V Barnsley - Saturday 11th October

Leeds 3 - Barnsley 2  

After last weeks mauling by York, it was important Leeds got back to winning ways against last years bogey team Barnsley.  Pride must have been dented as Leeds not only outplayed Barnsley in the first 20 minutes but also out fought them.  Jack Bagnall in particularly seemed to be relishing the physical battle with the big Barnsley defenders and the huge number 9 in central midfield, indeed Jack was unlucky not to open the Leeds account on 5 minutes but was unfortunately judged offside.  When Leeds are on top it is almost certain Tom Lyman will get his name on the score sheet and 2 quick fire goals from Tom were no more than Leeds deserved.  The first a shot over the keeper was as good as any from last season, although the outstanding Danny Meston should take a lot of credit for breaking up a Barnsley attack and getting the ball forward.  The second was a tremendous team effort started by great interplay by Sam Capitano and Lucas Smedley who made a great run down the left to latch onto a first time 30 yard pass from Shaun Gibson the cross from Lucas was a good one and Tom was on hand to make it 2 - 0.

 

Barnsley came out for the second period far more determined and put Leeds under pressure.  Elliot Jewitt rejuvenated after acquiring contact lenses and Adam Jameson were in no mood to concede at the back and if Barnsley did pierce the Leeds rearguard Leeds could always rely on the bravery of Brandon Linley.  On more than one occasion he threw his body at the feet of Barnsley strikers and the sight of Brandon coming out to clear his line screaming like a Zulu warrior would put the fear of God into any striker in schoolboy football.  Once Leeds had weathered the storm they again took control and at times played some sublime football.  Gibson and Rzonca were keeping things ticking over in midfield by working hard and playing the easy ball and with Ali Unsworth a real box of tricks on the left always a threat it wasn't long before Leeds made it 3 - 0.  When it did come the Leeds crowd must have thought Arsenal had just walked onto the pitch as Leeds produced a goal that Fabragas and co would have been proud of.  Gibson and Tom Clarkson played a great one-two on halfway, onto Unsworth back to Gibson, played forward to Tom Lyman, a tremendous ball inside the back 4 from Tom where Danny Powell showed great balance to round the keeper and slot the ball home, 3-0.

 

The last 20 minutes was worryingly reminiscent of last year with Leeds seemingly in cruise control they somehow allowed Barnsley back into it with 2 soft goals.  Indeed with a minute to go Barnsley almost forced an equaliser which would have been unjust as Leeds were easily the better side.

 

There were many positives to take from this performance, when Leeds knock the ball around it's a joy to watch and few teams could live with them.  The only negative is that we must be mentally stronger and keep our concentration, the last 10 minutes shouldn't have happened and it really did leave a flattering score line for Barnsley.