest problem is accepting that he is wrong, the game has evolved and he hasn't evolved with it. He blames everyone but himself, he can't take any responsibility whatsoever, he's blamed Becchio, the referee, Byram and against Boro' he seemed to pin the blame solely on McCormack, yes, he should have scored, but that was in the first half and should have been something that was brought up at half time and built upon, I refuse to believe one missed chance on the 28th minute is the reason Boro' won....<br />
<br />
Here's a few quotes from Warnock himself: <br />
<br />
"You can't miss chances like we did and expect to win a game," he said. "We had a couple of great chances and you just have to put them away.<br />
<br />
No, we didn't have just a couple we had seven shots off target and four on. We had plenty of opportunities but lets not just focus on the goals we didn't score, our set pieces have been terrible, we haven't been able to put decent crosses in to strikers, at times our players will tend to go for goal on their own, without looking for better options, they take too many touches and end up losing the ball far too easily. We need to start doing the simple things right.<br />
<br />
"We have to go for wins, not draws." Just what exactly does this mean....?! Have we not been going for wins?! This to me is up there with one of the most stupid things he's ever said while he's been here along with this: "You can only do your best as a manager and I think we’ve had a good season" - He thinks we've had a good season....I'm trying to work out still whether he means that or he's taking the mick. <br />
<br />
In response to being asked about most of the 2000+ travelling fans singing 'Warnock make a change' and 'Time to go', he said:<br />
<br />
"I can understand their frustrations," he said. "They've been through a lot with this club, and it's a massive, massive football club. Their expectations are high, and they get frustrated. They're perfectly entitled to do that."<br />
<br />
Yes we have been through a lot, a hell of a lot but the fact is, we were here before Neil Warnock and we'll be here after, whenever that may be but I sincerely hope that is sooner rather than later. <br />
<br />
He's just completely in denial about how bad his tactics and his style of play really is. <br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xxGirl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-28911707935980724402013-02-14T02:19:00.001-08:002013-02-14T02:19:16.334-08:00Middlesbrough 1 - 0 Leeds UnitedThere was a mixture of excitement and nerves as we set off to Middlesbrough, we knew this game was probably the most important of the season. The league as it stands is so tight that if we won, we were right back in the race for the Play Off's, lose however and we could potentially be dragged into the bottom half of the table and accept that this meant that our hopes of getting into the top 6 would be dashed.<br />
<br />
Middlesbrough hadn't won in their previous five games, however they were occupying a Play Off position and should they have any ambitions of staying there, they were going to have to win.<br />
<br />
Neil Warnock named an unchanged side from the team that drew against Wolves at the weekend. El-Hadji Diouf, Rodolph Austin and Michael Tonge all returned to the bench.<br />
<br />
The first half was positive in the way that we were creating chances to score and some good ones at that, however, frustratingly, we didn't manage to put any of those chances away.<br />
Easily the best chance of the game came in the 27th minute when Ross McCormack found himself one on one with Jonathan Woodgate as the Boro' keeper was caught off guard. With pretty much an open net, it looked for all the world McCormack would open the scoring, however, it was straight at Woodgate and he managed to make a clearance.<br />
Paddy Kenny made a fantastic save in the last minute of the first half to deny Mustapha Carayol when he found himself through on goal.<br />
<br />
Apart from a Morrison header that was cleared off the line, I thought Middlesbrough came out the better side in the second half and were strong and attacked with purpose.<br />
The way we were playing meant any optimism that any fan was feeling was slowly fading, the dreaded long ball was becoming more frequent that it had been in the first half.<br />
Middlesbrough were making changes to freshen up their game, this was something we could also have done with.<br />
Again, we had our chances to score but the problems were either that we couldn't control the ball or that we'd shot on goal rather than looking up to see who around was in a better position to shoot.<br />
Chants of 'Warnock, make a change' were being sung from the travelling faithful, Warnock responded with what was, in my eyes, a sarcastic clap, this didn't go down well and the mood soon soured. Just minutes later, Boro' managed to score, Curtis Main headed past Paddy Kenny on the 82nd minute.<br />
Then, 1 - 0 down and with 6 minutes to go, Warnock decided to look to the bench, bringing on, Diouf and Austin for Green and Norris.<br />
<br />
Middlesbrough's goal scorer, Main, was sent off after a second bookable offence. Warnock also utilised his subs for the last time bringing on Habib Habibou for Michael Brown.<br />
<br />
Habibou's first involvement in the game was a header on target, saved superbly by Steele.<br />
<br />
Time was not on our side however and the referee blew for full time, another loss, another less than average performance, another disappointing journey home.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD9mNWwJMQ2a5WxaX3QO2xjmaD13Lz9yr-M722LyOzKs-9whXALB7GU6rxS4NlongMUR18VV-0U1RHLbW5DdbGB9zMzcdTVIus2AVirPIJy8CTz9Pv9MdEs4AHftkkid-O_QiQUtPtkLQ/s640/blogger-image-913238953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeD9mNWwJMQ2a5WxaX3QO2xjmaD13Lz9yr-M722LyOzKs-9whXALB7GU6rxS4NlongMUR18VV-0U1RHLbW5DdbGB9zMzcdTVIus2AVirPIJy8CTz9Pv9MdEs4AHftkkid-O_QiQUtPtkLQ/s640/blogger-image-913238953.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8QymAYYNPG5RCVmi8v8ZHU3OCXSqXeENEqObFE20n_Gdo6plPfOsWMfZmsCrr_L_NcGeAuoEM-k5OIqGMoYL6LBiw8IGd0ej4sEZJrjZaoQeXkf3ikiWDs9EgmVJX-yOR_JPNqDwpmgi/s640/blogger-image--1203229667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8QymAYYNPG5RCVmi8v8ZHU3OCXSqXeENEqObFE20n_Gdo6plPfOsWMfZmsCrr_L_NcGeAuoEM-k5OIqGMoYL6LBiw8IGd0ej4sEZJrjZaoQeXkf3ikiWDs9EgmVJX-yOR_JPNqDwpmgi/s640/blogger-image--1203229667.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLLTtppZHmU3Ps9UitF30FkUSA8GrWjXRZJP3g194-MP8-jcNCBHKFEvBBGIk-G48tW5KMs9av7mk8xrWz0WoHtcEzuEIhCb5e59RqmrekDFKRlsHzf3T093irJxbNUXYhM4g29zo6nKB/s640/blogger-image--1631888531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLLTtppZHmU3Ps9UitF30FkUSA8GrWjXRZJP3g194-MP8-jcNCBHKFEvBBGIk-G48tW5KMs9av7mk8xrWz0WoHtcEzuEIhCb5e59RqmrekDFKRlsHzf3T093irJxbNUXYhM4g29zo6nKB/s640/blogger-image--1631888531.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9gnKJGs8sTVD0D_oZRQm-UjLMQ7977KUmCCpuDRKl0bv8PA5nLcnCQy3DE_O4z7BP5Zmkz9Xl3LwrCx-hA-TTKc0VK1GRM4URgPtFbcXG1DfmLSdO9GfELfJqBTNWlhdVxVWMsCr6YxC/s640/blogger-image-1760096320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9gnKJGs8sTVD0D_oZRQm-UjLMQ7977KUmCCpuDRKl0bv8PA5nLcnCQy3DE_O4z7BP5Zmkz9Xl3LwrCx-hA-TTKc0VK1GRM4URgPtFbcXG1DfmLSdO9GfELfJqBTNWlhdVxVWMsCr6YxC/s640/blogger-image-1760096320.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-2001659571487579952013-02-10T08:59:00.001-08:002013-02-10T12:24:32.425-08:00Wolverhampton 2 - 2 Leeds UnitedNo matter how bad the result or the performance in previous games, the excitement for an away day is still there and since the last away match was all the way back on the 15th January, I woke up feeling like a kid at Christmas!! <br />
<br />
Though last week we had played some better football, we'd still not managed to win and hopes of reaching the Play Off's this season are slowly slipping away. <br />
<br />
There were new faces in the starting 11, Steve Morison and Stephen Warnock both making their debuts for Leeds United, while El-Hadi Diouf and Rodolph Austin were left out of the squad, replaced by Paul Green and David Norris. <br />
<br />
The opening minutes of the game looked promising for us and we had chances to open the scoring, Ross McCormack saw his shot go wide of the goal on the 5th minute. <br />
<br />
It wasn't long though before Wolves had their opening shot of the game, Kevin Doyle missed to the right of the target on the 6th minute.<br />
<br />
The home side were celebrating on the 20th minute when Ebanks-Blake put the ball past Paddy Kenny but their celebrations were cut short when they realised that the goal wouldn't stand as the linesman had his flag up for offside. <br />
<br />
As half time came both sides had been quite even, we'd both had our chances to score. We looked to have the edge, and had been having the better opportunities but we hadn't put them away. Wolves didn't look much at the back but looked like they could catch us on the break. All in all, we had improved slightly on previous performances but whether it was going to be enough to get that elusive away win was another question.<br />
<br />
Jamie O'Hara had the first opportunity to score in the second half for Wolves as he headed the ball towards the goal but it was just off target.<br />
<br />
The home side were 1 - 0 up though, on the 54th minute after Stephen Ward delivered a cross which Lee Peltier placed in the back of his own net.<br />
<br />
Just over 10 minutes later, a fantastic pass to Luke Varney from Ross McCormack, gave Varney the space to shoot and score a brilliant goal in the top right hand corner.<br />
<br />
Wolves responded almost immediately and Paul Green was in the right place at the right time to make a clearance off the line when it looked for all the world Berra's header was going to put Wolverhampton in the lead.<br />
<br />
77 minutes in and Sam Byram was brought down inside the area by Bakary Sako and the referee, East, pointed straight to the penalty spot.<br />
Ross McCormack, who had been sent home from the Scotland Squad after feeling 'flu like symptoms' midweek, stepped up to the mark and showed no signs of illness as he put Leeds in front for the first time in the game. <br />
<br />
This lead was ours to lose now though and it was going to be a tense end to the match. <br />
<br />
The referee added 4 minutes of injury time. <br />
<br />
In the 2nd minute of added time, Wolves were awarded a corner after Paddy Kenny appeared to push the ball out of play from a shot that was going well wide. Jamie O'Hara took the corner and it was Danny Batth that managed to score the equaliser. <br />
<br />
As the full time whistle blew, and we made our way back up the hill to our coaches, frustration was the only thing I felt. It wasn't a point gained for me, it was two lost against another team at the latter end of the table.<br />
<br />
Another away match on Tuesday night away to 6th placed Middlesbrough. <br />
<br />
The Play Off's currently seem a million miles away, though mathematically still possible, I don't think we have the edge to make it. I hope I'm proved wrong. <br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCYfC4A_0DWShqmjH-o4Ob04upznMYcOyeGeRcZntrcXCl9OBNVEtuVkG9r5iCZhQ5wjDHc5h-6g3Gd8EdXM80mzr7WZTXrCSkZqeOn3v_RsLT03mJdxfEViTvS-NUbW7_UyHD30p4_DA/s640/blogger-image-484940921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCYfC4A_0DWShqmjH-o4Ob04upznMYcOyeGeRcZntrcXCl9OBNVEtuVkG9r5iCZhQ5wjDHc5h-6g3Gd8EdXM80mzr7WZTXrCSkZqeOn3v_RsLT03mJdxfEViTvS-NUbW7_UyHD30p4_DA/s640/blogger-image-484940921.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5G0rMucZ86ERWGhHJK5kzpmhYpxVvHqUyzCie4pVDOe-SHlM7-nKz51Q6_yUA9vDN-9SGWQVSo3lrrl6Kj8-sRO4315Xwm18bOpFgueEzQ1e2F84-kO3DOoYcwWbKznYpL5SK4HABxMZ/s640/blogger-image--215543714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5G0rMucZ86ERWGhHJK5kzpmhYpxVvHqUyzCie4pVDOe-SHlM7-nKz51Q6_yUA9vDN-9SGWQVSo3lrrl6Kj8-sRO4315Xwm18bOpFgueEzQ1e2F84-kO3DOoYcwWbKznYpL5SK4HABxMZ/s640/blogger-image--215543714.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvLCMyZnZT6d3qYEsvyO9BWVA96y_NJr_ZFL0zKsOQg1Tw64nZAhXXYcD29NgRIfcev0V4eVkv_ui9-BlVZzzb74mdk9knP3BF21VoqoXXj1vV3p-1HhYA4qK2WRKC4BRQpfUJV5q5djw/s640/blogger-image--737750114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvLCMyZnZT6d3qYEsvyO9BWVA96y_NJr_ZFL0zKsOQg1Tw64nZAhXXYcD29NgRIfcev0V4eVkv_ui9-BlVZzzb74mdk9knP3BF21VoqoXXj1vV3p-1HhYA4qK2WRKC4BRQpfUJV5q5djw/s640/blogger-image--737750114.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPAF1Cs2dkP_TBbUvKcpiwox7zLNM2Y26C0m0Ltvhpd44RbVgAfoTAb1nA5dtRrOmYNhthSuE4VrhO2AdoGv2teju6dmLitQqE6ql-uCeSU3WXHHZdQWWYeCKOgoit2GeeCe-zaN568mJ/s640/blogger-image--1864086640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPAF1Cs2dkP_TBbUvKcpiwox7zLNM2Y26C0m0Ltvhpd44RbVgAfoTAb1nA5dtRrOmYNhthSuE4VrhO2AdoGv2teju6dmLitQqE6ql-uCeSU3WXHHZdQWWYeCKOgoit2GeeCe-zaN568mJ/s640/blogger-image--1864086640.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vElUS3qSIhpz6cZCeEWGv47UhnrdluZgV-2oKcDyXjWQULdE6hrFaSEcBz5nuBKSyzbmk9391OTOKbwhjVbZwCrAC2I_9-4Am4oCAOuoqRhohTwsK1-rqWtmnrM-NMRbvgG8Ap_stBCc/s640/blogger-image--1624147640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vElUS3qSIhpz6cZCeEWGv47UhnrdluZgV-2oKcDyXjWQULdE6hrFaSEcBz5nuBKSyzbmk9391OTOKbwhjVbZwCrAC2I_9-4Am4oCAOuoqRhohTwsK1-rqWtmnrM-NMRbvgG8Ap_stBCc/s640/blogger-image--1624147640.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHlSEjrFn7YYjRNsn4RPHOpctdEiM0cuK8gvVGlr17nEJCwY5uyhgK2OF-4dYgZdT8pkaO4GQNtZXH_-yR91POgh_xgXrx3vD7J6_BxRnHU6Jtnf4ufARx-SEt0RvY5EAyjFJAdkI0DBI/s640/blogger-image-1419686206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHlSEjrFn7YYjRNsn4RPHOpctdEiM0cuK8gvVGlr17nEJCwY5uyhgK2OF-4dYgZdT8pkaO4GQNtZXH_-yR91POgh_xgXrx3vD7J6_BxRnHU6Jtnf4ufARx-SEt0RvY5EAyjFJAdkI0DBI/s640/blogger-image-1419686206.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mw8EMRWiuBIXhs4f2HhhD2IEgJ6ux3Q8vjJeGNGYNPBb8TYHszHMXTGrfiguT5h3kOz-mqE4xVmYyCHzFu-x0_TRIPz3ORxE5rM0fh7mrjsFVpmz_TQJmFUlrOU2bV6mV8Y8quNCRcNW/s640/blogger-image--203598946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mw8EMRWiuBIXhs4f2HhhD2IEgJ6ux3Q8vjJeGNGYNPBb8TYHszHMXTGrfiguT5h3kOz-mqE4xVmYyCHzFu-x0_TRIPz3ORxE5rM0fh7mrjsFVpmz_TQJmFUlrOU2bV6mV8Y8quNCRcNW/s640/blogger-image--203598946.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih105kBfHEQ9VYnheUa1C3Z3NP5AVw6OuuP1UeAweS5MsMhigNiSMOK_otFUNkMJIY-XaN6C7Chwh0BP0Gm6cWtZYpMmSS7BaP8oH1ga4lw0Oj_WfuQtg2lp96uByqIMK8BcOE3ZJs4aco/s640/blogger-image-1821714073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih105kBfHEQ9VYnheUa1C3Z3NP5AVw6OuuP1UeAweS5MsMhigNiSMOK_otFUNkMJIY-XaN6C7Chwh0BP0Gm6cWtZYpMmSS7BaP8oH1ga4lw0Oj_WfuQtg2lp96uByqIMK8BcOE3ZJs4aco/s640/blogger-image-1821714073.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIteQ8VKgF_z43xP4uYCT4mnVCr2PvSdcYaoDoryFNpeSWlAgQ1Kba7plMmnPeO4ocIuispA12yDu_ZhyphenhyphentpcIqt2flt4S7LQbAUKL4RdIpzh70pO1HXB_-Xrhs41ifmwhgaHLGQLKgwBhy/s640/blogger-image--2018680948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIteQ8VKgF_z43xP4uYCT4mnVCr2PvSdcYaoDoryFNpeSWlAgQ1Kba7plMmnPeO4ocIuispA12yDu_ZhyphenhyphentpcIqt2flt4S7LQbAUKL4RdIpzh70pO1HXB_-Xrhs41ifmwhgaHLGQLKgwBhy/s640/blogger-image--2018680948.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-40549333850686709472013-01-28T09:08:00.001-08:002013-01-28T09:08:29.265-08:00Leeds United 2 - 1 Tottenham HotspurSnow once again covered a lot of the UK last week and the atmosphere towards the club was just as frosty, as Leeds United's top scorer, Luciano Becchio handed in a transfer request.<br />
<br />
It was revealed at the pre Spurs press conference however, that the club had in fact offered him a 'Premiership Contract' - a three and a half year deal that would see him, in all probability, end his career at Leeds United, it seems however, that he will leave the club this week, after the non-negotiable offer had not been accepted by Luciano.<br />
<br />
