A disappointing day all round, but watching the game was not half as bad as having to sit on a train full of Watford fans on the way home. To be fair they did not take the piss that much, but I had to agree that they were just the better team, although it is true that the game (as many do) was decided by a few incidents. Most of their chanting on the way back was aimed at Luton anyway, almost as sad as our pre-occupation with Scumchester.
Couldn't argue with the first goal. I saw it all the way, a good cross, a good run and a good header. We were unlucky with the 2nd and the game was over by the time the 3rd went in. I couldn't criticise many of the players as such. They all put in a lot of effort, and most played as well as they are capable of, in the positions they were put. To be fair even Gregan & Butler defended well, and were only really exposed later when Leeds were pushing forward. However I'm sure their combined lack of pace is part of the reason that Blackwell fees it necessary to play an extra central midfielder. Very disappointed with Blackie's line-up though. It is no coincidence that Reading, Sheff Utd and Watford all play 4-4-2. They all play with 2 wingers and a play-maker, They all have full backs who can attack with pace when they get a gap ahead of them, and they all have 2 Centre Backs who can defend on the ground and in the air. We have a decent holding player (Derry), a decent play maker (Miller) and a decent enough left winger at this level. Why he feels he need another limited workhorse in there instead of a 2nd forward beats me. Give Miller another forward to aim for, and he might be able to produce the telling ball. With Hulse up there alone, the Watford centre backs never had to be more than 10 yards apart. Another striker moves them around more, creating gaps. If Stone isn't fit enough then Blackwell has had all season to find somebody to play on the right wing. Richardson can do it in the orthodox position, but not further forward in a supplementary striker's role. I was impressed with Watford in that they competed with Leeds in the battle, and beat us in the football. Scores: Sullivan 5 Kelly 6 Gregan 6 Bulter 6 Kilgallon 7 Richardson 4 (Lost that far forward) Douglas 5 (Tons of effort, no ability) Derry 7 Miller 6 Lewis 6 (Better as the game went on) Hulse 5 (But given no service) As for the future. Blackwell has done brilliantly so far, considering where the club were 18 months ago. However he has to show as much improvement again next year. At the back Kelly, Butler, Gregan should not be 1st choice any more. So another Centre Back is required The midfield needs a total revamp. Especially as Miller and Bakke are likely to go. The other thing that we are lacking up front is pace. It is years since we last threatened the opposition with a ball through the defence with someone like Keane or Bridges running onto it. Hulse is a great target man, Cresswell will run till he drops, Healy is clever, instinctive and a good finisher and Blake is tidy and creative, but none of them have enough pace to frighten the opposition. All the promoted teams had at least one forward with pace. We may have to sacrifice one of the 4 above to get a man whose speed will scare defences and give us that option. KOT. _______________________________________________ the Leeds List is an unmoderated mailing list and the list administrators accept no liability for the personal views and opinions of contributors. Leedslist mailing list [email protected] http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist
