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Kettering Town pushed Leeds United all the way in a pulsating FA Cup tie at Rockingham Road – Leeds having Jermaine Beckford to thank for sparing their blushes with a clinical finish ten minutes from time.
It was a classic FA Cup tie – with goalmouth scrambles, heroic defending in the face of wave after wave of attacks and an opening goal from a guy who looked like he had just walked off the set of Shameless.
A lot of credit must go to Kettering, who I thought were excellent. They fought for everything and on the balance of things deserved a replay at Elland Road.
I thoroughly enjoyed the game and don’t have too many complaints about our performance. I thought we played well, although the finishing left a lot to be desired at times.
The one big positive I took from the game was the attitude of the players. Everyone knows what happened this time last year and it would have been easy for them to let their heads drop once they had scored, especially since we had dominated the game.
I was impressed with how we didn’t panic and kept playing football. It didn’t look like it was going to be our day but the players remained calm and kept believing.
When we went a goal down last season it was game over. Simon Grayson has made this team extremely difficult to beat and I’m proud of the players’ efforts yesterday.
The negatives
There were a couple of things which disappointed me, namely Casper Ankergren and Leigh Bromby.
Casper has done some good things for the club but I think he is living on borrowed time now. He is a good shot stopper, there is no doubt about that, but he is a liability when it comes to crosses.
He came for a cross not long before the goal and got a decent punch to it. I’ve seen this in games before where he makes a good decision which gives him some confidence, then not long after makes a bad call.
Lubo Michalik isn’t blameless. He should have got his head to it and asked questions later, if he did get a call. Michalik looked a little uneasy yesterday, he needs someone with authority alongside him and I think the thought of Casper behind him worries him.
I’m not sure how Bromby got a four-year contract – I’ve not been very impressed at all. He got turned so easily in the first-half, it was embarrassing. When everyone is fit he will find it difficult to get in the squad.
I heard their player-manager say after the game that they had targeted our weakness – set-pieces. I suggest they get back to the drawing board ahead of the replay if we have our first choice defence and keeper back.
The draw
Well it was the draw all Leeds fans wanted, scum away. There is no beating around the bush, we hate them with a passion and I’m pretty sure they feel the same way.
I’m sure Kettering will be just as motivated to go to Old Trafford, but as their chairman said: “First off we’ve got to go and do what nobody does, win at Elland Road.”
Leeds United head south to Kettering Town in the FA Cup second round, looking to avoid the same humiliation suffered at the same stage this time last year.
It’s almost a year to the day since that fateful day in the small village of Histon, a day which signalled the beginning of the end for Gary McAllister.
This day does feel quite similar in a lot of ways – the weather, playing a high-flying conference side at a tiny, uninspiring ground in front of the ITV cameras – the main difference being the man in charge.
Whereas McAllister saw these types of games as an opportunity to rest some players, Simon Grayson sees them as an opportunity to keep the juggernaut powering on.
Team news
Grayson will give Kettering the respect they deserve and I fully expect to see a strong side take the field.
We have a few players missing because of the terms of their loan deals, but Tony Capaldi could feature after been given permission to play by his parent club.
He will face stiff competition from Aidy White. I would start with Capaldi to keep it solid in the face of an enthusiastic start from Kettering, and then bring White on to take advantage of a tiring side.
It will be interesting to see who starts up front. We have a quick turnaround, with Oldham coming up away on Tuesday, so Grayson has to be careful with his selection.
I don’t think Luciano Becchio will start the game so it could mean an opportunity for Mike Grella or Tresor Kandol, although Kandol seems to have fallen back down the pecking order after that incident at the end of the Yeovil game.
It would be nice to give Jermaine Beckford a rest but I can’t see it. I think he will partner Grella up front, with Becchio coming on for half an hour or so at the end.
It should be as you were in midfield and at the back. Fit again Jason Crowe could come in to replace Leigh Bromby, who had a torrid time in midweek.
Prediction
It will be a tough game, but we are used to going to places like this where teams want to take your scalp.
I’m expecting a tough opening, with the players having to roll their sleeves up against an inspired side in front of a passionate home crowd.
I can see us settling down pretty quickly though and running out comfortable winners in the end.