As the snow began to thaw on Saturday, the news that Sam Byram had signed an extension to his contract that would see him at Leeds United until June 2016 brought some much needed positivity. 19 year old Byram was linked with Premier League sides after impressing in almost every game he's played this season.<br />
<br />
There has certainly been an 'anything is possible' attitude when it's come to the cup since Bradford City made it to Wembley in the Carling Cup earlier on this week after beating Aston Villa over two legs.<br />
<br />
Tottenham currently sit 4th place in the Premier League, boasting players such as Gareth Bale, Scott Parker and ex Leeds United player Aaron Lennon to name but a few, with Andre Villas Boas as manager. I was excited about the game, but it felt like there was little to no pressure on us to win, which then, gives us the advantage of going out there and enjoying the occasion.<br />
<br />
As expected, changes were made to the side that played against Bristol City last week, with Ashdown once again being brought into the starting 11 in place of Paddy Kenny. There was no change to the back four but midfield saw Green and Varney returning. Becchio wasn't included in the squad at all and apparently wasn't in attendance at the game whatsoever.<br />
<br />
Tottenham had a couple of chances in the first 10 minutes of the game to open the scoring, and on the 12th minute Clint Dempsey had a free header inside the area from Huddlestone's corner but his effort was too high and sailed over the bar.<br />
<br />
The game soon swung in our favour though and it was a somewhat unlikely candidate who scored a fantastic goal on the 15th minute of play. A cheeky flick on to Luke Varney from El Hadji-Diouf showed what Varney is capable of as he not only showed his pace to run, unchallenged by the Tottenham defence, down the left hand side of the pitch, but his finishing ability, a brilliant goal and a good start for us.<br />
<br />
Spurs were trying to find a way back into the game, and though they were having some good chances, the league difference between the two sides was in no way obvious.<br />
<br />
Just after the half hour mark, Tottenham were beginning to find their feet, Aaron Lennon cut inside Byram but his shot on goal was not his best and was saved comfortably by Ashdown.<br />
<br />
We almost doubled our lead on the 38th minute, a fantastic ball from Michael Brown to Ross McCormack was controlled beautifully but McCormack, under pressure couldn't produce a goal scoring shot. A minute later, the travelling fans were outraged when the referee failed to spot what they thought was a back pass involving Tom Lees.<br />
<br />
Some fantastic teamwork on the stroke of half time saw Varney pass to McCormack who had a fantastic chance to score, however, Brad Friedel came to the rescue and managed to save the shot with his feet.<br />
<br />
The half time whistle blew and the teams left the field of play a rapturous applause for what was a good, solid, first half performance.<br />
<br />
We began the second half brightly, and our hard work was rewarded on the 50th minute, El Hadji-Diouf sent a fantastic ball over the top to a waiting Ross McCormack who outwitted Steven Caulker and eventually scored a fantastic goal in the top corner and the roof came off Elland Road as the fans celebrated once again.<br />
<br />
On the 54th minute though, a great run down the right hand side by Aaron Lennon gave him the opportunity to cross the ball into a waiting Clint Dempsey who sliced his shot wide from 6 yards out. Four minutes later, Dempsey wasn't so careless however as he got his head on a cross from Gareth Bale and made the score 2 - 1. Straight after the goal, Villas Boas changed his side, taking off, Huddlestone and Sigurdsson for Mousa Dembele and Jonathan Obika. AVB also brought on Kyle Naughton on the 66th minute in place of Kyle Walker.<br />
<br />
Ross McCormack was making himself a nuisance and almost scored his second of the day on the 68th minute but the Tottenham defenders managed to clear the danger.<br />
<br />
As the game drew to a close, we began trying to hold the ball up, hoping to hold on to the one goal lead but Spurs began to surge forward. Obika had a chance though on the 90th minute however it was too high.<br />
<br />
In the dying seconds of added time (4 mins), Michael Brown gave away a free kick in a potentially dangerous position when he brought down Scott Parker. This was the last chance for Spurs, Brad Friedel came up to help his team force a replay. This wasn't to be however and had referee Friend not brought an end to the game just before Rodolph Austin shot long range into an empty Spurs net, the game would have ended 3 - 1.<br />
<br />
I can't speak highly enough of the team work we showed for this win. We covered nearly every blade of grass in order to succeed in this game and in the end the better team won.<br />
<br />
McCormack showed why he should always be played upfront, and not as a winger in my opinion, he was fantastic and his Man of The Match was well deserved. The Diouf and McCormack partnership was one of the most energetic I've seen in our team for a while they complement each other's style of play very well. Diouf had one of the best games I've seen him have in a Leeds shirt, creating so many chances and setting up both goals, the only thing he did to tarnish his performance was the yellow card he received for time wasting. I was also skeptical when I saw Luke Varney was starting, as was probably 99% of Elland Road but in fairness to him, he really stepped up and proved us all wrong and his goal was brilliant.<br />
<br />
The centre back pairing of Lees and Peltier has made such a difference and I'm hoping we don't go changing that around, they both worked so well together and were solid.<br />
<br />
Byram is a different class, I can't express how happy I am we've managed to tie him down until 2016, such amazing news for such a brilliant young prospect.<br />
<br />
We have drawn Manchester City in the next round of the FA Cup at the Etihad to be played on the weekend of the 16th/17th February.<br />
<br />
Also, sorry for the lack of photos this week, The sun prevented me from getting any!! <br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xxGirl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-58612975758560188002013-01-24T10:18:00.001-08:002013-01-24T10:23:02.672-08:00Luciano Becchio - Transfer RequestLuciano Becchio has handed in a transfer request to leave Leeds United (read full official statement here: http://www.leedsunited.com/news/20130124/a-club-statement-luciano-becchio_2247585_3051941 )<br />
<br />
The 29 year old Argentine striker is currently the longest serving Leeds United player and has 19 goals in all competitions this season. He signed on under Gary McAllister in the summer of 2008 from Merida UD and has made 190 appearances to date.<br />
<br />
This news shouldn't have come as a shock after the past couple of weeks, but nothing feels right about this at all. <br />
<br />
A matter of weeks ago, before this whole Warnock/Becchio saga began, Becchio did an interview with the official match day program, one of his first in his time here, in the interview, he explained how Leeds felt like home to him, he expressed how happy he was and said "I want to stay here for a very long time".<br />
<br />
Now, certainly for the past three weeks, Warnock has been receiving criticism for his questionable tactics, the teams he's been picking and the players he was playing out of position. Instead of owning up and accepting some responsibility for what has been some of the worst football I've ever witnessed, he piled the blame onto his top scorer, Luciano Becchio. <br />
He pretty much put the blame on Becchio the loss at Barnsley, saying he's had his head turned by agents, probably to stop us talking about how terrible the game was. <br />
<br />
When Becchio went missing for the Birmingham match due to illness - Warnock stated we got the ball down more in the second half due to Becchio not being in the squad.<br />
<br />
Put yourself in the shoes (or football boots) of Becchio for a minute....If you were getting publicly shot down, you had scored 19 goals so far this season and you had the opportunity to go elsewhere for more money, would you take it, of course you would!! I don't blame him one bit for handing a transfer request in and I think that's what's hard to swallow.<br />
<br />
Should an offer come in for Becchio, we find ourselves in another situation, his replacement....Do we stick with what we have or do we spend the last few days of the January transfer window digging for a new Striker, with clubs knowing we need one and probably raising their prices?! <br />
I'm not holding my breath for replacements though, seen as we still haven't replaced, Gradel, Howson, Beckford or Snodgrass to name but a few.<br />
<br />
In reality it feels like the players can't see the ambition needed to get this club back to the Premier League and right now, neither can I. It feels like nothing has changed at all.<br />
<br />
I know we all have our opinions but personally, I will be absolutely gutted to see Becchio leave. <br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx<br />
Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-6629188102529592262013-01-20T09:41:00.001-08:002013-01-20T09:41:47.937-08:00Leeds United 1 - 0 Bristol CityAnother week full of rumours and speculation that we were about to sell our top striker, Luciano Becchio, another week full of wondering just what the hell Warnock is doing with this team, but, at least we won against Birmingham City midweek....Though, for me, and I hate to sound negative here, it was a case of papering over the cracks. <br />
<br />
Two days of snow had threatened to call off matches all over the country, but credit to the groundsman and the staff at Leeds United for making sure our match got underway without a hitch. <br />
<br />
Bristol City are currently fighting for their Championship status under new manager Sean O'Driscoll who was sacked by Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, just hours after winning the match against us 4 - 2.<br />
<br />
There were no surprises in the fact that Warnock changed the starting 11 from the side that won against Birmingham midweek, Becchio was back in the squad after recovering from his illness which stopped him travelling with the rest of the squad to St Andrews, Barkley and Kenny also returned. Aiden White came in at left back in place of Adam Drury who could be out for a couple of months after he suffered an ankle injury on Tuesday night.<br />
<br />
It didn't take long for the home fans' frustrations to surface after a very dull first quarter of an hour. Ross Barkley took a shot on the 15th minute that required keeper, Heaton to make a save. This was met with actual cheers from what was a good chance and ironic cheers and chants of "Shot on target, we're on the pitch" and "Let's go f*cking mental". <br />
The game didn't get much better, I could hear people around me talking about what happened on Emmerdale last week, full blown conversation about it, in the middle of a match, I remember thinking, 'is this game really that bad, you're talking about Emmerdale'....Sadly, it was.<br />
<br />
Bristol City were playing some good passing football at times, we were being matched by another side at the latter end of the table, they had their chances to go in front too, Liam Kelly saw his shot go over the bar on the 35th minute of play.<br />
<br />
Apart from a shot from Diouf that went over the bar and a Ross McCormack chance that Heaton managed to deal with, we didn't have much of anything to cheer about but just before half time Ross Barkley sent a cross into the box, McCormack was there and his shot was straight at the keeper who spilled the ball, Becchio attempted to chase it down but finally, Heaton scooped it up.<br />
<br />
The referee brought a close to a very un-entertaining first half and as the players walked into the dressing rooms, they were met with a chorus of boo's from frustrated fans.<br />
<br />
The temperature was dropping inside Elland Road and so were the patience levels, we needed a lift second half.<br />
<br />
It seemed like nothing had changed though and on the 46th minute, Liam Kelly had the best chance of the game from 30 yards out but it missed just right of the target. <br />
<br />
We did start to perk up a bit though and Ross Barkley shot from just outside the area which was just wide. We finally managed to open the scoring though on the 67th minute, Ross McCormack managed to head home what was a fantastic cross from Barkley.<br />
<br />
Rodolph Austin was next to have a go but his shot just missed left of the goal on the 75th minute, The Robins weren't finished though and two minutes later Steven Davies' shot went wide.<br />
<br />
Warnock brought on Paul Green for Ross Barkley and minutes later, Michael Tonge came on for Ross McCormack.<br />
<br />
Three minutes of time was added to the game and Bristol City were lucky to finish it with 11 men on the pitch as Wes Burns brought down Sam Bryam in what looked an awful challenge, the Elland Road crowd were bemused when the card given was only yellow, it looked much, much worse and could only hope Sam wasn't injured, after receiving treatment though, Bryam was back on the pitch and playing on, we all breathed a sigh of relief.<br />
<br />
The ref brought an end to what was a dull game, but 3 points all the same.<br />
<br />
I know I'm going to sound negative, again, and I'm sorry but if that had been anyone better than Bristol City, we could have found ourself's on the end of another beating. Though we did improve in the second half, we didn't suddenly become good enough to win the league, I was happy for the win, don't get me wrong, but I was happy for the team, not for Warnock.<br />
<br />
As most of you will know, I'm not exactly his biggest fan, and I just can't see that changing. There was more criticism yesterday for Luciano Becchio, who, by his standards, didn't have his best games, granted, but the amount of negative comments Warnock seems to be throwing his way at any possible opportunity and the fact that he's just seemed to make a situation out of nothing, it just doesn't add up to me!? Warnock's comments after the game at Birmingham regarding Becchio were also puzzling, pretty much saying that Becchio being on the pitch was the reason for the long ball, and because he wasn't there, they could get the ball down....So, let me get this straight, Becchio is picking the team and the tactics is he?! Ohhhh, silly me, I thought he was just a striker and that was YOUR job....I have it all wrong this football malarky, I feel an idiot. Anybody can see what he is trying to do here, and I'm not being funny, but I'd rather have Becchio at my club than Warnock.<br />
<br />
In response to the criticism Warnock has recently received from the fans losing faith in his managerial skills, he said "For me, the glass should be half full, not half empty." - "We knew it would be hard work because they have a new manager and are fighting for their lives. We got a grip at half-time and were a lot more positive in the second half" - "Tom Lees and Lee Peltier were fabulous at the back for us. Unfortunately, you can't please everyone, even when you have won six in a row in the league at home" - "They'd rather we played like Real Madrid and lose". In regards to signings, he says that Shaun Harvey is working hard and will be on the phones all day on Monday and we still have two or three irons in the fire....Let's face it, we've all heard that before.<br />
<br />
The attendance from yesterday was only 18,156, I'd expect that to go down even more if we don't start improving and certainly if we lose Luciano Becchio.<br />
<br />
