A Day To Remember!

Yesterday was a day that will long be remembered by City fans. Leeds first competitive game at the KC ended in defeat for Leeds as Hull City all but ended their hopes of automatic promotion. Leeds were in fourth place as the game started but were made to look average by a Hull team which dominated for large periods of the game and thoroughly deserved to take all three points.

Taylor made four changes to his starting line-up. Alton Thelwell returned at right-back in place of Scott Wiseman. Delaney moved back to the defence in the absence of Rui Marques. John Welsh filled the midfield gap and Craig Fagan returned up-front in place of Billy Paynter who moved to the bench.

Leeds had the first telling chance of the game when a free-kick on the edge of the box from Eddie Lewis was superbly tipped around the post by Boaz Myhill.

City then had a good goal dis-allowed. Parkin received the ball in the box and after turning fired into the far corner past Sullivan, only to see the offside flag go up. Replays though have shown the ball came off Leeds defender Stephen Crainey, meaning the Beast was onside and the goal should have stood.

City continued to have the bulk of the play and Ellison and Green both went close, Sullivan forced into a fine save as Green went through on goal.

Neil Sullivan saved his best save till the end of the half where he managed to deny Parkin from point blank range. However, I don’t think he knew much about it as the ball hit him but he did his job and the teams went in level at half-time.

At Elland Road, City had dominated for a half-hour period before Leeds started to get back into the game. Yesterday, we had played well for forty-five, but could we play well for a full ninety.

Hull didn’t start the second half as well as the first and Leeds came out looking for a quick goal but the delivery from set pieces continued to be poor, allowing City to clear the danger easily.

Derry and Blake went close for Leeds, as did Green at the other end for the Tigers.

Leon Cort was the next man to go close. A free-kick routine from Fagan and Green resulted in a looping ball being delivered into the box. The tall Cort got his head to the ball only to see Sullivan stop the ball on the line.

Liam Miller went close for Leeds but after Hulse squared the ball across the box, his shot went wide.

City then made a change, replacing Kevin Ellison with Stuart Elliott.

The Tigers then took the lead with just under fifteen minutes remaining. Green crossed in from the right. Jon Parkin had pulled away to the far post and challenging with Gary Kelly, the Beast was able to win the header and divert it down into the bottom corner of the net.

Leeds knew they had to push forward and Healy and Graham replaced Miller and Lewis.

Keith Andrews was unlucky not to score with a free-kick as Sullivan made a good save around the post. A free-kick at the other end saw Healy drag his shot wide.

Four minutes were added on, and despite a brief scare when Hulse turned in the box, the Tigers held out and took all three points!

Leeds were beaten, and City are the pride of Yorkshire. Bring on Sheffield United.

Player Ratings

Boaz Myhill – 8
Would have expected a busier time in goal but Leeds didn’t cause too many problems that he had to deal with. Great save early on from Lewis’ free-kick.

Alton Thelwell – 8
We don’t need a new right-back if Alton can stay fit. Did his job well.

Alan Rogers – 7
The only City player to have a slightly disappointing game but still did well.

Damien Delaney – 8
A great game from the centre-back. He must stay there for next week’s trip to Bramall Lane. Won the aerial battle with Hulse and rarely looked troubled.

Leon Cort – 8
Another fine game from the always committed centre-back. Unlucky to see his header saved by Sullivan.

John Welsh – 9
A welcome return and a fully commited performance. Tackled well and also got forward to support the attacks. Brilliant game.

Keith Andrews – 9
Along with Welsh they won the midfield battle. Andrews looked a different player as he tackled well and pushed the Leeds midfielders back by pressuring them.

Kevin Ellison – 7
Tried well but didn’t get too many opportunities. Saw one effort go tamely through to Sullivan in goal. Another encouraging performance though.

Stuart Green – 8
Another good performance from the midfielder. He has picked up his game in recent weeks and it has been like a new signing since he has regained his form.

Craig Fagan – 10
You couldn’t ask for anymore. He covered every blade of grass, even for what appeared to be a lost cause. Never let the Leeds defence settle and they clearly struggled against his pace. He must start next week.

Jon Parkin – 10
His goal was deserved for the performance he gave. Did very well holding the ball up against more experienced centre-backs and was always a problem. Took his goal very well.

Stuart Elliott – N/A
Not really on for long enough to influence the game. Some loose passes didn’t help when city needed to keep the ball.

Billy Paynter – N/A
Not on long enough.

Manager Rating
10 – He got his players fired up for this game. You could see the players wanted to win the game for the fans. He got his tactics right and the signing of the Beast could be one of the best he has ever made.

Opponent Rating
7 – His team didn’t show as much desire at the Tigers did. Looks like automatic promotion may be over for them now and they will have to settle for the play-offs I feel.