Kettering Town 0 Leeds United 3
Leeds United boss Simon Grayson had a productive last day in the loan market – signing three players, with three heading out of the club for a spell.
Grayson has covered all bases in the run up to the New Year – these temporary signings emphasising his relentless attitude towards our promotion push this season.
Most managers would be content with our squad, six points clear at the top with a game in hand, not Grayson though. He strives for perfection and won’t allow the players to let up one bit.
The new signings mean added competition for places, as well as adding quality to the existing squad. They will also cover injuries over the festive period.
The players coming in
Hogan Ephraim – QPR winger Hogan was described by Grayson as quick and direct, able to play on either flank. This is a clever move from Grayson, with Bradley Johnson injured and Robert Snodgrass a bit off colour. Let’s hope he’s in the same mould as Max Gradel.
David Martin – The Liverpool keeper comes in as cover for Casper Ankergren, in Shane Higgs’s continued absence. I can’t see him getting any game time. I do feel for goalkeepers – this guy is moving down two divisions to sit on the bench.
Tony Capaldi – The Northern Ireland international is perhaps the best signing of the three. He will play left back and I’m sure his addition will give the side more balance and quality in that position.
The players heading out
Davide Somma – Somma has joined League Two club Chesterfield United until the New Year. He has been doing well for the reserves recently and I’m sure this spell away from the club playing regular competitive football will do him the world of good.
Andrew Milne – Young defender Milne has joined Darlington until January 2. He hasn’t featured for the first team yet but has played five times for the reserves. Let’s hope Steve Staunton doesn’t ruin him.
Alan Sheehan – Sheehan played his final game for the club a long time ago. He joins Swindon Town on loan and it’s only a matter of time before he leaves permanently.
I would have preferred a couple more to leave but all in all I think it was a good day’s business. It sets us up nicely for the festive period – come through that unscathed and you’ve got to think the league is ours.
Leeds United stretched their unbeaten home league record to 20 games, but only after being pushed all the way by Leyton Orient.
It took a stunning late goal from on-loan Max Gradel to see off an Orient side whose performance belied their position at the bottom of the table.
It’s not the first time Leeds have struck late to steal all three points this season and it won’t be the last. As I’ve written many times recently, this side has a real determination and fights right until the final whistle.
It wasn’t the best of performances but one thing we have learnt this season is that this team can win dirty if it has to. We certainly didn’t see any of the free-flowing football witnessed in recent weeks but we did see the never-say-die attitude which has become synonymous with Grayson’s reign.
Wide of the mark
I think I’ve done pretty well with my predictions this season but I was way off last night. I expected us to take our free-scoring form into this game against a side low on confidence and really put them to the sword.
Credit must go to Orient who came to Elland Road to play football and deserved a point from the game. They raised their game, as many teams do when they play Leeds, and should be fine if they maintain that level of performance. The reality is that was probably them at their optimum level and they will find it hard to get up for every game like they did for this one.
Andros Townsend and Tamika Mkandawire were particularly impressive. Mkandawire had Jermaine Beckford in his pocket all night and Townsend made Leigh Bromby look distinctly average with his exceptional pace. Luckily neither could affect Gradel’s late winner.
Battling the elements
It was a stinker of a night at Elland Road – the strong winds making it difficult to play attractive football.
I don’t think that can be used as an excuse for the amount of balls hoofed up the field though. I was taught as a youngster to keep the ball on the deck if it was windy, I thought it was pretty basic stuff.
I will defend the back four though because they weren’t given much help from a midfield which was largely anonymous. I felt the midfield players slipped back into the form seen pre-Millwall and seem to struggle to function as a unit at home.
Sam Vokes continued his struggles in front of the home crowd and I would be surprised if Grayson makes a move for him in January. He tries hard enough but I don’t think he’s any better than what we have at the club at the moment.
Super subs
Again Grayson’s substitutions worked a treat.
Aidy White added a different dimension to the side with his pace from full-back and really impacted the game when he came on.
Max Gradel was the star man again though. He is full of energy and loves the ball at his feet. He was the difference between the two sides and we should do our upmost to keep him in January.
So we did it the hard way last night, but you can’t turn on the style every game. I see a lot of Leicester in our form this season – when we play well we hammer teams, when we don’t play so well we don’t drop points. It’s the sign of a champion side.