I hate being so negative about the club I love but something has got to give here, we NEED to improve, end of.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BmpYN-QP0l6WdqQEGZV6xLrFCmGay4TRHxfPcc3Vx4akkR3giIDFrgjWAmvdl6HI-GiuvVMeIW0w-8ojRiwF1_1ZDE-Aw0C59x9kKsnEgi-eQCAJhVY9KsCx7om2NmPOBneAgZCaY-70/s640/blogger-image-1151406248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BmpYN-QP0l6WdqQEGZV6xLrFCmGay4TRHxfPcc3Vx4akkR3giIDFrgjWAmvdl6HI-GiuvVMeIW0w-8ojRiwF1_1ZDE-Aw0C59x9kKsnEgi-eQCAJhVY9KsCx7om2NmPOBneAgZCaY-70/s640/blogger-image-1151406248.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZVp-CMV4tLey1n9VdnrxIXH309untp4KZIV6B5NkN-SYBaolj5Hhe3oXe5W5nLPxGdd_bQ68b7FSFVEwIU08umY96I2QBOSo_EHwc0fuxk0Cj5XOC9gN6zLSNXS0RU3z0ZkhS3o6OcId/s640/blogger-image-1013550376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZVp-CMV4tLey1n9VdnrxIXH309untp4KZIV6B5NkN-SYBaolj5Hhe3oXe5W5nLPxGdd_bQ68b7FSFVEwIU08umY96I2QBOSo_EHwc0fuxk0Cj5XOC9gN6zLSNXS0RU3z0ZkhS3o6OcId/s640/blogger-image-1013550376.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7eaEbDSQKTsOcCHm2igJGwBONRv94BWA0a90AF64CsWqQqvq5YVgFvYjgzKFNHMnC0QKHLyCr_QGAXfCLqiuNk7KO_FiKvv-wL2YWlZJXw8Lr9zUqIoVqxK_kiOowX6Nf7MJaxRts8Sv/s640/blogger-image--345651550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7eaEbDSQKTsOcCHm2igJGwBONRv94BWA0a90AF64CsWqQqvq5YVgFvYjgzKFNHMnC0QKHLyCr_QGAXfCLqiuNk7KO_FiKvv-wL2YWlZJXw8Lr9zUqIoVqxK_kiOowX6Nf7MJaxRts8Sv/s640/blogger-image--345651550.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYUFUHR6qlGpFvhElCopLhly9gRTnilbAY7wQoaIgwB0hTnsqkBEqJhGJ-ktwYBvq1vyBqqj2bOO2n8qaPfMJ6FwTHX_lqAO06DHDEXnJhBsbNcA9RxOkISGgjL3i3cEs5880Per3AwG8/s640/blogger-image--1649615381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYUFUHR6qlGpFvhElCopLhly9gRTnilbAY7wQoaIgwB0hTnsqkBEqJhGJ-ktwYBvq1vyBqqj2bOO2n8qaPfMJ6FwTHX_lqAO06DHDEXnJhBsbNcA9RxOkISGgjL3i3cEs5880Per3AwG8/s640/blogger-image--1649615381.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZtoMPPaxhaMYdC3WuZPa_d014YErk1-CORAHDD_VjvM3ltId12-T3lcWSNaaUd2VtacHdq7VpfTUOV55XQW9R7tj1sH5iOoQdbWuA8_vjtDc9OeDAnKHxOhxhMYqOsfRImtdyAUeE6Tz/s640/blogger-image--1800704942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZtoMPPaxhaMYdC3WuZPa_d014YErk1-CORAHDD_VjvM3ltId12-T3lcWSNaaUd2VtacHdq7VpfTUOV55XQW9R7tj1sH5iOoQdbWuA8_vjtDc9OeDAnKHxOhxhMYqOsfRImtdyAUeE6Tz/s640/blogger-image--1800704942.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-9881666847465444222013-01-15T08:16:00.001-08:002013-01-15T08:35:54.159-08:00Warnock....What's the score?!After the shambles that was Barnsley away on Saturday – We are on the road again today, away at St Andrews for the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay against Birmingham City, minus Girl In The Gelderd!! My 2012/13 100% attendance record goes out of the window!! I can’t lie, even though we have been poor, I’ll be lost tonight, knowing we are playing and I’m not there!!<br />
<br />
I’ve been toying with the idea of writing about my disappointment with Neil Warnock all day, however, I read an article on the Yorkshire Evening Post website (http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/birmingham-city-v-leeds-united-warnock-to-make-late-call-on-becchio-1-5316018) and it made my mind up for me.<br />
<br />
I did mention in my match report from the weekend (http://girlinthegelderd.blogspot.com/2013/01/barnsley-2-0-leeds-united.html) that I was sick of Warnock’s style of play and I was questioning whether I actually wanted him in charge anymore. At this point, I would like to make you all aware, I have never been one to go through a bad patch and call for a managers head, I’m not like that, especially at this crucial time of the season but the things Neil has said in the past few days has wound me up no end and after reading what everyone has got to say on Twitter, I know I am not alone.<br />
<br />
Warnock’s current contract with the club ends in the summer, so long term, we still don’t know his intentions….Would you financially back a manager that might leave once the season is over taking into consideration he usually buys his ex-players?!<br />
<br />
Warnock stated in his interview after the game that he thought he was doing, and I quote a “Great job” – Is this honestly what he thinks?! Does he honestly believe he is doing a great job here?! Because I don’t really know where to start with this, instead I will bullet point just why exactly I beg to differ.<br />
<br />
· He doesn’t know his best starting 11<br />
· He continues to play people out of position<br />
· His tactics and substitutions can be, at times, quite frankly puzzling<br />
· He can’t accept when he is wrong, instead he will make excuses (e.g. referee)<br />
· He’s bringing some of our best players down to his mind numbingly boring style of football, sorry hoofball and then blames them when we don’t win<br />
· He looks like he might have lost the dressing room, the players looked as puzzled as we did on Saturday<br />
· He has lost respect of the majority of the Leeds fans and he is still in denial about how ‘well’ he is supposedly doing here.<br />
<br />
After the match on Saturday Warnock was quoted saying that striker Luciano Becchio “Wasn’t himself” he also said “It’s that time of year when agents put a lot of things in people’s minds and managers have to deal with it and see what happens” - We’ve all heard this many times before with the players that have gone on to leave the club.<br />
Neil said only last week, he would have the ‘final say’ on whether any bids for any of our players would be accepted.<br />
He has since spoke further about the future of Becchio and has said “I have had a word with Beccs. But it is difficult (as a player) when agents are in your ear all the time. All through the transfer window, it’s going to be a nightmare.” As I read the article further I could hardly believe what I was reading….<br />
(Read the full Yorkshire Evening Post interview here: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/birmingham-city-v-leeds-united-warnock-to-make-late-call-on-becchio-1-5316018)<br />
“One or two of the lads were accused of not trying. But when you look at the three lads in midfield who were overrun, when you look at (Michael) Tonge, (David) Norris and Rudy (Austin) and the metres they covered on ProZone, they covered as much as anybody.<br />
“It was just that their decisions were so poor on Saturday. But the options they had up front were so limited. They had very little to aim at.<br />
“The players were disappointed and we have had a meeting. It is difficult for us; you really need your strikers to be on fire for everything to gel for us.<br />
“You look at the (good) performances we have had this season and usually the forwards have been on top of their game. And then everyone else has responded to that.”<br />
<br />
Here, as you can see, he doesn’t blame himself, or his tactics, or the long ball, no, in fact, quite the opposite, he criticises the strike force for not being able to do anything with the long ball when actually, for the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half, when the ball was on the floor we were significantly better….<br />
<br />
Is it any wonder players are starting to question their positions in the club and whether they want to stay long term when we look to have given up playing football and they seem to be getting the blame?!<br />
<br />
I do know though, it is difficult getting rid of a manager at this time of the season and not everyone wants him gone, but as you can probably tell, I am getting quite fed up with it all and the sale of Becchio would just top it all off for me.<br />
<br />
If you are travelling to Birmingham tonight have a good time and a safe journey.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xxGirl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-26249000331398731082013-01-13T07:33:00.001-08:002013-01-13T12:26:33.207-08:00Barnsley 2 - 0 Leeds UnitedAfter the announcement of Ross Barkley joining us on an initial one month loan on Friday, and the permanent signing of Michael Tonge earlier in the week, I was pleased we seemed to be sorting the places that we were lacking quality in and when I woke up on Saturday morning, I felt strangely optimistic. I have no idea why....I've never once seen a Leeds United side win at Oakwell, in fact, we haven't won there since 1997 and as of late, our performances have been nothing short of awful so the optimism confused me but I was glad the faith was there. <br />
<br />
Barnsley were going into this game rock bottom of the League Table with David Flitcroft as acting manager after the sacking of Keith Hill just before the turn of the year. In the past week Terry Butcher and Sean O'Driscoll have both turned down the chance to take the reigns at Oakwell.<br />
<br />
There were stewards waiting for us as we entered the ground, checking bags etc, one of them asked me if he could check mine, I obliged of course, he then asked me if I had any glass bottles in there, I replied, "Yes, and fireworks and knives" I laughed....He didn't.<br />
<br />
Paddy Kenny was back in the team after being sidelined for the FA Cup game against Birmingham the week before, and it was all change in other parts of the pitch too, Byram, Peltier, Barkley, Austin, Tonge and Diouf all started for Leeds United.<br />
<br />
Barnsley held a minutes applause before the game kicked off to pay respects to Soldier, Richard Walker who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan earlier this week. Both sets of fans and players, stood and applauded and chants of 'Yorkshire' rang around Oakwell in what was a fitting tribute.<br />
<br />
The game didn't begin well at all, Jim O'Brien went very close to scoring in the first minute but his shot was saved by Kenny, Tate had to react in orderer to block another shot by O'Brien seconds later.<br />
<br />
Luciano Becchio saw his headed effort go right of the target on the 6th minute of play. Just a minute later though and O'Brien had another shot on goal, this time however it was too high.<br />
<br />
Barnsley were having the better of the chances, on the 12th minute of play Paddy Kenny saved a shot from Stephen Dawson and Marlon Harewood's shot came back off of the post. At this point, we could have been forgiven for thinking, this was going to be another one of those days, we looked up against it and with every shot Barnsley had, the fans were getting more and more frustrated.<br />
<br />
Micheal Tonge had a chance on the 26th minute but, again, it was wide of the goal.<br />
<br />
Lee Peltier and Jim O'Brien were involved in a tackle just after the half hour mark which saw O'Brien stay down, injured. He looked in agony and the paramedics soon stretchered him off the pitch, both sets of fans applauded him, he acknowledged the Leeds fans and clapped as he went down the tunnel to receive treatment. He was replaced by Jacob Mellis.<br />
<br />
Chris Dagnall's shot on the 40th minute was wide right of the goal mouth.<br />
<br />
When half time came, we couldn't help but wonder how on earth it was 0 - 0, a chorus of boo's met Warnock and the players as they walked off into the dressing room. We'd not had a shot on target but Barnsley were really making Paddy Kenny work. <br />
<br />
Warnock made two substitutions at half time bringing on Ross McCormack for El-Hadji Diouf and Paul Green for David Norris. This seemed to give us a boost in the opening 10 minutes or so and we began to play football, not hoofball. Ross Barkley tried his luck from outside the penalty area on the 48th minute but it was off target. Barkley almost scored again when strong strike of his, hit the crossbar.<br />
<br />
It wasn't long until we went resorted back to the long ball though and 62 minutes in, Sam Byram bought down Chris Dagnall inside the box, it was a stonewall penalty and Dagnall made it 1 - 0. The way we were playing, this felt like they'd just scored their 8th, they were full of confidence and had the wind in their sails. 3 Minutes later and Dagnall doubled Barnsley's lead. Immediately the vast majority of travelling fans began to call for Warnock's head. We looked clueless and Barnsley were making us look amateur.<br />
<br />
Both Barkley and McCormack had chances to score before the end of the game but they were off target. So 2 - 0 it finished. Becchio was first off the pitch, he looked up and clapped, we clapped back, McCormack & Barkley also got a good reaction from the crowd....However....Warnock didn't, he was met with 4,800 angry Leeds United fans. Chants of 'time to go' - 'we're sh*t and we're sick of it' and 'what the f*ck is going on' along with loud booing and 'we want our money back'.<br />
<br />
I left this match feeling like I've never felt at any Leeds United game I've ever been to in my life. Like I'd just been kicked in the stomach, but I was angry with it. It wasn't the fact that we lost, no, in fairness, we always lose at Oakwell, but this, this was different. We all know we've not been playing good football of late, even when we've won it's been scrappy and we've not played well. <br />
<br />
We all got back on the coach and waited to see what Neil Warnock had to say about this....First of all, he blamed the referee, saying Dawson should have been sent off for a tackle he made on Ross McCormack, he went as far as to take a replay into his interviews with the press to prove his point. <br />
He then went on to say that Luciano Becchio's head wasn't in the game, apparently he's had his head turned by agents and he'll be having words with him later.<br />
<br />
I don't even know where to begin with this, there was no talk of the way he's playing people out of position, his negative tactics and there was no virus to blame it on this week either. Don't get me wrong here, the players aren't faultless but, I personally think it's time to look beyond this now, I think it's time to look at the manager and the coaching staff.<br />
<br />
I have absolutely no idea why we continue with playing the long ball up to Becchio when we know full well that doesn't work. I am sick to death of it now, I don't pay good money to see the ball in the air and the fact is, we play better when it is on the floor!! <br />
<br />
The way Warnock spoke about Becchio caused a stir too. It sounds like we are about to lose not only our top scorer, but the current longest serving player in the club. This makes me feel sick. I thought times had changed?! I'm not going to lie, I will be devastated if he leaves.<br />
<br />
We didn't have one shot on target. We didn't have one corner. We never stood a chance and again at 2 - 0 down with plenty of time left, we looked to concede ourselves to defeat, how much more of this can we take!?<br />
<br />
Birmingham next up in the FA Cup Round 3 Replay at St Andrews. <br />
<br />
