Monday 14 January 2008

Beckford rises above the Alex to make it two in a row for Leeds

A rare treat these days, a live showing on Sky TV of Leeds United's third ever visit to Gresty Road to take on Crewe Alexandra.

Dennis Wise handed debuts to Darren Kenton and Peter Sweeney, whilst another new recruit, Bradley Johnson, gained a place on the bench.

United dominated the early stages with over 60% of the possession in windy conditions and had three early chances, the nearest coming in the 3rd minute, when an Andy Hughes header hit the bar.

Crewe came close only once in the first twenty minutes but striker Nicky Maynard was looking dangerous up front.

On 36 minutes Jermaine Beckford rose high for a long cross from Sweeney and with the giant Crewe goalie bearing down on him Beckford seemed to hang in the air as he directed the ball into the net, 1-0.

Leeds ended the first half with their lead intact. They dominated most of the half and restricted Crewe to the single chance.

Early in the second half the Alex were lucky to avoid a penalty as a shot by Frazer Richardson was deflected off the line by the arm of Crewe defender, Ben Rix. It went unseen by the referee who awarded Leeds a corner.

New boy Bradley Johnson came on for David Prutton in the 70th minute. Tore Andre Flo was replaced by Tresor Kandol in the 76th minute.

United retained around 60% of the possession and the new signings looked good. Beck's goal was his 16th in the league this season but, surprisingly, the first with his head.

Attendance 6771 (1995 from Leeds)

Crewe Alexandra 0 Leeds United 1

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

And don't forget the post match interview with Jermaine Beckford.

The interview raised the question of the transfer speculation to Premiership struggler's Derby County, (who Dennis Wise today describes and a much smaller club than Leeds), especially since Derby manager Paul Jewel was in the crowd tonight.

Interviewer: "So how do you see you future?"

Beckford: "What shirt am I wearing Bruv?"


Priceless, I cheered even louder than I did for the goal. And the Missus joined me.