Leeds United welcome Leyton Orient to Elland Road tomorrow night, looking to stretch their lead at the top of League One.
Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Brighton is widely regarded as our best performance of the season to date so the players know they will have to put on a show in front of an expectant home crowd.
After a stuttering start to the season, where we picked up points without really impressing, the team has really clicked into gear of late and are now oozing with confidence.
Fortress Elland Road
We are unbeaten in 19 home league games and it will take a very good team to come to Elland Road and leave with three points.
Norwich City are the only team I can remember troubling us during that run. I just can’t see Orient being up to the challenge – I can see them chasing shadows all night.
I’m trying not to get too cocky at the moment but I just can’t help it. It has been a while since I’ve seen such a determined Leeds team, with the skills to boot. These are good times and I intend to enjoy them.
Team news
Simon Grayson will go with an unchanged starting 11 in this one, the only change coming on the bench where Tresor Kandol should come in for Enoch Showumni.
Neil Kilkenny was the star of the show again at the weekend and has grabbed his chance with both hands. His pass to set up Jermaine Beckford’s goal was described by Grayson as “out of this world”, you can’t really argue with that. It will be very interesting to see who Grayson goes with when Bradley Johnson returns.
Lubo Michalik deserves a special mention. He had a bit of a nightmare last season but has really got his head down under Grayson and looks more like the player we signed on loan from Bolton. Again – Larry will have a tough decision to make when Richard Naylor is fit.
Prediction
In the past Leeds teams have slipped up in games like this, I can’t see past a walk in the park tomorrow though. Grayson won’t stand for any drop in standards and the players know that. It could be a long night for Orient against this rampant Leeds side.
Leeds United 4 Leyton Orient 0
Leeds United eased to a 3-0 win against Brighton at the Withdean Stadium, ending the home side’s mini revival under Gus Poyet.
Leeds looked refreshed after the international break, outclassing Brigthton in every department. It was a complete performance and this side shows no sign of letting up under Simon Grayson – the players attitude is first class. They work even harder without the ball than they do with it, the team spirit and will to win is clear for all to see.
I really can’t see anyone in this league catching us. We won yesterday’s game with incredible ease, even without half a dozen first team regulars.
A new Leeds on the up
The game had all the hallmarks of a typical bad day at the office for Leeds teams of the past. Awful conditions and stadium, a team on the rise under a new boss, with injuries meaning yet more changes to the team.
But not this side under Grayson. The guys who come in are all top class players at this level and are determined to cement a place in the team. The team ethic means there is no sulking on the sidelines, just motivation to take their chance when they are called upon.
We have a formidable defence, the best in the country at the moment. Grayson has a wealth of defensive talent at his disposal and it doesn’t seem to matter who he puts at the back now, a clean sheet is almost inevitable.
Going forward we have players capable of pulling a goal out of nowhere. It was Robert Snodgrass’ turn yesterday but we have seen Jonny Howson and Neil Kilkenny do it recently too.
Sign him up
We really have upped our game and that is starting to show in the results. I was a little worried earlier in the season when we were winning games without playing well and felt the Millwall game could be a turning point in our season, one way or another. That result gave the players a kick up the backside and their intensity since then has been impressive.
Much of the credit has to go to Grayson and his backroom staff. They have installed a winning mentality and have made the team very hard to beat.
We need to do all we can to tie Grayson down for many years to come. An exciting future lies ahead under his guidance.
Leeds United make the long trip down to Brighton tomorrow, hoping to stop the home side’s resurgence under new boss Gus Poyet dead in its tracks.
The game has a bit of spice to it with Leeds coming up against former assistant manager Poyet, who ditched the club to take the number two role at Tottenham Hotspur.
Poyet was a popular figure amongst the fans during his spell at Elland Road but his reputation has been tarnished somewhat after leaving the club for Spurs – traditionally Leeds fans don’t take kindly to players or managers leaving for a ‘bigger’ club.
Poyet was the catalyst behind our excellent start to the minus 15 season and Dennis Wise’s ability as a manager started to unravel once he left. He is clearly an inspired leader and should do a good job down there – but it is a big drop down for him.