Be sure to comment below and let me know your thoughts.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrDDjgHx6GI4vZVm7b2foj4tG4XSIiBLKhx2dBpwX_U-6VBW3LXd2UOaJ5_tqthv3-uMU03RgaFLwKbJS1Up9Zt3BKcTQ6ntkIbwan3a23z1b7Zf_MTHV0s7j_Czhi0Ll6-AIvyB1Fs2L/s640/blogger-image-278586532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrDDjgHx6GI4vZVm7b2foj4tG4XSIiBLKhx2dBpwX_U-6VBW3LXd2UOaJ5_tqthv3-uMU03RgaFLwKbJS1Up9Zt3BKcTQ6ntkIbwan3a23z1b7Zf_MTHV0s7j_Czhi0Ll6-AIvyB1Fs2L/s640/blogger-image-278586532.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lFfI8k5ZPQ18yfUUizUia0-Sf9ZXBv8uSU7lsgz2ioWkKW8T2QrQFQi3nGNOKerKhC9uNR_6kysNmo6qo8VpTeYijjCCGUSCkR1X2eBTdRzT5uc7m7IGNV942mpnVSg0mrO_fEAqenWU/s640/blogger-image--2067665992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lFfI8k5ZPQ18yfUUizUia0-Sf9ZXBv8uSU7lsgz2ioWkKW8T2QrQFQi3nGNOKerKhC9uNR_6kysNmo6qo8VpTeYijjCCGUSCkR1X2eBTdRzT5uc7m7IGNV942mpnVSg0mrO_fEAqenWU/s640/blogger-image--2067665992.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4zKgKYwoUyXyZXLILb7AJ_BUEmntEOHwpJ4N-YPJpuzdB7oIGDcpBdB-Y_3JyOLa7umSllttoM1y_bvbFrLnYoK_BcRJffsCEJOfVlCcJq33f6YKlVLlHR_Oz0gHqdCYJYDPB8EoutMz/s640/blogger-image-200012493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4zKgKYwoUyXyZXLILb7AJ_BUEmntEOHwpJ4N-YPJpuzdB7oIGDcpBdB-Y_3JyOLa7umSllttoM1y_bvbFrLnYoK_BcRJffsCEJOfVlCcJq33f6YKlVLlHR_Oz0gHqdCYJYDPB8EoutMz/s640/blogger-image-200012493.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEui4wCTyu29j9VbqAf3Dpte3PiDWpS4FuhRbHpm6ey3yzQ5fv10r4lcljotKZCWL5V481nblBu88fQawl-TLLZu_OIsiN8L1DoqGX9_G4yN_ePuhAHlki_bBEOZpbA1Q4OAGVbSwr-yC7/s640/blogger-image--141029615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEui4wCTyu29j9VbqAf3Dpte3PiDWpS4FuhRbHpm6ey3yzQ5fv10r4lcljotKZCWL5V481nblBu88fQawl-TLLZu_OIsiN8L1DoqGX9_G4yN_ePuhAHlki_bBEOZpbA1Q4OAGVbSwr-yC7/s640/blogger-image--141029615.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6l5pWms_v5QIn3ya2hRqIOJAVBFyUlvZ8g16FnvFyTqde3Yr1ULxAWBEKicTHbqph8hD39hWa7SQ_ZmokHsXZsFJEEWBo5qw0Q0y-uyKPNi5hQW0tpFWnexxtAS5A4a1q_wU3Hgl689Y/s640/blogger-image--1492447257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6l5pWms_v5QIn3ya2hRqIOJAVBFyUlvZ8g16FnvFyTqde3Yr1ULxAWBEKicTHbqph8hD39hWa7SQ_ZmokHsXZsFJEEWBo5qw0Q0y-uyKPNi5hQW0tpFWnexxtAS5A4a1q_wU3Hgl689Y/s640/blogger-image--1492447257.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhNGQ2Jg-LFv2oj9LB5mX-lxCenpxR6Wul1-Hj5BekrOqrTLYCIAiOG347Pi4GqGxsNZWhoTX0wXRgBLrU9nSmtGNBjA9NhSQouFFn3z1VVTptY6UihK9ylfM86jTY3DgcLRBEiw9Sfk7/s640/blogger-image--2041409863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhNGQ2Jg-LFv2oj9LB5mX-lxCenpxR6Wul1-Hj5BekrOqrTLYCIAiOG347Pi4GqGxsNZWhoTX0wXRgBLrU9nSmtGNBjA9NhSQouFFn3z1VVTptY6UihK9ylfM86jTY3DgcLRBEiw9Sfk7/s640/blogger-image--2041409863.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-79590184681734236492013-01-10T09:41:00.001-08:002013-01-10T15:53:33.275-08:00First Signing of the January Transfer windowMichael Tonge became Leeds United's first signing of the Transfer Window today. <br />
<br />
The 29 year old midfielder signed a 2 and a half year deal with the Whites from Stoke City after his recent loan spell at Elland Road ended.<br />
<br />
Glad to see him back in fairness, midfield hasn't looked the same since he left.<br />
<br />
Transfer speculation has been rife, as ever, in the past couple of weeks, one of the main names being mentioned was Dexter Blackstock from Nottingham Forest, however, Alex McLeish rubbished claims that Leeds United had put a £750,000 bid in for the 26 year old striker saying "In terms of players going out, we have not had any interest" (Skysports.com)<br />
<br />
Warnock has also come out today to try and allay fans' fears that Sam Byram and Luciano Becchio were on their way out of the club. In an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Warnock said: “We’re focused on players coming in, not players going out, I can’t stop speculation and I’m seeing plenty of it but the new owners have been very clear with me – nobody will be going from here unless I say so." (View the full article here: http://m.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-i-will-say-if-any-players-leave-warnock-1-5298500) <br />
<br />
We need to build for this club to be successful and though we are all very impatient I think we need to relax a little. As Leeds fans go, I'm as big as they come and I know how hard it is to trust anyone that would have come into this club, due to the way it has been run in the past, but for me, GFH-Capital have a clean slate. we need to understand things take time, Rome wasn't built in a day, things are already changing for the better. The clubs that have built in this league are the ones that have been the most successful, we wouldn't like them to spend silly money on players that weren't worth it, we've been there before and look where it got us. <br />
<br />
Warnock had said he's enquired about 7/8 players but the clubs wouldn't let them go. January is a hard time to do business, clubs are always reluctant to sell even players that they don't use on a regular basis at this time of year, one example is that players get injured/tired and you'll need someone to come on, in place of those, with little disruption to the side and still play good football, like I said just one example of why January is a tough time for transfers.<br />
<br />
We have to be patient and keep supporting the team....We're Leeds aren't we?! ;o)<br />
<br />
Looking forward to a trip to Oakwell on Saturday, come on Leeds :o)<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx<br />
<br />
<br />
Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-32962513135378446542013-01-06T12:19:00.001-08:002013-01-06T12:19:53.647-08:00Leeds United 1 - 1 Birmingham CityFor a lot of us this week, it was back to work, back to normality, which is always depressing to be fair, so for me, Saturday couldn't come quick enough.<br />
<br />
News came through on Thursday that some of the squad & Neil Warnock had come down with a virus that is currently going around the training camp. Mick Jones came in to manage the team in place of Warnock for the FA Cup 3rd Round tie at Elland Road against Birmingham City.<br />
<br />
As expected, there were quite a few changes to the squad, Jamie Ashdown started in favour of Paddy Kenny, Lees, Drury, Hall, Brown and White were also handed starts.<br />
<br />
The team came out to a very quiet Elland Road, there was pretty much nobody around me which felt strange.<br />
<br />
On the 13th minute, we were awarded a free kick after Curtis Davies fouled Luciano Becchio. Ross McCormack took the free kick and sent a great ball into the area, Jason Pearce got his head on the ball but was eventually denied by the post.<br />
<br />
Norris also had a chance to open the scoring on the 19th minute but Birmingham keeper, Doyle made a brilliant save. Ryan Hall took the subsequent corner but Doyle managed to catch it.<br />
<br />
The game hadn't been entertaining so far as such, but it had been slightly better than Bolton with us having the better of the chances, however we were letting Birmingham into the game and on the 30th minute, Gomis missed just left of the goal.<br />
Two minutes later Wade Elliot managed to score a fantastic goal from outside the area for Birmingham, right into the top corner, Ashdown had very little chance of getting to it.<br />
<br />
Just before half time, Ross McCormack missed just to the left of the target to try and even the score.<br />
<br />
The ref brought the half to an end.<br />
<br />
Sam Byram and El-Hadji Diouf were both brought on after half time, in place of Ryan Hall and Aiden White.<br />
Apparently Warnock called Mick Jones at half time and told him to make these changes.<br />
<br />
Luciano Becchio had a great chance to equalise on the 48th minute but he hit the ball straight at the keeper, this had been our best chance all game.<br />
<br />
Birmingham began to pile on some pressure and had plenty of chances to double their lead but on the 60th minute it was Luciano Becchio who got himself into a great position inside the area to score his 19th of the season in all competitions.<br />
<br />
Shortly after the goal, Luciano Becchio and Will Packwood both got up to try and win the ball, Packwood landed funny on his leg and went down, play stopped immediately. You could tell by the players reactions, it was serious, Becchio especially was visibly upset. Mitch Hancox came on and replaced Packwood as the medical staff stretchered him away. Both sets of fans and players applauded the young American off.<br />
<br />
Alan Tate made way for Davide Somma on the 79th minute as we were trying to get a winner but in fairness, in the latter end of the game, the chances were all Birmingham's.<br />
<br />
Chris Foy brought the game to a close and it ended all square, one a piece.<br />
<br />
The replay will be played at St Andrews on Tuesday 15th January and should we win, we will play Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on the 26th/27th January.<br />
<br />
Another un-entertaining game to be honest, but, like I said, not as bad as Bolton. Our games are won and lost in midfield and half the time, we might as well not have one. Defending wise we allow teams too much space giving them too much time on the ball.<br />
<br />
Same goes for creative midfield, we can get into some good positions, but then we stop, instead of going forward we just stand still, giving defenders a chance to get back and making us too predictable, and then we get closed down or pushed back and the ball goes back to the keeper. Very frustrating.<br />
<br />
Happy that Becchio added a goal to his many others this season, really hoping we can keep hold of him, I sometimes don't know where we'd be without him.<br />
<br />
We play Barnsley at Oakwell next which is never a happy hunting ground so lets hope we can see a good performance by our lads and bring home 3 points :-)<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_V1P9tfPXJVfYcc-tp6NtbzdqaE3K-ro44kgloLFjL_lU6Ycvd5fTDmEzUf0M5a7T4eoFaRCwUNxnGUHJAC7entpkiC5Ys1pNd1FZAaaqeCabTMq2B855Hxeur66tbplsK1-202-hIs6/s640/blogger-image-1618097628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_V1P9tfPXJVfYcc-tp6NtbzdqaE3K-ro44kgloLFjL_lU6Ycvd5fTDmEzUf0M5a7T4eoFaRCwUNxnGUHJAC7entpkiC5Ys1pNd1FZAaaqeCabTMq2B855Hxeur66tbplsK1-202-hIs6/s640/blogger-image-1618097628.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjBWKwWjsHEMWFT_ZMG_Zhpqwpm0tvIprYsg6SJc4L_GZA5zVCny6QNSr3btQojB-QoeqERIGdDvS37AV1szn6oWyJ3NxBxZ2KbbVMpxK4mOUFMTBUIDaofbcjxmKVkk5qdkyXxoei0pK/s640/blogger-image-328087590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjBWKwWjsHEMWFT_ZMG_Zhpqwpm0tvIprYsg6SJc4L_GZA5zVCny6QNSr3btQojB-QoeqERIGdDvS37AV1szn6oWyJ3NxBxZ2KbbVMpxK4mOUFMTBUIDaofbcjxmKVkk5qdkyXxoei0pK/s640/blogger-image-328087590.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXlLbKEoj6NVpJ_ceaaT9JSb1Rf2H-b8DsMaskASApdQa1UK5QnP3SaneFit1AHzuAICLVPIYjGjaYZ5yr76ivUMOSgfeyiPstcOjjjETe91Ar9ehAbPn-cXym7xiW9OiO1UwBKsjrmar/s640/blogger-image--949714151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXlLbKEoj6NVpJ_ceaaT9JSb1Rf2H-b8DsMaskASApdQa1UK5QnP3SaneFit1AHzuAICLVPIYjGjaYZ5yr76ivUMOSgfeyiPstcOjjjETe91Ar9ehAbPn-cXym7xiW9OiO1UwBKsjrmar/s640/blogger-image--949714151.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cNE54ma45lWM_jSg3qtgZQ6O4qkQ-rGMiMKwccZgqxVgEkU2sF0Pya4Zw20t8FuX5InQIrBjVkonAHSNR2f8fW0FX4zCIgYtvTJQsSr9nfNcfjWpzs-6nE2psedcSL0Ty4FX3xk3Ada1/s640/blogger-image--1907512792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cNE54ma45lWM_jSg3qtgZQ6O4qkQ-rGMiMKwccZgqxVgEkU2sF0Pya4Zw20t8FuX5InQIrBjVkonAHSNR2f8fW0FX4zCIgYtvTJQsSr9nfNcfjWpzs-6nE2psedcSL0Ty4FX3xk3Ada1/s640/blogger-image--1907512792.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-67763503710751193182013-01-02T13:40:00.001-08:002013-01-03T01:34:24.869-08:00Leeds United 1 - 0 Bolton WanderersHappy New Year everyone!! Hope you had a brilliant time over Christmas and New Year (apart from the results), but here it is, 2013, we were really hoping we could kick start the year with 3 points, and to forget just how bad performances had been in previous games.<br />
<br />
There looked to be a few sore heads inside a freezing cold Elland Road prior to kick off, I wasn’t one of those though, so I was able to laugh at the people that were hungover and cheer on the boys.<br />
<br />
Warnock had again made changes to the side that lost at the KC Stadium bringing back, Diouf, Peltier, Austin and the clubs' top scorer, Luciano Becchio.<br />
<br />
A foul on Luciano Becchio just outside the area was ignored by the referee on the first minute of play and the Argentine was involved in the games first effort on goal four minutes later though his shot was well over the bar.<br />
<br />
A defensive error by Alan Tate on the 19th minute gave Bolton an opportunity to attack. Chris Eagles' effort from inside the area just clipping the post.<br />
<br />
The rest of the half was very scrappy and uneventful and neither side had any kind of control over the game.<br />
Frustratingly for us though Bolton looked beatable, we had to come out of the tunnel and make sure we didn't have one of those crazy 10 minute spells we'd seen in the previous two games.<br />
<br />
The game didn't change much though in the second half but we were going forward a little more, Ross McCormack had a penalty shout turned down on the 58th minute.<br />
<br />
Ross McCormack was brought down in the area on the 65th minute though by Tyrone Mears and the referee, Gibbs, was in no doubt this time and pointed straight to the spot.<br />
<br />
Step forward Luciano Becchio who sent Bogdan the wrong way, scoring his 18th goal of the season so far.<br />
<br />
That definitely made the game more watchable but we now had a lead to defend.<br />
Rodolph Austin had an ambitious shot on goal from outside the area on the 69th minute, it was well over the bar though, never troubling Bogdan.<br />
<br />
Becchio almost got his second minutes later after a corner came into the box from Diouf, Luciano's header though was too high, but at least we were having some better chances!!<br />
<br />
The referee brought an end to, what wasn't a pretty match by anyone's standards, but an important 3 points all the same.<br />
<br />
It was announced officially today that we have extended Alan Tate's loan for another month from his parent club, Swansea.<br />
Jerome Thomas announced on his Twitter, he'd gone back to West Brom after his loan spell came to an end, he thanked fans for their support and said he'd enjoyed his time here.<br />
<br />
Obviously there are a lot of rumours flying around at the moment but I'm one of the boring ones who will wait until it is official to believe it, we do need additions to the squad though, but as everyone knows, January is a difficult time to do business and according to Warnock, we've already missed out on a couple of players, it's still only the 2nd of January though!!<br />
<br />
We currently sit in 8th position in the League, two points off the Play Offs.<br />
3 points was what I really wanted to kick start 2013, lets hope for a successful year for us and make a real go of it for the second half of the season.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VlhGn2sm6sovuds9DES4Bctz6RwqyG3R_9TQXin3ea3zdQF5c5CRLVxw8E38uoziFNLSN5JTvSv9Bs1dce8ypVEPr2Mi5Fh9eGUDnB1vAvymrLa0cIAcriZPgwGiz-chzgMRAoduPbIs/s640/blogger-image-782565514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VlhGn2sm6sovuds9DES4Bctz6RwqyG3R_9TQXin3ea3zdQF5c5CRLVxw8E38uoziFNLSN5JTvSv9Bs1dce8ypVEPr2Mi5Fh9eGUDnB1vAvymrLa0cIAcriZPgwGiz-chzgMRAoduPbIs/s640/blogger-image-782565514.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnHbcOie5sc5D3Sop_sXKvljQ3AO2zWm61mC-1nH5HHwoZxl2tVylzLjzbK5GzJ7rUoIC3NiclUPNTjqdt1mmVDgNGGbgRruCD5W3YHGXMyoNmDQK2Wzn1dk_H7goH_HdtvLQK8H_qXHM/s640/blogger-image-793441373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnHbcOie5sc5D3Sop_sXKvljQ3AO2zWm61mC-1nH5HHwoZxl2tVylzLjzbK5GzJ7rUoIC3NiclUPNTjqdt1mmVDgNGGbgRruCD5W3YHGXMyoNmDQK2Wzn1dk_H7goH_HdtvLQK8H_qXHM/s640/blogger-image-793441373.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTYAj9IxfXhtFNCWVzq4oxB2uFqD97oeV5lYOX1JPENStITpiKNlR-VZwd6l7spf-YXTLfS5KzSXT1khcEDV7wLCSxaAPwQY9Xak_II_UlHFn53gkMl5ACd4t_vsIyY2lsOVn5FnCNmhM/s640/blogger-image-1117613787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTYAj9IxfXhtFNCWVzq4oxB2uFqD97oeV5lYOX1JPENStITpiKNlR-VZwd6l7spf-YXTLfS5KzSXT1khcEDV7wLCSxaAPwQY9Xak_II_UlHFn53gkMl5ACd4t_vsIyY2lsOVn5FnCNmhM/s640/blogger-image-1117613787.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUroraar3pEZRyZMcQiv2HdOPioXY-rsL4SaUTlHtelvoaFHzoHqdj-To6cI3sqLO4eQUT8h32G2cIp0L6sXJAXGIQ3qdsznFrht3UKMWOJaI87h0-Leta6_ke4bkTEaKO04SpkHQxJYk/s640/blogger-image--2087686292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUroraar3pEZRyZMcQiv2HdOPioXY-rsL4SaUTlHtelvoaFHzoHqdj-To6cI3sqLO4eQUT8h32G2cIp0L6sXJAXGIQ3qdsznFrht3UKMWOJaI87h0-Leta6_ke4bkTEaKO04SpkHQxJYk/s640/blogger-image--2087686292.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-37386284210669157052012-12-30T08:37:00.000-08:002012-12-30T11:25:08.086-08:00Hull City 2 - 0 Leeds UnitedAnother early start for another early kick off, as I looked out of my window, I saw how 'lovely' the weather was, gale force winds and pouring it down, at this point, normal people would probably get back into bed and stay inside....Not us, we're Leeds aren't we, a bit of rain won't stop us....Now, how many layers can I put on and still be able to zip my jacket up....<br />
