By Nigel Flanagan![]() Never mind the takeover, there was a take - off at Elland Road. Just under 24,000 in the ground, including a surprisingly small Wolves contingent, turned on the after burners in the first 20 minutes as the Leeds support roared on the team. Following the one minute applause for those friends and relatives lost over the summer the crowd roared into action. The new players looked up at the crowd in reaction and Warnock nodded his appreciation. The players were urged into tackle and every move was cheered. No overt adulation of any potential new heroes - though it is clear that Austin is going to be a source of fight in this new team. Becchio’s opening goal after 17 minutes allowed the crowd and the team to relax a little. The expected Wolves response didn’t really come, their players still looking as though they were sulking at being relegated. Leeds pushed on to the half time whistle, wilting a little, as Wolves players avoided each other’s eyes and looked down the tunnel to regroup. By now the crowd were singing the names of McCormack and Becchio and roared whenever an Austin tackle shook the ground. Tactically the game was a simple affair. Wolves and Matt Jarvis targeted the new young full back Byram but found him a tough little tackler. They tried to play a high line but left the Leeds midfield plenty of time and space to play the through ball. Leeds were quick and direct, the midfield thrashing around at Wolves players, denying them space and bullying them off the ball. Austin was the Gladiator left in charge of the middle of the pitch, having won it with energy and legitimate violence. The Leeds crowd loved it. It wasn’t a convincing win but it was well earned. Blackpool will be a much tougher test. Warnock thanked the crowd. He even waved at the Wolves fans (very, very Leeds that). Diouf has more to give and the team spirit seems to be affecting him. He didn’t leave Byram exposed, he used his ability to keep the ball to help the team out and given a full game and some match fitness he will get more of the ball. Ken Bates? No one gave him a thought. He needs to get this take over finished and done with. This team stepped up to the plate today. But for me the man of the match award goes to the Leeds crowd. Super Leeds indeed.
19 Comments
Tare
18/8/2012 04:14:11 am
This game was like a show piece of the moment.. We finally find our midfield and with some graft in it. If we compare this one for the 1 year behind it is like diamonds v coal briquettes. Hard work and winning the second balls then I do not complain here. Tare
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trueyorxman
18/8/2012 05:29:48 am
Who's writing this...a 12 year old! You can't have been to ER many times if you think today constituted an atmosphere
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Michael
18/8/2012 05:36:44 am
Today was an excellent atmosphere, maybe you couldn't tell from your arm chair
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John
18/8/2012 05:37:55 am
What a ridiculous comment.... True fan you!!
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lufcman
18/8/2012 05:40:27 am
trueyorxman is a wa**er. We played well, got three points and the fans got behind the team. Thought there was a good atmosphere.. Good article Nigel MOT!
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Grumpy
18/8/2012 05:07:13 pm
You should probably change your username to truedickhead. Of course he hasn't been to Elland Road much. Nor would you if you lived in Scandinavia as he does. I've never met the bloke but he is a regular poster on several Leeds sites. He is probably giving his assessment of 'atmosphere' as he has detected from television and he is as keen a Leeds supporter as you are - and I bet his English is much better than your Norwegian!
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sydney leeds
18/8/2012 08:41:35 pm
grumpy are you havin a go at me i do live in Australia and im leeds through and through im from dublin and everytime im in the uk i see leeds play as much as i can i rember one cold night in plymouth in a mid week game and there was plenty of us leeds supporters that evening lm not ballbag beauwolf my heart is on my crest lufc lets march on together
Gazza
18/8/2012 05:42:18 am
Thouroughly enjoyed today, Warnocks worked wonders this summer. We've got a team now... ON on on
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Scott
18/8/2012 09:56:40 am
Wonders indeed. Spent very little money and delivered a team that are hard to beat and good enough to win - and he's not finished yet. We should all feel very positive.
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sydney leeds
18/8/2012 08:21:06 pm
grumpy are you havin a go at me ill let you no i do live in Australia im leeds through and through when im back in the uk i get to follow my team everywhere they play i was in plymouth that wintery night at a mid week game and im from dublin so please lets stick together not discriminate wolf is fucked thats my opinion
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sydney leeds
18/8/2012 08:22:07 pm
grumpy are you havin a go at me ill let you no i do live in Australia im leeds through and through when im back in the uk i get to follow my team everywhere they play i was in plymouth that wintery night at a mid week game and im from dublin so please lets stick together not discriminate wolf is fu---d thats my opinion
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Beanwolf
18/8/2012 05:57:44 am
Do u remember when Roy Kane once said at scum, "the prawn sandwich brigade". Well elland road is turning more an more like that every year. Also I wouldn't bye a season ticket as 500£ isnt value for money. Do you really wana make ken bates richer, an do these players who represent our club ever show loyalty for getting 6000 to 10000 a week, no they jump ship as soon as they can. I can't do it no more, it would take me 20 weeks saving 50£ a week to bye a season ticket , but for the reasons above I just cant do it no more, football an Leeds are my life but every year I love them less
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Rural peace
18/8/2012 06:52:27 am
Beanwolf if you can't behind the team the club then run along and support someone else you moaning misery. Love the enthusiasm of the report here, keep it up and lets all get behind the team. MOT
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Oh dear
18/8/2012 06:57:06 am
Leeds fan quoting roy keane, oh dear.. Players can jump ship if they feel the need to, but we will always be Leeds. Its a shame you can't bring yourself to support them, I will be there through all the up and downs. MOT!
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18/8/2012 10:39:27 am
bean wolf give your support somewhere else dont jump on the band wagon if we get promoted tight arse
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Paul M
18/8/2012 06:58:52 pm
Good report Nige, honest, objective and an acceptable degree of seeing things through 'Leeds tinted glasses'! You're gonna get some silly comments but that goes with the territory. Don't be put off. I agree Austin could be good for us.
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kev payne
18/8/2012 07:01:49 pm
good post my man,I find it hard to go to every match now you just have to pick and choose when you can but if they are on t.v. i watch from the pub and save my money for when they are not but im still as passionat as anyone M.O.T.
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terrrrrrrr
19/8/2012 02:43:16 am
Strange, I thought we'd be joyous at having won our opening game. Instead we see supposed fellow Leeds supporters bickering about who is the best fan. We can't agree on the best pint of beer, never mind who is the best fan. Just enjoy your beer and the win.
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Tazman
19/8/2012 04:21:30 am
Here's a quote for Roy Keane, "Fu*k of you twat"
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