Anyway enough about Poyet and Brighton, if Leeds play at their best tomorrow there is no doubting who will be taking home the points.
Team news
The break has given Simon Grayson and his staff the opportunity to nurse some of the injured players back to health. The game will come too soon for them but at least they have got another week’s rehabilitation under their belts without missing anymore games.
After resting a couple of players against Grimsby, I think Grayson will revert back to his tried and tested away formula. Unfortunately that will probably mean Neil Kilkenny missing out after impressing in the Johnstone’s Paint game.
The starting line-up will look a lot like this:
Casper Ankergren; Leigh Bromby, Paddy Kisnorbo, Richard Naylor, Andy Hughes; Robert Snodgrass, Michael Doyle, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson; Sam Vokes, Jermaine Beckford.
We look very solid at the back and I wouldn’t bet against us getting another clean sheet. Max Gradel should definitely be given an impact role after what we saw against Grimsby and Tresor Kandol is completing his three match ban.
Prediction
The forecast is pretty miserable for tomorrow afternoon, the Withdean Stadium isn’t the most inviting grounds at the best of times, so Leeds will really have to battle for the points. The Poyet factor will no doubt inspire the home crowd and their players but if we show no sign of rustiness and stay focused I can only see one winner. It will not be a day for the purists, that’s for sure.
Brighton 0 Leeds United 2
After last night’s blatant handball, Thierry Henry should be banned from next year’s World Cup.
I, like a lot of people, am outraged at Henry’s calculated gamesmanship – he has lost the respect of a lot football fans all over the world.
There isn’t a chance the game will be replayed. This would be a very dangerous precedent for FIFA to set, given the amount of cheating that goes on these days. Even if they did bow to pressure from the masses and decide the game should be replayed, there is simply no time to play another international match – I can’t imagine the players’ clubs would be too happy about losing a key player for a big league game.
The only feasible thing to do is punish the man at the centre of all this controversy, Henry. He should be banned from the tournament and made an example of. I have never seen such uproar in the aftermath of an act of cheating. If FIFA miss this opportunity, cheating will be a part of our game for a long time to come.
The only way to punish cheating is to punish the players themselves, not the team – after all the other players, manager, fans haven’t done anything wrong.
I’ve thought for a long time that every act of blatant diving should be punished with a yellow card. If he dives twice in five minutes and gets sent off, then so be it. One thing is for sure, he won’t be doing it the following week.
I’m not expecting much of a response from FIFA, they will hide behind something. The only punishment I can see is a fine equivalent to £1 and a slap on the wrists.
I have read on various websites that we have taken Argentine defender Walter Garcia on trial and he will feature in a behind-closed-doors game against Middlesbrough today.
I am all for giving players with talent and potential a go at the club but do we really need another defender on the books?
It is an area of the team where I feel we have more than enough cover. Maybe Simon Grayson is thinking of getting rid of some of the dead wood in January and is starting to assemble a team ready for the step up to the Championship.
From what I have read about Garcia he is a versatile, no-nonsense defender who is a bit of a journeyman – he doesn’t seem to like hanging around at a club for too long. At least it will give Luciano Becchio someone to talk to.
We do take a lot of players on trial these days and most come to nothing. Let’s hope he has the same impact as fellow countryman Becchio and strengthens the squad moving forward.
With no game for Leeds United this weekend, I’ve decided to write about another big sporting event taking place in the city tomorrow night, the Four Nations final between England and Australia. If you’re not a keen rugby fan, I suggest you look away now!
The game has all the ingredients of a classic – the young pretenders seeking to topple the masters, the best forward pack in the world against the best backs, with plenty of rivalry and niggle to go with it.
Having spent a year down under I know how much the Aussies love their sport and just love to get one over us Pommies. That made it all the more special when we turned them over in the Rugby World Cup in 2007!
The standard of rugby league over there is simply on another level. I had the great pleasure of being at the ANZ Stadium when New South Wales beat Queensland in the 2007 State of Origin series. I have never witnessed such intensity and some of the hits were bone-chilling, throw the unbelievably talented backs into the mix and you start to get an idea of what we are up against.
Praying for rain
The only way we have a chance tomorrow is if it lashes it down all day – that’s no exaggeration. On a dry track, the Aussies will destroy you – as we saw in the first-half at Wigan two weeks ago.