<br />
The Police escort guided our coach into the car park at the KC Stadium and all of a sudden, a Policeman on a bike gave us a cheeky Leeds salute, we all laughed and saluted back, singing 'town full of Leeds fans'.<br />
<br />
Inside the ground, we were all waiting for team news and when it did come through, we found Warnock had dramatically changed the starting 11 from the side that lost against Forest on Boxing Day. Pearce, White and Norris were all back in the squad, and most surprisingly, Somma and McCormack started upfront in favour of Diouf and Becchio.<br />
<br />
It was Hull who had the first chance when Robert Koren saw his shot go wide of the goal in the third minute. We could have been in real trouble on the 6th minute however when Jason Pearce looked to drag down Stephen Myler in the area, from where we were stood, it looked like it should have been given, however the ref didn't have a clear view and waved the claims away.<br />
<br />
Play was pretty even in the first half an hour of the game, both sides having some decent chances on goal but Hull did look the team most likely to score.<br />
<br />
Aiden White tackled Elmohamady shortly after the 30 minute mark and the referee, Eltringham stopped play immediately. Ahmed Elmohamady was rolling around on the floor and the home fans were shouting for White to be sent off. After receiving treatment for a good 3 minutes and limping up and down the sideline, he suddenly came back onto the pitch and collected the ball, no limp, no pain, no injury. White on the other hand had been given a yellow card, Elmohamady should have received an Oscar. From then on, he was the match villain and got some abuse from the away fans.<br />
The incident had livened the atmosphere, but Hull still looked the better side.<br />
<br />
Half time came and both sides went in 0 - 0. Improvement was needed, Somma didn't look in the game and we were average at best. The positives were though, that we hadn't conceded.<br />
Neil Warnock made a change at half time, taking off Somma and bringing on Luke Varney....At this point we had absolutely no idea why Luciano Becchio wasn't playing and we were all puzzled as to why Varney had been brought on in favour of him.<br />
<br />
51st minute and Hull were running at us with pace and purpose, our defenders were struggling and inevitably, Corry Evans got the first goal of the game.<br />
It was key now to change the squad, maybe bring someone off of the bench and push forward for an equaliser, but the Tigers' second goal came in quick succession.<br />
Robbie Brady took a corner and David Meyler headed past Paddy Kenny on the 55th minute.<br />
This was Forest all over again.<br />
<br />
We all looked longingly at the bench for some kind of movement, for someone to come on and turn the game around, there was still plenty of time to play and stranger things have happened than us coming back from 2 - 0 down. Eventually, Warnock did make a change....One that puzzled us all, he brought on Rodolph Austin for David Norris, who, in my opinion had been one of our better players!!<br />
<br />
From then on, it was like the whole team had conceded to the fact we'd already lost. We were flat and never looked a threat. Hull however were still pushing and had it not been for some fantastic saves by Paddy Kenny, we'd have been more than 2 - 0 down when the whistle blew for full time.<br />
<br />
I haven't walked away from a match so disappointed with a team performance like that in a very long time. No fan likes to see their team defeated, however, we all know it's a part of football, but to witness the way in which we were defeated yesterday, I think that's what has angered a lot of people. The game isn't over until the final whistle, and in my opinion you NEVER give up be the deficit one goal or five goals, but that's just exactly what it looked like we did!!<br />
<br />
It turns out Becchio and Diouf weren't 100% fit and Warnock didn't want to risk them, but they should be back for our next game against Bolton at Elland Road on Tuesday. Big improvement needed!!<br />
<br />
We didn't end 2012 on a high, results wise but here's to hoping 2013 is a better year for us :o)<br />
<br />
All the best to all of my readers & thank you for all your support this year :o)<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa8tozHNGMmIOwZxiVfkA2Y_494nPWY9HM3SJ_2IEN9NTRyi7Z_S-OKaWCXQhk3sXqHS-DOBJ-S_vXnWcy-X5QJkdibnvypZFi9XaVmDrY6W3wqKiQc4Ly8USiKiO04PUA_ZiuhhxsrYA/s640/blogger-image-1451829376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa8tozHNGMmIOwZxiVfkA2Y_494nPWY9HM3SJ_2IEN9NTRyi7Z_S-OKaWCXQhk3sXqHS-DOBJ-S_vXnWcy-X5QJkdibnvypZFi9XaVmDrY6W3wqKiQc4Ly8USiKiO04PUA_ZiuhhxsrYA/s640/blogger-image-1451829376.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1FcNEidPfJzMmDUu6W7rHoPNpi2fOpYmDhRcDEnBmBo0PZ0jDAU_R0e57bEImhtdrgRh2JYLFjJuXDe0JXji4X6SjjJpOZf_0jtRktL0fhKcJRev9yvoj9TG6zlu5-7-0AA5aBltm56D/s640/blogger-image-1869841829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1FcNEidPfJzMmDUu6W7rHoPNpi2fOpYmDhRcDEnBmBo0PZ0jDAU_R0e57bEImhtdrgRh2JYLFjJuXDe0JXji4X6SjjJpOZf_0jtRktL0fhKcJRev9yvoj9TG6zlu5-7-0AA5aBltm56D/s640/blogger-image-1869841829.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1NT-gjjWCflOQI00lK_6PDUd2_QAcVemO-i5T5u9WO9bknvgVRA2ZIbTOR2W6YKdOl2s3YmlxuoT3NJlRk_N1AyHgjW6pJqHGK9OdTNbrX92aG4Rax2DFuWrWZqwgut4fw2Xy3n_Ckq5/s640/blogger-image--1072659967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1NT-gjjWCflOQI00lK_6PDUd2_QAcVemO-i5T5u9WO9bknvgVRA2ZIbTOR2W6YKdOl2s3YmlxuoT3NJlRk_N1AyHgjW6pJqHGK9OdTNbrX92aG4Rax2DFuWrWZqwgut4fw2Xy3n_Ckq5/s640/blogger-image--1072659967.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv05H5HHGcz2zve6ANTcKo-p9PQh81b9XVulNaDyQvqJO66EQt9pZvjbDHBpqLfjaWS3OUaUPfDAO_2bz96i4XDfaQOg9vadAv0GBrJS_8I2BK3Ya9x1dwgr4HpIIF0wPD0DwaohHcCLKJ/s640/blogger-image-792892241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv05H5HHGcz2zve6ANTcKo-p9PQh81b9XVulNaDyQvqJO66EQt9pZvjbDHBpqLfjaWS3OUaUPfDAO_2bz96i4XDfaQOg9vadAv0GBrJS_8I2BK3Ya9x1dwgr4HpIIF0wPD0DwaohHcCLKJ/s640/blogger-image-792892241.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN9kEphfBOXY-DLaumLwu2YTFyNYqiQGk9heF94nXgzB3no9lRkrCou5hocR_IezsbkTNAxFUtWJCmPON0GHvMVDwaYdOrErII9e2-EBldlw6yfNAclco1afIZS9Soy1N3byxBlgvKXYW/s640/blogger-image--915418133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN9kEphfBOXY-DLaumLwu2YTFyNYqiQGk9heF94nXgzB3no9lRkrCou5hocR_IezsbkTNAxFUtWJCmPON0GHvMVDwaYdOrErII9e2-EBldlw6yfNAclco1afIZS9Soy1N3byxBlgvKXYW/s640/blogger-image--915418133.jpg" /></a></div><!--3-->Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-15414188499596263002012-12-27T05:56:00.002-08:002012-12-28T00:42:14.555-08:00Nottingham Forest 4 - 2 Leeds United<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Boxing Day is usually a day for recovery and long lie ins after all the drama of Christmas Day, not for us though as Leeds United were away at Nottingham Forest. For me it involved getting up at 7am to get ready for the early kick off.<br />
<br />
As we arrived at the City Ground, team news began to filter through and we were surprised to hear that Rodolph Austin was back in the starting 11 after being injured since early November.<br />
Warnock made two other changes to the lineup bringing in Michael Brown and Adam Drury to replace Michael Tonge who had returned to Stoke City after his loan spell at Leeds United had come to an end last week and Lee Peltier who was injured.<br />
<br />
It had been a great couple of weeks and we were all in good spirits as the game began. Paul Green gave us more of a reason to smile when he scored from close range on the 12th minute of play.<br />
<br />
Forest almost found theirselves an equaliser on the 28th minute. Michael Brown fouled Guedioura and Andy Reid took the free kick. Elliott Ward had a shot on target and Paddy Kenny sprung into action to make a fantastic save.<br />
<br />
As Forest were pushing for equaliser in the latter end of the first half, there were two very good penalty shouts turned down by referee Lee Probert within minutes of each other. One of them an apparent handball and the other a tug inside the area. The home fans were really getting on the refs back, and I think he began to realise he had made a mistake. We now had to be careful, we had the feeling that even the smallest of challenges made inside the box would be given as a penalty, regardless of wether it was or not.<br />
<br />
On the 42nd minute of play a penalty was eventually awarded to Nottingham Forest for a foul on Billy Sharp by Tom Lees. It was soft but we could hardly complain after what had happened earlier.<br />
Billy Sharp stepped up to take the penalty and sent Paddy Kenny the wrong way to make the score one a piece.<br />
<br />
The half time whistle blew and both sides headed back to their dressing rooms.<br />
<br />
I was disappointed we'd let them score just before half time, I felt they were going to come out all guns blazing, and sure enough they did.<br />
<br />
53 minutes in and Billy Sharp scored his second from inside the penalty area and he here began our seven minute demise. On the 56th minute came an own goal scored by Rodolph Austin, Followed by another goal on the 60th minute by Dexter Blackstock.<br />
<br />
We had completely caved in and our defending was lacklustre. We had now left ourselves a mountain to climb and it seemed impossible to find a way back into the game.<br />
<br />
Neil Warnock changed the team around, bringing on Davide Somma for El-Hadji Diouf. Minutes later Warnock changed the side again, taking Rodolph Austin off for Jason Pearce.<br />
<br />
Nottingham were having all of the possession and chances, We were dispossessed of the ball whenever we managed to get it, which wasn't very often.<br />
<br />
Striker Ross McCormack replaced Sam Byram on the 78th minute as Warnock tried everything to reduce the 3 goal deficit.<br />
<br />
Some good work by Ross McCormack on the 89th minute saw him pass to Somma who scored what was only to be a consolation goal from inside the area. However, if he'd have put away the chance he had on the 91st minute, it might have been an interesting end to the game, but it wasn't to be and the game was brought to a close by Probert.<br />
<br />
A disappointing result and a disappointing game by all accounts with very little positives to take out of the loss, happy for Davide though, to see him back scoring is brilliant and inspiring after he's struggled for so long to get back to full fitness.<br />
<br />
We must learn from this loss and not dwell on it especially at this time of year when the schedule is as busy as it is.<br />
<br />
The most potentially worrying thing for me at the moment though is Warnock trying to tie down Tonge, Thomas and Tate to permanent contracts with the club. They have been distinctly average and should we be looking at climbing the table and getting into the Play Offs, I think we need to look again. Save the money we'd spend signing them up and spend it on better players.<br />
<br />
We lack pace, someone who can break from midfield and get the ball into the strikers or fast winger to tear teams apart. A creative and a defensive midfielder for me is important.<br />
We very much need to strengthen defence too, some of the defending was absolutely terrible and wouldn't have stopped a League Two side scoring goals let alone a Championship side.<br />
<br />
Like I said, plenty to build on. We need to pick ourselves up for another away game on Saturday at the KC Stadium. Hull are currently sitting 2nd at the top of the table. It'll be a very tough game, here's to hoping we can get 3 points.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOXsuX7SO_XA1Ga7teBXbPxkmxqMc-pOvb7Uu1aPi4znJlX4Bi7UmZfyf4M8ADFO4GReNP5kNqmE-_5_mxiwu1IF2JEStle35pad9mUv08kb0myttpFF3-SZdAxmlt3ON23Uh2qA6Zbsu/s640/blogger-image--515669543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOXsuX7SO_XA1Ga7teBXbPxkmxqMc-pOvb7Uu1aPi4znJlX4Bi7UmZfyf4M8ADFO4GReNP5kNqmE-_5_mxiwu1IF2JEStle35pad9mUv08kb0myttpFF3-SZdAxmlt3ON23Uh2qA6Zbsu/s640/blogger-image--515669543.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxstdqkqKCj5cKtidJFHT8QvJo09WPT4L37Gd1RvY32rMYGEUlfGQndW50ul-gzTG9MraQTtJRrX-JTgAIKzdcJJkyTR6Gi98wNQQ2a5KX1piW4rSFLqDfQj-j-mH1oUKvOXTmNHFwHbr3/s640/blogger-image-1427580307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxstdqkqKCj5cKtidJFHT8QvJo09WPT4L37Gd1RvY32rMYGEUlfGQndW50ul-gzTG9MraQTtJRrX-JTgAIKzdcJJkyTR6Gi98wNQQ2a5KX1piW4rSFLqDfQj-j-mH1oUKvOXTmNHFwHbr3/s640/blogger-image-1427580307.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6rXvubOml9v0QehfHVoaxPwMoMOYkUG6ugavrpKwir0oZerdpAxu4l6-ZBr0IDhZacDIWxk4kGn1g8XB__qgFpR6-CRIRZkkgtqFfz1OKz-SXEjsZ-PxRESKfJoN7x169nnQ2EsnMNjv/s640/blogger-image-1595461773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6rXvubOml9v0QehfHVoaxPwMoMOYkUG6ugavrpKwir0oZerdpAxu4l6-ZBr0IDhZacDIWxk4kGn1g8XB__qgFpR6-CRIRZkkgtqFfz1OKz-SXEjsZ-PxRESKfJoN7x169nnQ2EsnMNjv/s640/blogger-image-1595461773.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Twk9NArHROuzin9SF7mS8ZnToCglEhfsweY38C3i0WgBfJhuSqaobfd4lrdEx2u9l5WDdN153h9_wyX3zojQSZSS8Yn-1_2etBAvIopWPINQzpsv3QJQ42S38F3M_KigQUsUzClPN36S/s640/blogger-image--1634339644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Twk9NArHROuzin9SF7mS8ZnToCglEhfsweY38C3i0WgBfJhuSqaobfd4lrdEx2u9l5WDdN153h9_wyX3zojQSZSS8Yn-1_2etBAvIopWPINQzpsv3QJQ42S38F3M_KigQUsUzClPN36S/s640/blogger-image--1634339644.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eiuETXLWJFv1Mx5ekusB7ZD_lI9kremgIwUieMsb-fL1MjM18gXTzSZBCG-e66Svn_mcPxhULMOlc2mE3tfJuVMdCY7ihBNO9it5HPtkLr8Vr7OmTHYtHg_obF2Wv5GAR9VkSnEYsHFh/s640/blogger-image--1414495256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eiuETXLWJFv1Mx5ekusB7ZD_lI9kremgIwUieMsb-fL1MjM18gXTzSZBCG-e66Svn_mcPxhULMOlc2mE3tfJuVMdCY7ihBNO9it5HPtkLr8Vr7OmTHYtHg_obF2Wv5GAR9VkSnEYsHFh/s640/blogger-image--1414495256.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUfla17MlW7joMFTjaiut4V77QsM9LBxzGsI1ZAgylVb7Z8ht3UZ51ihiMMZCDaUEbbz9TRxPEt68UvVre_wBJjdCKR3CUalA4Hd-IFKij8CNIoRlRbC-erQakZ4IYJ-dFNCYwEXrmJJs/s640/blogger-image--640900219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUfla17MlW7joMFTjaiut4V77QsM9LBxzGsI1ZAgylVb7Z8ht3UZ51ihiMMZCDaUEbbz9TRxPEt68UvVre_wBJjdCKR3CUalA4Hd-IFKij8CNIoRlRbC-erQakZ4IYJ-dFNCYwEXrmJJs/s640/blogger-image--640900219.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XgD7l8yR6qBba0Tws-fHgdnyJytTR3bj0O6XQ6IroGqq9jRiR3b_KuteVIUWYpmce8gnIztshKjHj0PA8mOB1v1CjO1LGPFP4ehdDJsgDBlpy0JQAdzQ23vWJwsTSkWSUwqyMAlWYG36/s640/blogger-image--2117663244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XgD7l8yR6qBba0Tws-fHgdnyJytTR3bj0O6XQ6IroGqq9jRiR3b_KuteVIUWYpmce8gnIztshKjHj0PA8mOB1v1CjO1LGPFP4ehdDJsgDBlpy0JQAdzQ23vWJwsTSkWSUwqyMAlWYG36/s640/blogger-image--2117663244.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-7536831866470686652012-12-23T09:33:00.001-08:002012-12-23T13:33:42.171-08:00Leeds United 2 - 1 MiddlesboroughFirst of all, I'd like to apologise for the lack of updates this week, Christmas is a crazy time of year, so I really didn't have time to do a Match Report for Chelsea, sorry, but obviously by now you will know, we lost 1 - 5. There were positives to take out of it though, seeing a full Elland Road was wonderful, the atmosphere was fantastic, Becchio's goal was brilliant and we played some really good football in the first half, just a shame that Chelsea woke up in the 2nd half and were far too strong for us.<br />
<br />
