It was a much more enjoyable experience watching Leeds today. There was some pride shown by the players and a lot of passion and desire to win. The back four played as a unit, the first time for a long time, and with Derry showing much better form in mid-field we looked a more competent and better side. We had most of the play leading up to the goal and deserved our lead at half time. The goal was a cracker. Moore made a superb run into space down the middle and Johnson picked him out with an inch perfect pass. Moore had enough confidence and composure to finish with aplomb. I was really chuffed for the lad who has tried his heart out since being given his chance. If some of the more skillful and talented players had half his committment and enthusiasm we wouldn't be in the shit we are now. Southend pushed us back well in the second half as the stress and of our recent performances and our lack of confidence began to show, and we were indebted to our new keeper who kept us in front with two excellent saves, but we also counter-attacked well at times. It was a relief though when Blake's superb free kick made the game safe as the feeling was there that Southend would equalise before the end. The goal was all the more sweet because an inconsistent and poor referee, who wouldn't have given us the stink off his shit up until then, gave us a dodgy free-kick in a good position. All in all a good start to Mr. Wise's reign. I feel we may have turned the corner and though there will be set backs along the way I see mid-table mediocrity and safety approaching.
Stack - commanded his area well with confident handling, two great saves and excellent kicking and distribution 8 Kelly - good sound defensive display, supported the attack well going forward 7 Butler - a good response to losing the captaincy but I feel his days are numbered 6 Killa - closer to the Killa we know and love 7 Lewis - a revelation at left back. I know he plays there for the USA but didn't really think he had it in him to do it for us. Not perfect but a great improvement on the normal shite he's served up since we signed him from Preston 7 Moore - continues to give his all for the shirt, took his goal superbly 7 Douglas - what he lacks in skill he makes up for in effort and committment, another one who wears the shirt with pride 6 Derry - much more like the old Derry, his best performance of the season 7 Johnson - a class act. The lad next to me works in the North East with Boro fans who really rate this kid and I can see why. He'll go a long way in football, but sadly not with us 7 Cresswell - plenty of effort, no little skill, will do well for us when back to full match fitness 6 Healey - worked very hard today, a big improvement on some of his recent performances 7 Richardson, Blake and Westlake all performed well in coming on as subs. Blake's nerves-settling free-kick was perfection. it's a pity he doesn't always know when to pass the ball. Onwards and upwards! _______________________________________________ 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 oh alright then :-)
