LEEDS   V   BARNSLEY

After an excellent showing against York the previous week hopes were high for a repeat showing against an unfancied Barnsley team. The pitch was tacky after 15 hours of continually rain so it was to be expected that mistakes would be made, and this proved to be the case. Leeds distribution was poor and the tendency to play down the middle rather than spreading the ball wide was not appreciated by the coaches. Only Callum Elson seemed able to get the ball down and be able to pass the ball correctly. Barnsley offered little in the way of a goal threat and in essence although Leeds were malfunctioning a combination of missed chances and good Barnsley defending with the goalkeeper in inspired form kept the game goalless. Jon Nyantou hit the post , Tyler Thompson and Tom Schofield went close but with the side stuttering and unable to get a momentum going it was no surprise that the score remained at zero. Jack McGahan although not at his best caused his customary mayhem with his drven crosses but no chances were taken. Joe Wheeler and Luke Bennett[back from injury] defended well and Bennett sought to play out from defence. A half time stern lecture was needed and was forthcoming with four substitutions made and immediate impact from one player as Scott Smith drove down the right exchanged passes and his cross cum shot went high into the net off the keeper's outstretched fingers. Just reward for the pressure on the Barnsley goal in the latter part of the first half.

Wave after wave of attacks followed but from a breakaway Scott Graham flew across his goal to divert the ball wide, a great save at any level. This seemed to spur Leeds on and Nyantou turned sharply onto a Smith cross only to be felled crudely in the box. The resultant penalty was taken by McGahan whose first strike was tipped onto the bar and rebounded for McGahan to score. Chances came and were wasted and really if this problem isn't sorted soon it may come back to haunt the team against better opposition. Barnsley defended resolutely with their keeper on the top of his game and a point blank save from Tom Schofield after a cross from Sheldon Muzvidiwa was from the top drawer. Another mazy run from Elson saw Muzvidiwa flick the ball out of the mud and into the net. A good second half from the team produced the required result but not the scoreline the performance warranted. 3 points gained however and success is not to be frowned upon!