It's been a pretty amazing week though besides the score on Wednesday night, Friday being the best day Leeds United have had in a very long time. I talk, of course, of the confirmation that GFH Capital now own 100% of Leeds City Holdings (and therefore Leeds United Football Club) with David Haigh, Salem Patel and Hisham Alrayes, all board directors. <br />
<br />
We have all waited for so long for this and when Friday finally came, and the press conference began, I was like a 10 year old in Disney Land!! David Haigh and Salem Patel were sat with Shaun Harvey, thankfully Ken Bates wasn't there, I say thankfully as I know he would have made it all about him, this was David and Salem's day, and I wanted to hear from them. Listening to what they had to say was like a breath of fresh air, in regards to the January Transfer Window, Salem Patel said "What we want to say is that we're not going to be spending crazy money like some owners have. We want to make the investment sustainable and make the club successful. Simple as that." As I looked through Twitter, I saw people panicking at this, and urged them all to calm down and think rationally. We do not need to spend silly money, look what happened the last time we spent beyond our means. That is exactly how clubs get in to bother. <br />
My favourite part of the whole Conference though was when David Haigh said that he'd bought "The most fantastic football club in the world" That is definitely what I wanted to hear :o) <br />
<br />
So, Friday was an excellent start to Christmas, and we all hoped the positivity surrounding the club would continue as we played Middlesborough on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Persistent rain was wreaking havoc throughout the UK and football matches all over were being called off due to waterlogged pitches, thankfully though, ours went ahead thanks to the fantastic ground staff working hard at Elland Road, as ever!! <br />
<br />
This was always going to be one hell of a tough match for us, 'Boro were in the mix at the very top of the Championship Table, but, as we have proved in the last few weeks, beating Palace and Leicester, nothing is impossible.<br />
<br />
Middlesborough looked pumped, and came close to opening the scoring on the 1st minute, Lukas Jutkiewicz's shot went just wide. It was clear to see that we might struggle to cope with this very organised side, even from as early as the first five minutes.<br />
<br />
It took until the 20th minute for us to even get our first chance away, Sam Byram seeing his effort saved by Steele.<br />
<br />
On the 28th minute came a goal for the away side, Paddy Kenny initially saving attempt on goal, however, the only person to collect the loose ball was Lukas Jutkiewicz and this time, Kenny couldn't stop it from going in. <br />
<br />
Byram responded and blazed the ball wide of the mark two minutes later to try and equalise from outside the box.<br />
<br />
Though we still weren't playing the best football in the world, we were getting in better attacking positions than we had done earlier in the game and on the 31st minute Jerome Thomas countered a Middlesborough attack and ran all the way upfield, Thomas decided to try and score himself but his shot was painfully wide, If he'd have looked up and passed across goal to Diouf who was waiting in the box, unmarked we would have almost certainly scored.<br />
<br />
44 minutes in and Byram sent a cross into the box that was cleared by 'Boro, however, Jerome Thomas headed the ball down and Becchio, on the edge of the box, turned to score a fantastic goal, Steele had absolutely no chance. Elland Road praised the Argentine who is in fantastic form at the moment and as half time came, we knew there was so much more work to do if we were to keep Middlesborough out in the Second Half.<br />
<br />
Aiden White came on for Paul Green as the Second Half began, we later found out, this was because Green was ill, he battled through the first half but had to come off. (Hope he feels better soon!!)<br />
<br />
Jason Steele was forced to make a save on the 46th minute as substitute, White, attempted to put us in front. In the same minute however, 'Boro responded and Jutkiewicz smashed the side netting, the away fans began to celebrate but quickly realised he'd not actually scored.<br />
<br />
After a good 10 minute spell from us 'Boro looked to be getting back into the game, Alan Tate made a clearance from a corner taken by Josh McEachran. Two minutes later, Lee Peltier got in the way of a shot from Marvin Emnes. Leadbitter took the corner and Kenny got up to make a comfortable save.<br />
<br />
It looked like, if Middlesborough were going to score in this second half, it was going to be from a set piece or from their crosses, they seemed more organised than we were in these areas and that was where we were struggling.<br />
<br />
Jerome Thomas was taken off in the 69th minute and replaced by Davide Somma, who has been out of the game, injured since May 2011. Both got a standing ovation from the Elland Road crowd.<br />
<br />
On the 74th minute Tonge passed the ball to Diouf who sent it into the box for Becchio who got up and headed the ball goalwards, Steele just managed to tip it over the bar and it was out for a corner. El-Hadji Diouf took the corner and Becchio, again, got up highest to head the ball straight past Steele. The Elland Road crowd leapt to their feet once again and Becchio did his signature celebration and kissed the badge in front of the Kop.<br />
<br />
Middlesborough were now pushing for a goal, ex Leeds man, Jonathan Woodgate headed just left of the target shortly after. Warnock made the decision to swap Lee Peltier for Jason Pearce on the 78th minute, to try and keep the visitors out.<br />
<br />
Emmanuel Ladesma shot on target in the 83rd minute, the ball bounced on the slippery surface, right in front of Paddy Kenny and he, thankfully, managed to save it with his face!!<br />
<br />
Four minutes of time were added to the game, at this point, we had to throw the pots and pans in and defend like mad as they were hitting us with all they had. We managed to hold on though and got another important 3 points to end a fantastic week.<br />
<br />
Next match is on Boxing Day against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, hoping for another good performance and 3 points :o)<br />
<br />
I would just like to wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas, hope you all have a fantastic time, eat, drink and Leeds, Leeds, Leeds :o)<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSL7FiAJxYAkoTQUc_nIelQAEEB_odHZSY3o1PlNBJdh5eVsbuZZONtMIEWDXkmxeqXssMI-U2V97pwWDMrpn5ygvTkxj7RyarzF7bXHb_MYVE8Y4LmetLhInZTCwBEaxacXx0oBUXjLM/s640/blogger-image--1470174884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSL7FiAJxYAkoTQUc_nIelQAEEB_odHZSY3o1PlNBJdh5eVsbuZZONtMIEWDXkmxeqXssMI-U2V97pwWDMrpn5ygvTkxj7RyarzF7bXHb_MYVE8Y4LmetLhInZTCwBEaxacXx0oBUXjLM/s640/blogger-image--1470174884.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEJzSFbVjHGPXSZn-7DkQ-xVXeDnWT9hyphenhypheniQGTalKOhxOLD7OZdnjXFlfpqbnmcIdGo118f59lKyHJUaOA5GKqkEW3dR1slC7FZGn1XCV_6aHTq3eoD6YzsJbWg7o9w0QgGgOPnEfopg5T/s640/blogger-image-1695255778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEJzSFbVjHGPXSZn-7DkQ-xVXeDnWT9hyphenhypheniQGTalKOhxOLD7OZdnjXFlfpqbnmcIdGo118f59lKyHJUaOA5GKqkEW3dR1slC7FZGn1XCV_6aHTq3eoD6YzsJbWg7o9w0QgGgOPnEfopg5T/s640/blogger-image-1695255778.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZN9s_q571j9hxJ7D4_GzfdnpwdOFAM1Ii2a-Pe2zx45-b8StDl2mF7_wzax5N492rfiKniXKtTlQas1KeERbzfDPtXSrx_cHpoBGX-UeY7kOQyqJXrsz50hNqCpmAgl2PMqehyphenhyphenWxg2_b/s640/blogger-image--789910935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZN9s_q571j9hxJ7D4_GzfdnpwdOFAM1Ii2a-Pe2zx45-b8StDl2mF7_wzax5N492rfiKniXKtTlQas1KeERbzfDPtXSrx_cHpoBGX-UeY7kOQyqJXrsz50hNqCpmAgl2PMqehyphenhyphenWxg2_b/s640/blogger-image--789910935.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKcFIkqOhnyXrS73MIMyr4NEsl_BpMg35wQqnbUj2xmQhUwIXNAMJ2kdEJMr2rzFmR8qnEZjDjxakaVLXKNSP86XzvZHDhw6BYCsq7tAIzPNX2n50OPFwLA47EeaIwSqzKxbxZdOJn-rX/s640/blogger-image--1983793962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKcFIkqOhnyXrS73MIMyr4NEsl_BpMg35wQqnbUj2xmQhUwIXNAMJ2kdEJMr2rzFmR8qnEZjDjxakaVLXKNSP86XzvZHDhw6BYCsq7tAIzPNX2n50OPFwLA47EeaIwSqzKxbxZdOJn-rX/s640/blogger-image--1983793962.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3iMBCcS5KrvYTj6CQQiHMmABX6Ttm5fLBbGa-XcQzsb64J_5jYPaVqsDQlIMUG31VmK-LGeblTtVyQB-KuKhZG2oC2bn2nv_jWSkpqr0Rw4wqZ9xB50QegPEALL2Er4Oxfa9BLSXbuBB/s640/blogger-image-1652756064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3iMBCcS5KrvYTj6CQQiHMmABX6Ttm5fLBbGa-XcQzsb64J_5jYPaVqsDQlIMUG31VmK-LGeblTtVyQB-KuKhZG2oC2bn2nv_jWSkpqr0Rw4wqZ9xB50QegPEALL2Er4Oxfa9BLSXbuBB/s640/blogger-image-1652756064.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M6yFZUa8Q2nxcBnkkGcCeL4_1D_Cdw_4Y4wuyCJAyyCe2lyvfY19bBF4w-8kMGs85aFhNu716CQXXZnOkrdCbrp4iu7pGOs59-0NRRxlXAEpEXT4mN2s-96EWYBKbrujxCgkjzJnL00A/s640/blogger-image--264970596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M6yFZUa8Q2nxcBnkkGcCeL4_1D_Cdw_4Y4wuyCJAyyCe2lyvfY19bBF4w-8kMGs85aFhNu716CQXXZnOkrdCbrp4iu7pGOs59-0NRRxlXAEpEXT4mN2s-96EWYBKbrujxCgkjzJnL00A/s640/blogger-image--264970596.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-63342853923889819362012-12-16T11:18:00.001-08:002012-12-16T11:18:16.234-08:00Leeds United 2 - 0 Ipswich TownDerby was a game we all were in a hurry to move on from and we hoped we could regain some form against Ipswich Town. Since boyhood Leeds fan, Mick McCarthy took the reigns at Portman Road, Ipswich have been on a bit of a roll, only losing one of their last 6.<br />
<br />
Our starting eleven included Thomas who had recovered from a hamstring injury and Diouf, who earlier in the week, signed a new 18 month contract with us. Ross McCormack was dropped to the bench after a somewhat poor game against Derby last weekend.<br />
<br />
Our first opportunity to open the scoring came on the 6th minute when Diouf had a shot on target saved by Henderson. Diouf takes the corner, Tom Lees gets his head on the ball but it clears the crossbar. We came close three minutes later when Henderson failed to deal with a cross into the box from Diouf and under pressure, fumbled the ball. Luckily though, he did manage to dive on it before any Leeds man could get to it.<br />
<br />
Ipswich left back, Aaron Cresswell had an opportunity to score on the 10th minute but his shot never troubled Paddy Kenny as it rose well over the crossbar.<br />
<br />
Diouf took a corner on the 18th minute of play and Tom Lees beat the Ipswich defenders to head the ball goalwards, Jerome Thomas was in a perfect position to backheel the ball beyond the reach of Henderson and make it 1 - 0. <br />
<br />
Shortly after the goal, Arron Cresswell cleared David Norris' header off the line after some good build up play by Thomas and a great cross into the box from Tonge.<br />
<br />
A fantastic ball from Sam Byram on the 40th minute upfield for Luciano Becchio who was waiting in the box, unmarked. Becchio headed the ball and it looked for all the world it was going to be 2 - 0, however, Becchio, un-characteristically headed it well over the crossbar from close range, que 99% of Leeds Fans, including Luciano, with their head in their hands. <br />
<br />
Two minutes before half time, Paddy Kenny made a fantastic save to stop Carlos Edwards equalising for the Tractor Boys.<br />
<br />
The referee, Langford blew for half time and we went in a goal to the good.<br />
<br />
Ipswich were beginning to come into the game late in the first half as we looked to be getting a little bit complacent especially in midfield.<br />
<br />
We opened the second half strongly. A Luciano Becchio header was saved by Henderson on the 46th minute, followed by a chance from Diouf a minute later but it was too high. Henderson came to the visitors rescue again saving a cross into the box from Diouf just before the 50 minute mark.<br />
<br />
The game then became really quite flat and Ipswich were having the majority of possession, Mick McCarthy brought on Michael Chopra for DJ Campbell on the 62nd minute to beef up their attacks.<br />
<br />
There were no clear cut chances for either side until the 67th minute when Jerome Thomas passed to a completely unmarked Paul Green who smashed the ball past Ipswich keeper, Henderson who had absolutely no chance. Green celebrated his goal in front of the jubilant Kop, we all hoped it might inject a bit of life back into our game.<br />
<br />
McCarthy responded to the goal by bringing on Jay Emmanuel-Thomas for Daryl Murphy. <br />
<br />
Ipswich were trying to find a way to come into the game and on the 79th minute, Lee Martin and Jay-Emmanuel Thomas' respective shots were both saved fantastically by Paddy Kenny. <br />
<br />
Neil Warnock changed the team on the 81st minute and brought on Ross McCormack in place of El-Hadji Diouf, almost immediately, Ipswich launched a full scale attack and a fantastic punt upfield met Lee Martin who Alan Tate failed to deal with, Martin passed the ball to Chopra who smashed a shot straight at Paddy Kenny, Kenny managed to save the shot with his legs to keep the score 2 - 0.<br />
<br />
Jerome Thomas left the field on the 84th minute for Michael Brown.<br />
<br />
McCormack's corner in the closing minutes of regular time, was cleared from danger by N'Daw. <br />
<br />
Warnock the last of his substitutions on the 90th minute, taking Luciano Becchio off for Luke Varney.<br />
<br />
The Referee blew for full-time and the three points where ours, Not only three points but a clean sheet as well!!<br />
<br />
David Haigh & Salem Patel were in attendance to witness the victory, David had tweeted before he made the journey that he had packed his lucky scarf, it seems to have done the job, lets hope he doesn't forget it in the coming games :o) <br />
<br />
Though all eyes will be on our midweek game against Chelsea on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup Quarter-Finals, our next league game will be at home against Middlesborough next Saturday.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyerW267XsV1wbsD86678DXBVnAZM0h9_GixkA34C6yzemWmhfTS4vLN0MdAGVU_ZP1l5bT4BYNW9jCdMy82XgjN4rhOWG0NSOnhqWDGQbxanHfbMsabVzaH3seswLNjfkLYBEA6LbLFhA/s640/blogger-image-21667170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyerW267XsV1wbsD86678DXBVnAZM0h9_GixkA34C6yzemWmhfTS4vLN0MdAGVU_ZP1l5bT4BYNW9jCdMy82XgjN4rhOWG0NSOnhqWDGQbxanHfbMsabVzaH3seswLNjfkLYBEA6LbLFhA/s640/blogger-image-21667170.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBfo_RR3Q_ylYfvEHN1On6T8ofa5ao-ZFfDolEux3fUInUF2xxhC7TQB9ABl_n6Pan2gpsCw40avMXvxGYRQU36h6Sxqo7OfsjAuBff9Xx1xktaBuxmIdZvYa3ZdYYEddgoWd5wSAxShO/s640/blogger-image-769429549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBfo_RR3Q_ylYfvEHN1On6T8ofa5ao-ZFfDolEux3fUInUF2xxhC7TQB9ABl_n6Pan2gpsCw40avMXvxGYRQU36h6Sxqo7OfsjAuBff9Xx1xktaBuxmIdZvYa3ZdYYEddgoWd5wSAxShO/s640/blogger-image-769429549.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAhgdiTdU3MLKmrnu7_i7pEaSp1mcQYMQfsx8Gu8I-VqEBXgfNovqR0344HXAbYVADoX8UCA8fLNvy_6KjG0Gc4sy9N8T5HCJ1C4yTmoLI8VoUeMNGdrCAjKtMwovO05Yqu_LxdJY0tOT/s640/blogger-image--1482938055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAhgdiTdU3MLKmrnu7_i7pEaSp1mcQYMQfsx8Gu8I-VqEBXgfNovqR0344HXAbYVADoX8UCA8fLNvy_6KjG0Gc4sy9N8T5HCJ1C4yTmoLI8VoUeMNGdrCAjKtMwovO05Yqu_LxdJY0tOT/s640/blogger-image--1482938055.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwzzyByqLDVWWZ-ZorBNY3Le4yUlekORhaxMkxI6Jit8HWA09exn7Q1mQXUyuNr6YPKc8d-8Kn_qwZlPKlcsT98WC-7L0YO7DIG3RPFiY0qJCUPjCxh1JE_1X097wLcbZBUx2u0XGj2NZ/s640/blogger-image-1088866609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwzzyByqLDVWWZ-ZorBNY3Le4yUlekORhaxMkxI6Jit8HWA09exn7Q1mQXUyuNr6YPKc8d-8Kn_qwZlPKlcsT98WC-7L0YO7DIG3RPFiY0qJCUPjCxh1JE_1X097wLcbZBUx2u0XGj2NZ/s640/blogger-image-1088866609.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLnvzwqLWScI1NTGJkwIpIlta3QxtANVxsZNuHBuquDsA_iU3ubtIpniKJAaUsglAgfT4CEfA_Ees3hfmwS5rX_aVe1uRcAUySsP7oWCHzyaoVGuD0K1XSJ9f1TX7Kq5tU1jzHVhAt9Cy/s640/blogger-image-292903802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLnvzwqLWScI1NTGJkwIpIlta3QxtANVxsZNuHBuquDsA_iU3ubtIpniKJAaUsglAgfT4CEfA_Ees3hfmwS5rX_aVe1uRcAUySsP7oWCHzyaoVGuD0K1XSJ9f1TX7Kq5tU1jzHVhAt9Cy/s640/blogger-image-292903802.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y1y_0SQ8Kb_WygFXiefj3p7A8p5PSDT1Nzhb6vZ70nfZD5Z_St1UUXVjZL_Q35W3Ek78xwCVjbM9GazkunHubsEVyn5BaAIykAimIeKtv5SGPtrwERF86fwYQRpZorxzQn1uCmaYWNUv/s640/blogger-image--1105393093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y1y_0SQ8Kb_WygFXiefj3p7A8p5PSDT1Nzhb6vZ70nfZD5Z_St1UUXVjZL_Q35W3Ek78xwCVjbM9GazkunHubsEVyn5BaAIykAimIeKtv5SGPtrwERF86fwYQRpZorxzQn1uCmaYWNUv/s640/blogger-image--1105393093.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkK5wC-nEp0ZGf7MV4I8_4tJxntY3HOegRs408yllI4HEUBaMfZTpGi167NitVd8QeOC9RPN6YcEw1INZflPE_B9EQhhWOXjuoz8OnqTIcEFdcaPsOlNv_DNKfJpsr410L0dnxy9arfo6/s640/blogger-image-57409846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkK5wC-nEp0ZGf7MV4I8_4tJxntY3HOegRs408yllI4HEUBaMfZTpGi167NitVd8QeOC9RPN6YcEw1INZflPE_B9EQhhWOXjuoz8OnqTIcEFdcaPsOlNv_DNKfJpsr410L0dnxy9arfo6/s640/blogger-image-57409846.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraD8gw4ECpqOMVbly4zi0A0XyH2J9wO5mtchyphenhyphenuYcOz_WIgfA5ABkXEAR8dkBrH5FM622SGqGVt7eAGmQLaX_W8jBWP7PeHKr5RWt9pdXxvYl88-5Jt6rnxNviduNsbY2cjUB57a_02bqn/s640/blogger-image-1516918485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraD8gw4ECpqOMVbly4zi0A0XyH2J9wO5mtchyphenhyphenuYcOz_WIgfA5ABkXEAR8dkBrH5FM622SGqGVt7eAGmQLaX_W8jBWP7PeHKr5RWt9pdXxvYl88-5Jt6rnxNviduNsbY2cjUB57a_02bqn/s640/blogger-image-1516918485.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-62305710135637097102012-12-09T08:59:00.000-08:002012-12-09T09:17:02.851-08:00Derby County 3 - 1 Leeds UnitedThere's one thing you can always be certain of as a Leeds fan, no two games are ever the same and as we boarded the coach bound for Pride Park, none of us could call what the score was going to be, even though we were going on the back of three great wins in three.<br />
