Eagles plucked!

By Keith Ingham

In the week when the takeover of Leeds was just about finalised, fans could again turn their attention to the most important thing... three points on offer versus the league leaders Crystal Palace.

Neil Warnock handed Jerome Thomas and Alan Tate debuts with Lee Peltier replacing Drury on the left, I've said before I find the managers decision to play him out of position strange and surely the latters confidence must be low as he plays a game then gets dropped on a regular basis.

Leeds started brightly and Luciano Becchio was denied by a splendid stop from Speroni, he also denied Norris soon after. Palace came into the game after 20 minutes their wing man got the better of Sam Byram, hit a cross- come shot, but Paddy Kenny was alert to it. With both sides now showing attacking intent, Palace nearly grabbed the opener but for a splendid double stop from the Leeds stopper, first he saved Parr's free kick, then was up sharply to deny Murray. The last action of a busy first half saw Byram and Zaha get involved in a bit of 'handbags' when there was an incident in the area. The Palace man claimed a penalty and then got involved with Norris. A good first half and a much better Leeds performance.

Within minutes of the second half Leeds got the goal they deserved, when Lee Peltier seized on a poor Ramage clearance, sending a great cross which was headed into the danger area by Green, as the ball
broke Luciano Becchio forced the ball over the line. This sparked more from the home side who were well on top. Norris sending a shot over was the next action, he would have hoped for a better finish.

With fifteen minutes remaining Leeds claimed the important second goal, Alan Tate sent a hopeful ball forward and it found Paul Green, who volleyed the ball in the net. Poleon was brought on but after ten minutes was himself replaced by Brown. A strange decision by the manager. Ross McCormack replaced Diouf as Leeds tried to maintain their lead, but  Ramage headed in to leave the Leeds fans biting their nails as Palace threw everything at them to get an equaliser. In the depths of injury time Tonge cleared off the line after a goalmouth scramble.

A fantastic performance by Leeds ending a great week for the club and it's new owners must have been happy with the new found positively around the ground. Well done all

Man of the Match : Jerome Thomas , but all deserve credit for this win and Sam Byram is developing into a great player, Zaha won't meet a more 'dogged' defender

Fans : Wonderful, passionate and behind the team from the first minute to the ninety sixth. 20/10

Mr Haigh welcome aboard !!

On On On Upwards!

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