Greg Inglis is a freak of a player, up there with the best I have ever seen. He’s got everything – pace, power, handling skills and reads the game so well. Rumours are going around about him being paired with Dally M player of the year Jarryd Hayne. That’s a scary prospect.
The man keeping Hayne out of his favoured full-back position is Billy Slater – another world-class talent. Slater is a brilliant support player and is as safe as houses at the back, except for the occasional brain implosion.
Experienced half-back pairing Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston will guide the Aussies around the park and are both capable of moments of genius.
It all sounds pretty daunting, especially given the fact that Lockyer has more caps than the English back division put together.
There is certainly enough talent in England’s backline, it’s just the lack of experience which worries me. Australia will pounce on any error in judgement or loss in concentration in a heartbeat.
Kyle Eastmond and Sam Tomkins have the makings of a pretty special half-back partnership – I just think this final has come too soon for them and they will struggle with the intensity and pressure. You can’t really blame them, they haven’t even had a full Super League season yet.
The forward battle
The battle up front is just going to be awesome. If, as forecast, there is heavy rain, England will be in their element. It means the game will be played down the middle where the forwards should dominate their Australian counterparts. It also means their backs will be starved of the ball, playing right into England’s hands.
England’s pack is huge, with four props in the starting six. There will be some massive collisions, I really wouldn’t fancy being out there.
Support players like Eastmond and Tomkins should be sniffing around the forwards for any kind of offload, there won’t be many opportunities for clean breaks.
I’m looking forward to seeing Sam Burgess in his last game before he heads down under. He is a real talent and is the nearest thing we have to Sonny Bill Williams.
Prediction
If the weather is on our side we have a chance. The forwards should be able to lay the platform for the backs, I’m just not sure we have the firepower to hurt the Aussies. Unfortunately I think Australia will win it but it will be closer than some people think.
Tache-tastic
If you tune in tomorrow you will notice a few of the Aussie players with a bit of a fashion disaster going on above their top lip. They haven’t lost the plot, it is all for a good cause!
The month of ‘Movember’ was designed to raise awareness in men’s health. Men everywhere grow a moustache to support the fight against Prostate Cancer.
It’s a great charity which is growing all the time. You can find a link here which will explain what the charity is about in a bit more detail. In the link you will see me and some mates with our ‘efforts’ a couple of years ago. I don’t expect people to donate money, raising awareness is just as valuable as raising the money.
http://uk.movember.com/mospace/90475/
Leeds United booked their place in the Johnstone’s Paint semi-final with a routine 3-1 victory over Grimsby Town at Elland Road.
Two goals just before half-time killed off a spirited Grimsby side who played better than their league position suggests. Jermaine Beckford added a third ten minutes after the break, before former Leeds player Peter Sweeney scored a spectacular consolation goal – not sure where he pulled that from.
It was a decent enough performance from the men in white but we did appear to be going through the motions at times. We gave the ball away far too often and lacked the intensity we have seen in recent weeks – understandable given the small crowd and standard of opposition.
Grimsby gave a good account of themselves but there was only going to be one winner and we can now look forward to a semi-final date with either Accrington Stanley, Carlisle United or Bradford City.
Kilkenny stakes his claim
One man who firmly put himself back into first team contention was Neil Kilkenny. I thought he was superb and looked a class above anyone else on the pitch. He took his goal brilliantly and ran the show in midfield. It will be difficult for Simon Grayson to look past him for our next game at Brighton.
Bradley Johnson did okay alongside Kilkenny with some neat touches and excellent work for Beckford’s goal but I think he is better on the left.
Robert Snodgrass was below par again. I’m not sure what has happened to him this season, he has shown what he can do in patches but seems to be suffering from a loss of confidence.
Max Gradel showed why he might be better suited to an impact role. He did some good things but there was some dross mixed in there too – his final ball let him down at times. There is certainly enough to work with and I would like to see him stay on.
Offside nightmare
The back four didn’t look as solid without Paddy Kisnorbo. They played too high up the pitch and were only saved by some shockingly timed runs from the Grimsby strikers – maybe their wives could go over the offside rule with them.