<br />
Team news began to filter through as we pulled up at the ground and we heard that loan signing, Jerome Thomas wasn't included in the squad due to a hamstring injury. Immediately I was concerned, mainly because he has had a big impact since he signed. The reason we've been playing some good football is because we've had pace on the wings with Byram and Green on one, and Thomas on the other, we've been able to get the ball forward and score goals.<br />
Hall stepped up to take Thomas' place in the otherwise unchanged starting 11.<br />
<br />
Inside the ground, pre-match, Derby were playing what was a frankly embarrassing build up video, it wasn't quite on par with the embarrassing one at the KC Stadium, but it was almost there. Then....A siren sounded....Was it the fire alarm maybe?! An emergency announcement!? No, It was Derby's 2 minute warning that the players were in the tunnel, que more embarrassing music and 'Rammy' the team mascot dancing in front of the home fans, met with chants of, 'what the f*cking hell is that' from us.<br />
Thankfully the teams entered the field and the pre-match tackiness was over, that was until, we all heard the sound of a team that cant make their own atmosphere began, yes, that's right, they had a drum.<br />
<br />
We didn't begin the match brightly at all and the first real opportunity for us came in the 4th minute of play when Luciano Becchio chased a ball downfield, the Derby keeper, Legzdins was also going for the ball and got there just before Becchio could, from where we were, it looked like he may have handled it just outside the area, however it wasn't given and play continued.<br />
<br />
Derby's first goal came from a well taken free kick after Tonge fouled Theo Robinson. Derby youngster Will Hugues passed the ball in acres of space to Conor Sammon who was being marked by Lee Peltier. Peltier lost his man entirely and Sammon slotted the ball past Paddy Kenny with far too much ease on the 16th minute. I don't know what annoyed me more, the way we conceded or the goal music. Either way, I wasn't happy.<br />
<br />
Derby were playing a fast style of football that we were so far struggling to deal with, they knew exactly how to break us down. Our midfield wasn't dealing with their quick pass and go style of football and every time we had possession, Derby closed us down with ease.<br />
<br />
Despite all this, we did manage to equalise just before half time. Ryan Hall sent a great ball into the box, Becchio headed to Paul Green who was in a good position to put it past Legzdins. We were still in the game as the referee blew for half time.<br />
<br />
We came out firing in the opening minutes of the second half, Ross McCormack had a shot on target saved in the first 15 seconds.<br />
<br />
Theo Robinson reacted well and cleared a shot of Ryan Hall's off of the line, that would have otherwise seen us go into the lead on the 52nd minute after some great build up play.<br />
<br />
Derby looked shell shocked but soon re-organised their team and changed their tactics from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-2-1 with Sammon playing as the lone striker.<br />
<br />
On the 66th minute, came a corner from the home side, after Tom Lees headed a Theo Robinson shot over the bar. Jacobs crossed the ball into the box after the corner and Becchio cleared it away from the goal, however a completely unmarked Richard Keogh retrieved the ball and shot at goal, Jake Buxton got the final touch and put the ball past Kenny to go into the lead. Almost immediately, Neil Warnock brought on Luke Varney in place of Ryan Hall.<br />
<br />
Warnock changed the side again on the 74th minute, bringing on El-Hadji Diouf for McCormack, who, by his standards, had been pretty inaffective. Diouf had an almost immediate positive effect on our game and we almost equalised on the 77th minute when Diouf crossed the ball into the area where Tom Lees headed goalwards, agony though, as it smashed against the post and Derby cleared the ball away from danger.<br />
<br />
We made our last substitution on the 79th minute and Norris was taken off for Aiden White. Becchio brought a long ball down from Peltier to Diouf shortly after, who tried his luck on goal from outside the area but it was just off target.<br />
<br />
Our efforts to equalise were in vain however, as in the last minute of injury time Ben Davies scored a goal from just outside the penalty area.<br />
<br />
The referee blew for full time and our first loss in three was confirmed.<br />
<br />
Ipswich next up at Elland Road, who seem to be on a bit of a run of late under new manager Mick McCarthy following the sacking of Paul Jewell.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINnE1e_kXECqV-0vpobNx00Mgn4tEAtkaXhsQOhvvzP2VTjuT5qWTeqW4ZBh1P61YnW2dWUb3Ewd2b27VedybKDp3Af1usqCloOlWjrfkCtf4LU7EuOB09Mx1wm94dO-2_7fMHbboGcyF/s640/blogger-image-2106916161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINnE1e_kXECqV-0vpobNx00Mgn4tEAtkaXhsQOhvvzP2VTjuT5qWTeqW4ZBh1P61YnW2dWUb3Ewd2b27VedybKDp3Af1usqCloOlWjrfkCtf4LU7EuOB09Mx1wm94dO-2_7fMHbboGcyF/s640/blogger-image-2106916161.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZPxPzQRsHTSkt57y_vo9iq4ABS4W5qIpQsHeV8zTI45U0oCferjdR1xfC43JUaip0-I3_BJRpGFjI9onS29mgZ33ASV4qB6rz-0nsyonm91Y6__rDc-dvGokOPnAQ-pJnxUWXZiVyNMh/s640/blogger-image-1461401806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZPxPzQRsHTSkt57y_vo9iq4ABS4W5qIpQsHeV8zTI45U0oCferjdR1xfC43JUaip0-I3_BJRpGFjI9onS29mgZ33ASV4qB6rz-0nsyonm91Y6__rDc-dvGokOPnAQ-pJnxUWXZiVyNMh/s640/blogger-image-1461401806.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJD5Io6G6Fp1MwL5LWuGbRUxNipW2EYuY5-nNlttieIb7kIy_GKdCGFaegaEZ6US2bVjyyWuPL7ByQ_zjGtfehHh34NmrKOYr4jy0i_uI6f1365uOepGTrZqe2bWmfv4kgKQZyYDsqAoN/s640/blogger-image-635746399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJD5Io6G6Fp1MwL5LWuGbRUxNipW2EYuY5-nNlttieIb7kIy_GKdCGFaegaEZ6US2bVjyyWuPL7ByQ_zjGtfehHh34NmrKOYr4jy0i_uI6f1365uOepGTrZqe2bWmfv4kgKQZyYDsqAoN/s640/blogger-image-635746399.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBOsitA7-PfzXMpD99_raRQzrAeeZ-q0TeHP5yNDBq6yqwRfcnzSWszTuYivDY_Kr0ZUPuedcSDg-hE4jy7OPsnpYNK1WFgQQ95U8h36NEILRNZJkakG76-E_aCO-LAfpniybcYN5rqvW/s640/blogger-image-853271082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBOsitA7-PfzXMpD99_raRQzrAeeZ-q0TeHP5yNDBq6yqwRfcnzSWszTuYivDY_Kr0ZUPuedcSDg-hE4jy7OPsnpYNK1WFgQQ95U8h36NEILRNZJkakG76-E_aCO-LAfpniybcYN5rqvW/s640/blogger-image-853271082.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrDLzrPoNrsV5tjxqw-EoFQQlS-fVRQG9V7oNSopSYzpEJskAfSyXnc8-Sl2nn1xlS3UtiKCtR5C_VHCUGyiiRbQQtqoSJYUBHhqd-8NQ_uLEAscmVyx4ZhV17S5nGlvDQGYZ0xn9nJNN/s640/blogger-image-1240167236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrDLzrPoNrsV5tjxqw-EoFQQlS-fVRQG9V7oNSopSYzpEJskAfSyXnc8-Sl2nn1xlS3UtiKCtR5C_VHCUGyiiRbQQtqoSJYUBHhqd-8NQ_uLEAscmVyx4ZhV17S5nGlvDQGYZ0xn9nJNN/s640/blogger-image-1240167236.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBxwC5qN8WXGl8cP8-oaDKlj2-7UlskKiW7K_mFL2UoiKyyPxbnL7FomFNC1tFiPJT2jM7QixbwKc1EIZlWYKuQbcJYWeymX8dbul-xhvBjJsXMstg-WWpQKVTvt5g0TvaPDy3y6jX79c/s640/blogger-image--756470624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBxwC5qN8WXGl8cP8-oaDKlj2-7UlskKiW7K_mFL2UoiKyyPxbnL7FomFNC1tFiPJT2jM7QixbwKc1EIZlWYKuQbcJYWeymX8dbul-xhvBjJsXMstg-WWpQKVTvt5g0TvaPDy3y6jX79c/s640/blogger-image--756470624.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaFiKfdPOKlQc-cJf0CJlIWxzRvrLeyHCABm1NtMEVuh54b2D0RiwTDl0dE3apDrO-YAKWdPc5XZqqY_W9NgEy9GPtTyfa9y4WIq_TtlaatRhKRSeYgbnvNhk9NZEbcfOmJKc6hyphenhyphenmk3BL/s640/blogger-image--535126402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaFiKfdPOKlQc-cJf0CJlIWxzRvrLeyHCABm1NtMEVuh54b2D0RiwTDl0dE3apDrO-YAKWdPc5XZqqY_W9NgEy9GPtTyfa9y4WIq_TtlaatRhKRSeYgbnvNhk9NZEbcfOmJKc6hyphenhyphenmk3BL/s640/blogger-image--535126402.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXiaK2aMgJLh3cBFwDCNi1jNHEqG3lvDSshgGZSFS2-H5B0mH8Sf7-YHhHSIzC8i4RjWRB0d5WQ_FAXZOhfzu8xIJCNOCbff0zEqFW5D6s7wFwHKgNfmYoEktBR9fVgD7Q-ccZHHjTqo4/s640/blogger-image-1279256581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXiaK2aMgJLh3cBFwDCNi1jNHEqG3lvDSshgGZSFS2-H5B0mH8Sf7-YHhHSIzC8i4RjWRB0d5WQ_FAXZOhfzu8xIJCNOCbff0zEqFW5D6s7wFwHKgNfmYoEktBR9fVgD7Q-ccZHHjTqo4/s640/blogger-image-1279256581.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-78347732490069927562012-12-02T02:39:00.000-08:002012-12-02T15:34:28.110-08:00Huddersfield Town 2 - 4 Leeds UnitedAfter a fantastic couple of games against Crystal Palace and Leicester, a short journey across the M62 to Huddersfield was next on the agenda for the Whites.<br />
<br />
Not long after we found our seats, the boys pen began to sing the song we all know and love 'we all hate Leeds scum'....It was a bit early for them to be chirping up actually, their mummy's must have given them an extra Weetabix before they left the house. Their song was met with mostly cheers and laughter until we decided to join in with their little song, the look on their faces was priceless.<br />
<br />
Obviously, Simon Grayson, Adam Clayton and Jermaine Beckford were now a part of Huddersfield Town and there are plenty of great memories but there was no time to be sentimental, that was, until we all found out Jermaine wasn't playing....Songs of his great goal scored at Old Trafford in the FA Cup rang around The John Smiths stadium. He waved to the 4,000+ travelling Leeds Fans.<br />
<br />
Warnock made the decision to start Ross McCormack up front with Becchio, in favour of Diouf.<br />
<br />
The first 10 minutes weren't the best for us, Huddersfield had come out of the tunnel firing on all cylinders and we felt a goal for the home side was only a matter of time.<br />
The opener came on the 12th minute of play after some slack defending let Danny Ward pass from the outside of the box, into Chris Atkinson who was given the space to hit the ball past Paddy Kenny to make it 1 - 0.<br />
<br />
Huddersfield controlled the game for the majority of the first half, but just before the half hour mark, we began to come into it, and play football.<br />
<br />
The first goal came for us on the 35th minute when Becchio knocked down a cross from Paul Green, Jerome Thomas passed it to a waiting Michael Tonge who shot straight at Huddersfield keeper Smithies, the ball went under Smithies and into the back of the net. 1 - 1.<br />
<br />
Our second goal came two minutes later when McCormack latched on to a fantastic ball from Tonge. Ross passed it to Becchio who was waiting, unmarked on the edge of the area, Luciano smashed the ball past Smithies to make the score 1 - 2. Que "It's all gone quiet over there".<br />
<br />
Our celebrations didn't last long however, as Mike Dean spotted an infringement by Luciano Becchio on Anthony Gerrard in the area. Dean gave Luciano a yellow card and Adam Clayton stepped up to take the subsequent penalty. Clayton sent Kenny the wrong way and the home side were level once again. <br />
Clayton chose to celebrate his goal in front of old boss, Warnock.<br />
<br />
The first half had been somewhat of an emotional rollercoaster, we'd played well, but not as well as we can play and it was still anyone's game.<br />
<br />
We came out in the second half, a different, more inspired team, like the fire in the pit of their stomach's had well and truly been lit. We had the pick of the chances and were keeping the Terriers quiet.<br />
<br />
Ryan Hall was brought on in the 63rd minute for Jerome Thomas, which turned out to be a brilliant call by Warnock.<br />
The substitute was involved in Leeds' third goal on the 70th minute when he passed the ball inside the area, to David Norris who finished from 12 yards out.<br />
<br />
5 minutes from time and the 3 points looked almost certainly ours when Ryan Hall sent a fantastic ball into the box, Becchio, who was being marked by two Huddersfield men, beat them both to head home his second of the day.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Warnock, who celebrated his 64th Birthday yesterday, took Becchio and Tonge off for Andy Gray and Michael Brown.<br />
<br />
Brown almost scored a 5th in added time but his shot just glanced the crossbar.<br />
<br />
The final whistle blew and it was game over, we'd beaten Huddersfield Town for the first time in 5 years in what was a wonderful team performance.<br />
<br />
It's hard to single anyone out for man of the match, as there were a lot of candidates!! <br />
<br />
McCormack looked like he'd never been injured, him and Becchio played brilliant together. I can only assume Warnock was going to bring Diouf on, late in the second half to hold the ball up and put some beefy tackles in, if the game had've been closer that is. <br />
<br />
I love the way we never stopped looking for a goal, even when we were 4 up, we were still seeking a 5th. <br />
<br />
Plaudits have to go to Ryan Hall who came on for Jerome Thomas, he set up both second half goals perfectly. <br />
<br />
Green had a great game again, as did Byram, Tonge, Norris, Lees, Tate, Kenny....Ha ha!! Everyone!! The only criticism I would have is of Peltier, he backs away from attackers too much rather than just getting a tackle in!! <br />
<br />
I have to mention, what did Clayton think he was going to get after celebrating scoring the penalty like he did?! A bunch of flowers delivered to his door by Interflora, courtesy of Leeds fans maybe?! Just what exactly, was he trying to prove, to a manager boasting 7 promotions on his CV?! Still, I bet he feels a bit silly now, eh?! Warnock was asked about the celebration and was quoted saying 'I did my celebrating after we won'. So did we Neil, so did we.<br />
<br />
