Clarets take three points against a less than vintage Leeds

Elland Road Stadium, the home of Leeds FC

The philosophers were in an unforgiving mood as the consequences of pre match refreshments were dispensed. “Utter sh***” one punter moaned…………..”we’re too slow in the build up” another commented whilst a third thought “we need a striker and quick” A week is a long time in Football and the away win at Bolton seemed a distant memory.

In truth Burnley looked very solid at the back with Shackell looking imperious at the heart of the defence and when they attacked both Vokes and Ings looked dangerous. For Leeds Byram was understandably struggling with his first game back since April whilst the midfield collectively were 2nd best to the Lancastrians. “I’d bring on Smith and Poleon on” HC chimed as the 2nd half got underway.

Ings broke clear as Leeds lost the ball in midfield before sending a stinging shot that Kenny just tipped over. Things were looking bleak for Leeds. Any chances that were created seemed to fizzle out to nothing. Where were the goals going to come from? On 56 minutes Green and Poleon replaced Murphy and Byram. Poleon made an immediate impact with his pace and also a badly timed tackle that saw Jones depart on a stretcher. Leeds were now dominating possession as Burnley battened down the hatches. Ross Mac missed a golden chance as he headed wide from a glorious Diouf cross.

“He should have buried that” HC and I said in unison as the chances of getting anything from the game started to slip away. Next it was Diouf who had the home fans out of their seats as his header produced a stunning save from Heaton in the Burnley goal. With 15 minutes to go Brian McD threw on Smith for Varney in a final roll of the dice. A more direct approach was the order of the day and the big substitute soon had fans questioning why he hadn’t been on earlier as he won his first three headers with aplomb setting up Poleon and Ross Mac for half chances.

Just when it seemed all hope had gone the big ex Oldham man dragged Leeds back into the game with a towering header that thundered into the Burnley net from a Diouf free kick. 2.1 Burnley and game on. The crowd were now baying for an equaliser. Poleon fired a good chance high, wide and handsome as the game went into 6 minutes of added time. Austin fired a vicious shot just over the bar as Leeds at last built up a head of belated steam. Balls were thrown hopefully into the box for Smith to repeat the medicine but despite some huffing and puffing Burnley held out for the victory. A win that lifted them to 2nd in the table. On this form they should be challenging come next May.

Leeds were disappointing. Chances were created but we currently lack a real cutting edge up front evidenced by a staggering 22 shots of which only 5 were on target. Diouf did give a bit more creativity but he hasn’t the pace to worry teams. The midfield diamond looked reasonable going forward but too many times were caught out defensively. Two defeats on the bounce has taken the wind out of our early season sails and with daunting trips to the Toon followed by Millwall to come Brian McD’s managerial nouse will be tested to the full.

As the fans streamed away from the stadium the word rubbish seemed to be on a lot of lips. A bit harsh I thought. Burnley are a decent side who have a cutting edge up front unlike Leeds who are creating chances but not taking them. There’s still a long way to go in this campaign so no need to press the panic buttons yet.

Newcastle on Wed in the Capital One Cup. 6,000 of the LUFC family will make the trip north in hope of some cup glory. Hiking boots will be needed to scale the 7 levels to the away section at St James Park. On paper we should get hammered but then again that was the case against Everton, Spurs and Southampton last year. We live in hope. One thing is for sure…………….

Can’t wait.

MOT

Leeds 1 v 2 Burnley 21/09/2013 by sparkyman2