Andy Hughes showed why he has been a regular under Grayson this season – I thought it was his best game for a while at right-back.
Aidy White looked short of game time, with some lazy passes, but showed why he is so highly thought of.
Sam Vokes does a lot of unselfish work for the team but doesn’t provide much threat in front of goal. I’m hoping to see more from him before his loan ends in January. Beckford put in a good shift and got his customary goal with an excellent finish.
All in all it was a comfortable victory and the players have a bit of time off now to recharge their batteries.
Leeds United take on Grimsby Town at Elland Road tonight, knowing victory would leave them just three games away from a day out at Wembley.
Okay, so the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy isn’t exactly the most glamorous cup competition in the world, but I don’t think any Leeds fan would turn down a trip to the famous ground. The draw couldn’t have been kinder to us so far – a bye in the first round, drawn against the lowest rank side at home in the second and now facing the team second from bottom in League Two in front of the sky cameras.
The Southern Section is a much tougher side of the draw, with Carlisle the only other League One representative from the north, so we really couldn’t ask for a better or easier opportunity to get to Wembley.
I missed the play-0ff final two years ago because I was in Australia for a year, so I will probably be in the minority of fans who want us to really go for this trophy.
I don’t see the cup competitions as a distraction at all, we have the squad to cope with cup runs and I’m sure the players would rather be playing games than training.
Team news
I can see Simon Grayson putting out a strong team with almost a two-week break coming up after this fixture. He may see the game as an opportunity to give players like Aidy White 90 minutes.
Michael Doyle and Paddy Kisnorbo are missing, through suspension and international duty respectively, so there will be a couple of enforced changes.
I would personally go for a team of:
Casper Ankergren; Leigh Bromby, Lubo Michalik, Richard Naylor, Aidy White; Max Gradel, Neil Kilkenny, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson; Sam Vokes, Jermaine Beckford.
The players can get their rest after this game, I would like to see Grayson take no prisoners tonight. He is very professional in his approach to every game so I’m sure we will see a similar line-up to the one I picked. The difference could be he rests Beckford and Johnson.
Prediction
I’m sure Grimsby will play with a lot of pride and will treat this as their cup final. However, I just think we will have far too much for a side who are really struggling at the bottom of the Football League.
Leeds United 4 Grimsby Town 0
Leeds United saw off the challenge of Oldham Athletic to progress into the second round of the FA Cup, where they will face non-league side Kettering Town.
It wasn’t the most entertaining of games – the undoubted highlight was Jonny Howson’s cracking opener ten minutes before the break. Leeds sealed the win with a second deep into injury time when Aidy White found fellow substitute Mike Grella who showed composure to finish off a fine counter attack.
It was a performance reminiscent of many of our away days this season – extremely solid at the back, workmanlike in midfield with enough quality in the final third to finish teams off.
Change of tactics
With three strikers unavailable and two others flattering to deceive so far this term, Simon Grayson opted to go with five across midfield, leaving Jermaine Beckford up front on his own. I found this a bit of a strange move, given Beckford’s work rate, but it did work.
It gave everyone a chance to see how our three main central midfield players shaped up against one another and I think it’s fair to say Neil Kilkenny and Howson will have impressed the manager the most with their understanding and quality on the ball. Kilkenny in particular looked very comfortable on the ball and is an excellent passer for League One. Howson seems much more at home with Kilkenny alongside him and it would be good to see them start the next league game.
The back line recorded another clean sheet with an assured performance. Casper Ankergren looks better with each passing game – he made a couple of brilliant saves and commanded his box with more confidence.
Beckford worked hard up front on his own with little reward. He’s the kind of player who needs someone alongside him to the donkey work so he can save some energy to get into those goal scoring positions. At least he showed willing and proved he can work for the team when under instructions from Grayson.
Again the manager’s substitutions worked a treat. It was good to see Grella get on the scoresheet and White show pace and composure with the assist.
All in all it was a professional performance and the team shows no sign of taking its foot off the gas, whether there are points on the line or not.
A reunion with the Coopers
Our reward for getting past Oldham is a trip to Kettering Town, managed by the son of Leeds legend Terry Cooper. Mark Cooper said before the draw was made that his perfect draw would be to play Leeds and his wish came true.
