Leeds vs Barnsley Match Report

Within the first 15 minutes the game looked as if it would develop into an action-filled match up.

With both sides having chances early doors, Barnsley were creating more from corners but The Whites were looking lively and with many chances from counter attacks, we showed glimpses of quality.

On the 17th minute, the academy prodigy Tom Pearce gave the crowd something to savour with a left-footed strike from the outside of the box.

The youngster raising the roof and falling to the floor with a poorly executed knee slide.

Up until half time the game turned into a very physical battle which Barnsley were dominating: out-strengthening players, putting in strong challenges and winning 50/50s.

All of this added to make a very scrappy game which then ended with a dodgy own goal by Paudie O’Connor. Very unfortunate for the young star who has shone through in some of his recent fixtures.

Straight from the beginning of the second half The Whites looked the most likely to score and they did just that with a brilliant piece of magic from Kemar Roofe.

The striker wrestled a defender for the ball and sprinted down the byline only to square the ball for a tap in for an on rushing Alioski.

Barnsley then set the pace for a Derby game as their game devolved into more of a scrap as relegation began to sick up.

On the 62nd minute, Kieffer Moore came on to replace Connor Mahoney, both of whom didn’t have too many highlights in the game with them only completing 22 passes between them.

Leeds had opportunities to see the game out with shots from the likes of Alioski and Ronaldo Vieira but the latter was replaced by Caleb Ekuban late in the second half. The off form forward failed to have a single shot in the time he was on the pitch compared to the five of Alioski.

On the 84th minute, Saiz was substituted to make way for Forshaw but then decided to have a fit while departing the pitch. He showed his annoyance at being subbed off by throwing anything he could get his hands on. Sparking a huge debate on his attitude whilst he has been at the club.

Up until the end of the game there wasn’t too much to shout about with The Whites holding on to the one goal lead and more importantly, the three points.

POSITIVES:
+ More chances created
+ 3 Points secured
+ Standout performances from: Pennington, Pearce, BPF and Alioski

NEGATIVES:
- Saiz’s poor attitude to being subbed off
- Still need a lot of improvements
- Not clinical in-front of goal

By Jamie Chambers (@simply_lufc)