On the road again next week to Pride Park to play Derby County, another tough game, hoping for another 3 points.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy24RMgAT5n_lNgya07_bD1y1b-16q9UPD4FCX59F0dMQXbOZWtaW19-jfHzx7BO6Uo0Wes6YE3Ds0jFFrQn5PKPrIZx8cHDc2aKrU8qecdn5sZJZP-SS9SlLMGC0rmxRWrk08gBqv6zz9/s640/blogger-image-1813501300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy24RMgAT5n_lNgya07_bD1y1b-16q9UPD4FCX59F0dMQXbOZWtaW19-jfHzx7BO6Uo0Wes6YE3Ds0jFFrQn5PKPrIZx8cHDc2aKrU8qecdn5sZJZP-SS9SlLMGC0rmxRWrk08gBqv6zz9/s640/blogger-image-1813501300.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43MlykQULw_Cc0IjC1FWk1zo9wmHKvofwZ_754qu2zPpHXTc_CYiDnQRFJUo9WHSWje-fm0wOgJ-3NgWlYA0VGuOeu5p5wLgRYmPdzd3xMkFz60G9yrfJBOP1BnqDi3x3Gyh6L7vp3e8L/s640/blogger-image--321229358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43MlykQULw_Cc0IjC1FWk1zo9wmHKvofwZ_754qu2zPpHXTc_CYiDnQRFJUo9WHSWje-fm0wOgJ-3NgWlYA0VGuOeu5p5wLgRYmPdzd3xMkFz60G9yrfJBOP1BnqDi3x3Gyh6L7vp3e8L/s640/blogger-image--321229358.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQYIZGG7dyKF8l26MgtA05AO7HZmdZYKkKJZzo-iYiW7peSblnooxE4vOHmWvhFgyFzL7fqcvgCua0EjosUbTmmuW0mtMtOsbk1N6uUOR8rBzpMhFGfa8zQ2EFgu6lqLCBN2BIJBqLNcs/s640/blogger-image-1952992137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQYIZGG7dyKF8l26MgtA05AO7HZmdZYKkKJZzo-iYiW7peSblnooxE4vOHmWvhFgyFzL7fqcvgCua0EjosUbTmmuW0mtMtOsbk1N6uUOR8rBzpMhFGfa8zQ2EFgu6lqLCBN2BIJBqLNcs/s640/blogger-image-1952992137.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGsTVAGMuS1rrsf9cSu0q2Z2GZrNBCss8JMAlMsiXcDBiS2VGiz-ZD7iQNZM97LsFfqBmrghbCuKC4IgAIUshvsBIZM1-BbZ7fqAmXOx5Ky0QjNEcK2tQHKxVj_HoBnR43GEUm-Kj7-G_/s640/blogger-image-1581164071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGsTVAGMuS1rrsf9cSu0q2Z2GZrNBCss8JMAlMsiXcDBiS2VGiz-ZD7iQNZM97LsFfqBmrghbCuKC4IgAIUshvsBIZM1-BbZ7fqAmXOx5Ky0QjNEcK2tQHKxVj_HoBnR43GEUm-Kj7-G_/s640/blogger-image-1581164071.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV80cCPJ-_Dl78zWCzyeaSZ9Ne1-PjKka9CC81D6TOn5uVulk70Z8IbaatRd1DNbJMcXhsFOEED4f5dE1wxws3cL6n4fS2Ttb46mahVmeK183N-SYTQW-0hT2z7AeqmknQggEg-96qNxha/s640/blogger-image-2014938566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV80cCPJ-_Dl78zWCzyeaSZ9Ne1-PjKka9CC81D6TOn5uVulk70Z8IbaatRd1DNbJMcXhsFOEED4f5dE1wxws3cL6n4fS2Ttb46mahVmeK183N-SYTQW-0hT2z7AeqmknQggEg-96qNxha/s640/blogger-image-2014938566.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a0uowpeQPeEVL7du3ey8xHXRI7Nqn8ckJkT7gE5rnjZCHUiP-edjxP6Uc-AP1u3skrrMppwFg3FEp74jyzgeaH9EyAETN56Oeki59igpkyqYAhjgdtbwAp0cb9EX5YgC1GHuSwXOGAtp/s640/blogger-image--274458703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0a0uowpeQPeEVL7du3ey8xHXRI7Nqn8ckJkT7gE5rnjZCHUiP-edjxP6Uc-AP1u3skrrMppwFg3FEp74jyzgeaH9EyAETN56Oeki59igpkyqYAhjgdtbwAp0cb9EX5YgC1GHuSwXOGAtp/s640/blogger-image--274458703.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUFLBoqqpa9DA6lhPBwAm81UFbJ7jqe4ynC-56umlL0AqKDZx50dW9tlAs2_OaNvU7I2RbLVjXr-fwzywke2AHGc3ESOMEynh2wN58noa5HNlpyoI_V3Rlb03dH1W4EenmLSqSNb5cj8v/s640/blogger-image--1827276688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUFLBoqqpa9DA6lhPBwAm81UFbJ7jqe4ynC-56umlL0AqKDZx50dW9tlAs2_OaNvU7I2RbLVjXr-fwzywke2AHGc3ESOMEynh2wN58noa5HNlpyoI_V3Rlb03dH1W4EenmLSqSNb5cj8v/s640/blogger-image--1827276688.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdBoBTpxd3Ur6ihZSUyYg9Wiv5hpX-Sio_2_VPr3WEtRv0_bKeZLq7NX-hqdQnXfS4ChUNO4BnAuUaZNjWiF-yX4Z0ldALd6hpxFwHlOe3psyNKd9w75a-RUesvCAvGnsfLr9RkFJbBGY/s640/blogger-image-641078482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdBoBTpxd3Ur6ihZSUyYg9Wiv5hpX-Sio_2_VPr3WEtRv0_bKeZLq7NX-hqdQnXfS4ChUNO4BnAuUaZNjWiF-yX4Z0ldALd6hpxFwHlOe3psyNKd9w75a-RUesvCAvGnsfLr9RkFJbBGY/s640/blogger-image-641078482.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfMmiBItcPO53BxByvEjMfBTCal83iRI3qgdQTECBsfRlODDT3_R-VEuHmpvCCo_gGLGNr2ixO-X1NJLz5S8kSOo2SLzDt-3cDWR3L7ZQj2JW_aasTDtNDq5VTssYnzuD0y9T5uafhoOs/s640/blogger-image--1656296316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfMmiBItcPO53BxByvEjMfBTCal83iRI3qgdQTECBsfRlODDT3_R-VEuHmpvCCo_gGLGNr2ixO-X1NJLz5S8kSOo2SLzDt-3cDWR3L7ZQj2JW_aasTDtNDq5VTssYnzuD0y9T5uafhoOs/s640/blogger-image--1656296316.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-66179795773340503212012-11-28T14:28:00.001-08:002012-11-28T16:04:54.525-08:00Leeds United 1 - 0 Leicester CityI don't think I have to mention how us Leeds United fans loathe Tuesday's. The last time we won a League game on a Tuesday was a year ago on the 29th November which was away at the County Ground 3 days after the death of Leeds Legend, Gary Speed.<br />
<br />
It was exactly a year to the day that the Footballing world lost a great in Gary Speed and our tough run of games continued, Leicester City the visitors to Elland Road.<br />
<br />
Warnock announced an unchanged side to the one that defeated Crystal Palace at the weekend.<br />
Both sides came out of the tunnel and faced each other on the centre circle to pay tribute to Speed with a minute's applause.<br />
<br />
In the first minute Jerome Thomas broke down the wing and the Leicester defense were forced to make a clearance, resulting in a corner. Diouf took the corner, Danny Drinkwater cleared the ball away from any danger.<br />
<br />
Sam Bryam ran at the visitors moments later, but was brought down in the area by Jeff Schlupp. The referee, Mick Russell had no doubts in his mind and gave the penalty.<br />
Luciano Becchio took to the spot, facing old team mate, Kasper Schmichel.<br />
Becchio sent Schmichel the wrong way to make the score 1 - 0 early on.<br />
<br />
A corner was taken on the 4th minute by Andy King, Sam Byram was in a great position within the box to clear it.<br />
<br />
On the 11th minute, the Elland Road scoreboard changed to a picture of the Billy Bremner statue with number 11 in the sky. We all began to sing his name for 11 minutes, as we had done almost a year previously.<br />
<br />
After a bright opening 10 minutes, the game began to settle down as both sides exchanged possession, with no real end product from either outfit.<br />
<br />
On the 25th minute though, Tom Lees headed just wide of the goal after a corner came in from Diouf. A minute later, Luciano Becchio crossed a fantastic ball in to Green. Green had a ferocious shot and Schmeichel pulled off a superb reflex save to tip it over the bar.<br />
<br />
Martyn Waghorn found himself with plenty of space to shoot from 20 yards out, in front of the Kop on the 33rd minute. His effort on goal was poor however and Paddy Kenny scooped the ball up with ease.<br />
<br />
El-Hadji Diouf was one on one with a Foxes defender on the 38th minute and had a perfect opportunity to shoot, he went down in the box however, and seemed to be in disbelief when no penalty was given.<br />
<br />
The last significant chance of the first half came on the 43rd minute for the visitors.<br />
Jamie Vardy shot wide of the target from just inside the area.<br />
<br />
So, half time came and we were all really pleased with the way we playing, people were commenting on how much we looked like a different side, and we did, so far, we were playing football and we had pace in Thomas and Byram, we had confidence, but we still had to be cautious coming out in the second half. The next 45 minutes were crucial as to just what kind of a Tuesday night this was going to be.<br />
<br />
Leicester started the 2nd half much stronger than we had.<br />
<br />
On the 50th minute, Ritchie De Laet was booked for a foul on Jerome Thomas.<br />
<br />
Kasper Schmeichel was subject to abuse from the Kop throughout the second half, thanks to him being cocky with them when the ball went out of play. No-one was giving him the ball back, he got bored of waiting and walked away in a little huff, the Leeds fan that had the ball, then threw it onto the pitch and it hit him. He had a bit of a strop and took the goal kick. He didn't find it funny....But we did.<br />
<br />
Leicester made two changes, bringing Futacs on for Jamie Vardy and Knockaert for Ben Marshall.<br />
<br />
We were inviting pressure and slacking off a bit too much for my liking. Martyn Waghorn shot from, close range but it cleared the crossbar.<br />
<br />
Knockaert tried to even the score with a long range effort which Paddy Kenny saved. The corner was taken by Waghorn, Becchio cleared it away.<br />
<br />
Jerome Thomas was replaced on the 61st minute with Michael Brown.<br />
<br />
A perfect pass from Luciano Becchio to Brown who was just on the edge of the penalty area four minutes later and it looked for all the world Brown was going to make it 2 - 0, the shot ended up just wide however and we were all hoping, it wasn't going to come back to haunt us.<br />
<br />
Leicester were coming back into the game and an equaliser seemed around the corner, 70 minutes played and I think we were all hoping these 20 mins would fly and we could hold them out.<br />
<br />
Sam Byram made what might have been a crucial error, albeit one of his first of the night, when he lost his man, Futacs' effort glances the goal and goes wide, thankfully!!<br />
<br />
Luciano Becchio picks up the ball outside the penalty area and ends up one on one with the keeper, unbeknown to him the linesman had flagged him offside, he did put it past Schmeichel but obviously, the goal wasn't given.<br />
<br />
4 minutes of injury time was added on and it was always going to be nervy with only a one goal cushion.<br />
<br />
We held out though and the ref blew his whistle to end the game. WE WON ON A TUESDAY NIGHT!!!!<br />
<br />
Man of the match has got to be Norris for me, he worked tirelessly throughout the whole game, having looked after the ball extremely well all night, which enabled him to carve out several changes for Becchio & Diouf as well as our wide players.<br />
<br />
Jerome Thomas has changed our style of play for the better since joining last week on loan from West Brom. His pace and his ability to cut through a team's midfield has allowed us to play football again, rather than the god awful long ball we all hated.<br />
<br />
Forward play is more positive and Becchio seemed confident and had a brilliant game. It was nice to not only see him hunting for goals in open play, but to hold the ball up and also put in a few good crosses too.<br />
<br />
Tom Lees had a great game too and has been aided by some much needed confidence with the arrival of on loan defender Alan Tate, who looks like he has been playing at Elland Road for years.<br />
<br />
It is odd to feel this positive on a Wednesday, but nice ha ha.<br />
<br />
Another tough game at the weekend, away to Huddersfield....Should be interesting!! Hope we manage to take the confidence we have gained into that game and lets hope for another 3 points.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEnv7wBem3PZCAsHHhhH8OeQlppUmQCF66GngBKm6WfOeGuMTdsRE-0mGLChEJ2q9ploj6xgr086cgKk9M6gMLJbnxGgwYHASewACcqiM4iG2XNMLRrSYf27gIBLhanZSqMdFpWVaTy34/s640/blogger-image--1699236269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeEnv7wBem3PZCAsHHhhH8OeQlppUmQCF66GngBKm6WfOeGuMTdsRE-0mGLChEJ2q9ploj6xgr086cgKk9M6gMLJbnxGgwYHASewACcqiM4iG2XNMLRrSYf27gIBLhanZSqMdFpWVaTy34/s640/blogger-image--1699236269.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcYagcGfWBQ0L8E_mjrVhbkL6XpVzxytKzpPRenSadakooMzrcRzCdfefMEkBffzolhNcCFxF2abXkWFrgyiKuu-zTkkoqRnCCNGnx6YPQ4x0WJO30xOCv9dRouSwKWnRN3Rm4uRoxund/s640/blogger-image-173689237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcYagcGfWBQ0L8E_mjrVhbkL6XpVzxytKzpPRenSadakooMzrcRzCdfefMEkBffzolhNcCFxF2abXkWFrgyiKuu-zTkkoqRnCCNGnx6YPQ4x0WJO30xOCv9dRouSwKWnRN3Rm4uRoxund/s640/blogger-image-173689237.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKPtoEj5hkDkTaHZICssPzPuYDi5JIpGZeMeFB7FW_f1p-G2U4LRVxuhj-iFb44P7LiQ9x6yBlFA8H5RTgICiBq8pD2b1QQ-gxEspk5IUZncYb17kVw4CyUjhi2t6TkKtavpzszgEBSSw/s640/blogger-image--1594337637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKPtoEj5hkDkTaHZICssPzPuYDi5JIpGZeMeFB7FW_f1p-G2U4LRVxuhj-iFb44P7LiQ9x6yBlFA8H5RTgICiBq8pD2b1QQ-gxEspk5IUZncYb17kVw4CyUjhi2t6TkKtavpzszgEBSSw/s640/blogger-image--1594337637.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLKhd5ZvuzitqZ7bKr_7KZ5Ozk2d39Ab4m2bFCDtdLJV3EhQ27Tu28oHq0MwSkSDXTEUuXL5bZnmZyxPdqeyQ3g5FNsBfzInRsjt81MYh02mtnojaSA-FyRBhDZyMcZ4s241qKx6urXTM/s640/blogger-image-1305219910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLKhd5ZvuzitqZ7bKr_7KZ5Ozk2d39Ab4m2bFCDtdLJV3EhQ27Tu28oHq0MwSkSDXTEUuXL5bZnmZyxPdqeyQ3g5FNsBfzInRsjt81MYh02mtnojaSA-FyRBhDZyMcZ4s241qKx6urXTM/s640/blogger-image-1305219910.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgzS3p_5eZImcUWJLo_LkmF_gvBme4Xu-twx5W1Se6vIsQ6PYpNtvketQ9vwvIwqKhKuvDmk58Hq9tfbmxyFr0-AdOZrtYLa1wIkX2G7H1ckFj_VW1DgPBlTxp49mV4u9CNWqIMllnHHt/s640/blogger-image-137332733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgzS3p_5eZImcUWJLo_LkmF_gvBme4Xu-twx5W1Se6vIsQ6PYpNtvketQ9vwvIwqKhKuvDmk58Hq9tfbmxyFr0-AdOZrtYLa1wIkX2G7H1ckFj_VW1DgPBlTxp49mV4u9CNWqIMllnHHt/s640/blogger-image-137332733.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8653289594709756250.post-84391432967113711142012-11-27T09:30:00.001-08:002012-11-27T09:34:24.234-08:00Leeds United Remember Gary Speed - One Year OnIt's so hard to believe that a year has gone by since a man that was so close to our hearts here at Leeds United, Gary Speed, passed away.<br />
<br />
Gary played in 312 games, scoring 57 goals before his move to Everton in 1996. He was part of what I consider to be, Leeds United's strongest midfield in modern times; Strachan, McAllister, Batty & Speed.<br />
In his Leeds United career, he won a Second Division title medal in 1990 to secure Leeds' return to the top flight of English Football. He was also involved in the side that won the Football League First Division Championship in 1992.<br />
<br />
The news hit everyone hard, the footballing world united in grief and paid their respects to Gary in their own way accross the country.<br />
<br />
Leeds United fans have an amazing ability to pull together as one when tragedies strike, and within hours, flowers, shirts, scarves and notes of condolence, amongst other things were placed on the Billy Bremner Statue, outside Elland Road. It really was a sight to behold and brought a tear to even the most hardened Leeds fan's eyes.<br />
<br />
We had a mid-week match, away at Nottingham Forest two days after we'd heard the news, already plans were in place to pay our respects. We decided to sing Gary's name for 11 minutes, on the 11th minute of play - Which we did. The second we stopped singing, Robert Snodrass scored....This has to be one of the most memorable goals of my life, the look on our faces, some people had tears in their eyes, we were all in disbelif. One of those moments where the hair still stands up on the back of your neck every time you think about it.<br />
<br />
That Saturday, we had Millwall at home, I don't think I'm alone when I say, I was worried about how they would be. This was the first home match since his death and we were still all greiving, from what I saw though, they were mostly well behaved.<br />
A video played on the big screen just prior to kick off, with all of the highlights of Gary's Leeds United career put to music, which was, Stop Crying Your Heart Out - Oasis. It was was such a touching and fitting tribute to him and was met with a massive round of applause, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. <br />
<br />
No-one had a bad word to say about Gary Speed, he had a lot of friends and I think I speak for everyone today when I say, my thoughts are with his friends and family at this time and we will always remember you, Gary Speed, RIP.<br />
<br />
MOT xx <3 xx <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6awooOP1IWQ7gJFvYTEdq2wOKLYv-UX6Waf-Ul-Z_w2IK2iX7ltk3EnvZjHaEooC739uEuoUGGxEkIDj_YCNxbZhwvwpDGvg_GoLRaaEQBsg8GGAoA96z3T4bsw2jxcDWzPPWRQn8w0WC/s640/blogger-image-1655568328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6awooOP1IWQ7gJFvYTEdq2wOKLYv-UX6Waf-Ul-Z_w2IK2iX7ltk3EnvZjHaEooC739uEuoUGGxEkIDj_YCNxbZhwvwpDGvg_GoLRaaEQBsg8GGAoA96z3T4bsw2jxcDWzPPWRQn8w0WC/s640/blogger-image-1655568328.jpg" /></a></div>Girl In The Gelderdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06854634643622676511noreply@blogger.com0