It will certainly be a tough game at Rockingham Road. Kettering are going well in the Blue Square Premier and the clash isn’t too dissimilar to last year’s tie with Histon.
I know we won’t have any sort of complacency issues going into the game this time around under Grayson.
Leeds United make the short trip across the pennines tomorrow to take on Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup First Round – the first time The FA have showed a club game live on the internet.
The game is one of the ties of the round and gives the club an opportunity to salvage some pride after the disastrous exit at the hands of minnows Histon Town in the second round last season.
That match epitomised Gary McAllister’s final days at the club – the ex-manager cutting a forlorn figure on the bench, devoid of ideas as the rain lashed down around him on a dark day in Cambridge.
The club’s fortunes couldn’t be more different as we step into the competition this time around. The team is flying, full of confidence at the moment.
Some people feel the FA Cup has lost some of its prestige and glamour but I think a lot of clubs are starting to take it seriously again – the return to Wembley has a lot to do with that, although we could do without both semi-finals being there.
I for one would love a run in the famous competition.
Team news
Simon Grayson has a selection dilemma up front ahead of tomorrow’s clash. Sam Vokes isn’t permitted to play in the FA Cup, Luciano Becchio is still on the sidelines with an ankle injury and Tresor Kandol starts his three-match ban for a slap at the end of the Yeovil game.
Just a quick word on Kandol, it seems The FA love making an example of Leeds. You see so many similar incident go unpunished, Jose Bosingwa’s blatant kick to the back of Yossi Benayoun last season springs to mind. I must also thank The Football League Show for highlighting the issue, would you have done the same if it was an incident at the end of a game between Wycombe Wanderers and Leyton Orient?
Anyway, it seems a straight fight between Mike Grella and Enoch Showumni to partner Jermaine Beckford. Grayson should, and probably will, go for Grella.
I would be tempted to give Neil Kilkenny a run in midfield at the expense of Michael Doyle. It’s a good opportunity to try something new in the centre of midfield and it would be interesting to see how he goes alongside Jonny Howson. Max Gradel will also miss the game under the terms of his loan agreement.
With no league game for two weeks, after the Swindon Town game was postponed because of international call-ups, I can’t see Grayson making many changes tomorrow. The rest of the team should remain unchanged with a handful of players still in the treatment room.
Prediction
Oldham sit in mid-table in League One after an indifferent start to the season. They have struggled to score goals and have won only two of eight home league games. I don’t think either team will want a replay so it should be an open game. I can see Leeds nicking it by the odd goal.
Oldham Athletic 1 Leeds United 2
So we are a third of the way through the League One season and the table is beginning to take shape. There have been shocks, managerial changes aplenty and lots of goals and excitement in what is widely regarded as the most competitive third tier in years.
Of course as a Leeds United fan I am delighted with the start to the season. One defeat in 15 games, with the best attack and defence in the league and seven points clear, you can’t really complain.
The new signings have been terrific and Simon Grayson continues to impress as Leeds boss. The find of the season has to be Paddy Kisnorbo – he has been immense and should really have been considered for a PFA award.
Moving forward, I expect us to push on from now until Christmas with some relatively comfortable fixtures coming up.
The chasing pack
Of the teams up there at the moment, I see Norwich City as our nearest challengers. They got off to the worst possible start with a 7-1 reverse at home to Colchester United but slowly recovered under new boss Paul Lambert and are in great form now, just four points off an automatic promotion place. They are the best team we have faced so far and will take some stopping if they hit top form.
Charlton got off to a great start but there form has dipped of late. I think they will struggle to keep up with Leeds and will drop out of the top two in the coming weeks.
MK Dons have picked up where they left off last season and have the ability to go the distance again.
Colchester United shrugged off the loss of Lambert and are keeping pace with the teams at the top, with an almost perfect home record. However, as we have seen with Oldham Athletic and Leyton Orient in recent seasons, it is difficult to maintain a promotion challenge with a lack of strength in depth.
Huddersfield Town, one of the teams tipped for the title, have had an indifferent start to the season, with an excellent home record and a terrible record away from home.
Best of the rest
Millwall and Bristol Rovers are two teams who could be involved in the play-offs come what May.
Millwall have gone the course before so know what’s required, I can see them pushing up towards the top two between now and Christmas.
Bristol Rovers got off to a great start but have seen their season unravel in recent weeks, losing their last five games. They have the potential to cause a few ripples at the top but need to pull themselves out of this slump soon or risk another season of mediocrity.
I would have expected Southend to be up there at the end of the season but they have all sorts of financial difficulties and that will hamper any promotion hopes they may have.
Oldham Athletic have the potential to challenge but have got off to a slow start and lack any real firepower up front.
Teams like Swindon Town, Hartlepool United and Walsall have performed above expectations so far but don’t have the squads to challenge for promotion.
Battle at the bottom
At the bottom there are a few surprises. Tranmere Rovers fans should feel sick with what they have had to deal with since the end of last season. The inexplicable sacking of Ronnie Moore, the appointment of John Barnes who has no managerial pedigree, followed by his swift departure, and a team on the pitch devoid of ideas and hope. They are in for a long, hard season.
Brighton were tipped by some to be at the top end of the table but have had a terrible start and have just sacked Russell Slade. Under the right management they could finish mid-table.
Southampton slowly but surely pulled themselves back into the black but it probably took a bit longer than they had hoped. They won’t have any relegation worries and who knows what could happen at the other end if they put a run together.
Stockport County are another League One side with plenty of money problems and have a real fight on their hands to stay in the division.
Last season’s promoted sides haven’t had the same impact MK Dons and Peterborough had in the last campaign and all face a fight against relegation.
It will be interesting to see the jockeying for position between now and New Year. As a Leeds fan, I expect us to open up a big lead at the top and make it clear to the others there is only one automatic up for grabs.
With all the optimism around the place at the moment, I dared to dream where we might be in a few years time. You often hear clubs speak about a ‘five-year plan’, is it ridiculous to dream we might be back in Europe in five years time?
The infrastructure is in place, we have the fan base and we can still attract big name players to the club, not to mention how attractive a revitalised Leeds United would look to potential investors.
I know I’m getting ahead of myself but it won’t hurt to dream a little…
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(Please note: this post should not be compared with Peter Risdale’s idea of ‘Living the dream’)
Leeds United scored four goals for the second time in as many days, Yeovil Town the latest team to feel the power of Simon Grayson’s squad.
It was very much a game of two halves yesterday – Yeovil more than a match in the first-half, with Leeds showing their class in the second-half to run away with it.
I was impressed with Yeovil – they tried to play football and were perhaps a little unfortunate not to take the lead before Bradley Johnson’s fortuitous opener just before the break. The game changed yet again with Grayson’s substitutions. He is a manager with the ability to influence games from the sidelines. He obviously has a very strong bench at his disposal but the way he utilises his subs and reads the game is impressive.
Better balance
The side looked much more comfortable when Max Gradel replaced Andy Hughes. Bradley Johnson moved to left-back which gave us two natural wingers. Gradel was excellent again – he has pace, skill and an excellent attitude. He took his goal well and works hard for the team. He is becoming a real fans’ favourite.
Neil Kilkenny made a big impact after replacing Michael Doyle. He has a good range of passing and shows more attacking intent than Doyle. Jonny Howson looked a different player with Kilkenny at his side and his performances in the last two games suggest he is rediscovering his best form. I would be tempted to go with Howson and Kilkenny in the cup next week.
In defence we were as solid as ever. Just eight goals conceded in 15 league games speaks volumes for the improvement seen at the back under Grayson and is a world away from where we were this time last year. I’m still not too keen on Andy Hughes at left-back but the results keep coming.
Embarrassment of riches
Jermaine Beckford and Sam Vokes were a real handful for the Yeovil defence and have the makings of a real partnership. Vokes has a brilliant first touch and does a lot of selfless work, while Beckford plays on the shoulder of defenders and will get you a hatful of goals.
Tresor Kandol is proving to be a real impact player off the bench in his second coming as Leeds player. He looks strong and determined and certainly loves scoring goals – take a look at his celebration if you haven’t seen it.
With other results going our way, we are seven points clear now. Even at this early stage I think it’s ours to lose. Our squad looks so strong and the players we have on our bench and even outside the match day squad would walk into most League One teams. This is our year, we are on our way back – MOT!
