Match Report :Leeds 0-1 Leicester

Leeds United came away with no points from their game against Sky Bet Championship leaders Leicester City at Elland Road.The table toppers were made to look ordinary, but after the Leeds missed a hatful of chances in the first half-hour they were made to pay as they fell to a cruel 88th minute winner scored by David Nugent from Leicester’s only shot on target. Brian McDermott made four changes after the shocking 6-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday and went back to basics as he had indicated with a 4-4-2 formation and Luke Varney brought in up front to play alongside Ross McCormack. In midfield Michael Brown returned while Sam Byram and Stephen Warnock were restored to their full-back positions. The biggest change was in attitude as Leeds came out fired up and got in their opponents’ faces right from the start, forcing mistakes and dominating the early exchanges. They were unlucky not to go in front in the fifth minute when Varney latched onto a loose clearance to cross the ball and McCormack’s header hit the post. Leicester replied in kind as Jamie Vardy got in behind a hesitant home defence to strike a shot against the outside of the post, but it was United forcing the pace and they came close again on eight minutes. Following a weak punch by former Leeds stopper Kasper Schmeichel the ball fell to McCormack and his lob beat the keeper only to be headed off the line by Matty James. A follow-up shot by the United top scorer was then deflected and tipped wide by Schmeichel. Varney headed wide from a corner a minute later then Jimmy Kebe sent a header into the side netting from a Rudy Austin cross. United continued to swarm forward and more great chasing down by Varney led to Leicester defender Paul Konchesky playing a loose pass. McCormack latched onto it and ran clean through only to be denied by a superb save by Schmeichel. The follow-up fell to Varney only for his header to be easily cleared. Leicester were fortunate to survive again on 26 minutes when Tom Lees somehow headed over a gaping goal after Schmeichel had misjudged a cross. But after all the chances and misses the visitors survived and gradually got a foothold in the game. Anthony Knockaert showed that they could still be a danger as he flashed a shot over from the edge of the box. The second half was an even contest and lacked the excitement of the first. Brown saw a shot from the edge of the box comfortably saved while James was not far wide from a similar range at the other end. Cameron Stewart, who was disappointing on his home debut, did have a couple of shots deflected wide, but in contrast to earlier Leeds struggled to create openings for all their endeavour. Leicester did not look any more likely to score, but they did late on when Liam Moore’s ball into the box was dummied by substitute Kevin Phillips and Nugent took a touch before being quicker than Lees and Paddy Kenny to the ball to poke it home from close range. Defeats do not come much tougher to take than this, but the facts are that Leeds have now lost five games on the trot and have only scored three goals in their last seven matches.

Leeds outclassed by Manchester City

Sergio Aguero struck twice as Manchester City kept their season alive by breezing into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Leeds. The Championship side were no match for the Barclays Premier League champions, who responded to last week's title setback with a dominant display at the Etihad Stadium. Yaya Toure began the procession early on before Aguero added a penalty and a fine finish either side of a close-range Carlos Tevez effort. Angered by last week's dismal loss at Southampton, Roberto Mancini kept his word and made six changes, with Joe Hart rested allowing deputy Costel Pantilimon an opportunity. The only Leeds player to make his mark early on was former City midfielder Michael Brown, who was constantly at the heels of his opponents and looking to irritate. Such was City's clear superiority it came as no surprise when they opened the scoring with just under five minutes gone. David Silva was involved in a neat move before Yaya Toure exchanged passes with Tevez on the edge of the box and then expertly took the ball round Jamie Ashdown. City went back on the attack and cut Leeds open with ease as Pablo Zabaleta released fellow Argentinian Aguero and another compatriot in Tevez fired narrowly wide. It seemed the Leeds defence could not cope with Aguero and Tom Lees gave him the opportunity to double the lead when he pulled him back in the area. Aguero finished emphatically from the spot and City began to stroke the ball around with even greater confidence. Leeds showed little bite and, when they did, it came some while later after Brown clipped Tevez. Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick was deflected into the side-netting and Javi Garcia got forward to glance a header across goal from a corner. Leeds belatedly tested Pantilimon when Ross McCormack forced the Romanian to palm away a free-kick in the last minute of the first half. Leeds were left reeling once again as Aguero combined with Silva and raced into the box before clipping a ball across goal for Tevez to volley in from close range. Jack Rodwell came off the City bench and almost made an immediate impact as he headed onto the crossbar after Ashdown had parried a Yaya Toure shot. The fourth City goal came after 74 minutes as Silva split the Leeds defence with a superb pass and Aguero turned and waited for the optimum moment to curl past Ashdown. Another City substitute, Edin Dzeko, brought a good low save out of Ashdown as City cantered to victory.

Leeds United 1-1 Charlton

Neil Warnock made four changes to his starting line-up with Adam Drury, Luke Varney, David Norris, and Paul Green coming into the side. Rodolph Austin and Lee Peltier missed out through injury while Aidy White and Michael Tonge were among the subs.The first real chance of the game fell to Leeds after 11 minutes when Jason Pearce found space to plant a header over the bar. Moments later, Norris had shot blocked by Leon Cort after showing great skill following a poor Charlton clearance.It wasn't the most inspiring of opening half hours with neither side finding any real fluency to take a grip on the game. Shortly after the half-hour, El-Hadji Diouf started a flowing move that ended with him trying to barge his way through the Charlton defence. But United were in front on 36 minutes when Varney headed down a Michael Brown ball into the box and Norris fired home from inside the box. The visitors had offered little in the way of a threat, but United had an escape moments before half-time when a cross took a deflection off Tom Lees and hit the woodwork. Charlton were level just minutes into the second half, though, with their first real shot of the night. Lawrie Wilson made a deft touch to Dorian Dervite whose strike from outside of the box squeezed in the far corner. Charlton also created an opening when Salim Kerkar couldn't quite make a good connection inside the box as the cross came in. The second half was an open affair. Diouf won a couple of corners for Leeds and Charlton looked to attack down the flanks before delivering balls into the box. Chances were few and far between, though, and Paddy Kenny had to be alert to deny Chris Solly after one good move by the visitors. Kerkar also sent a shot wide after some decent play by Charlton. And Kenny had to spead himself well to make a great save in the final minute when Bradley Wright-Phillips got on the end of another low ball into the box. United pressed in stoppage time, the visitors had to hack away a Diouf corner, and from the Charlton break, Kenny had to pull off another fine save.

Michael Brown Sign new Leeds contract

Leeds United midfielder Michael Brown has signed a new one-year contract with the club.
The 35-year-old made 26 appearances for United last season and says he is up for the challenge of trying to retain his place in Neil Warnock's starting line-up."I'm delighted to sign the contract and get things sorted," he told the club's official website. "The gaffer has made a lot of changes over the summer and I'm looking forward to being a part of things."There's a great spirit here and everything has gone well in pre-season."Some good players have been brought in, and there is plenty of competition, but I'm more than up for the challenge and will hopefully play a part in a successful Leeds United side."

Leeds United Squad Numbers Announced

Leeds United have announced the squad numbers for the coming season with six new recruits figuring in the first 11 numbers.Paddy Kenny has been given the number one shirt, Adam Drury wears three, Jason Pearce will wear five, Paul Green gets the number seven shirt, Rodolph Austin will be eight, and Luke Varney has been allocated 11.Tom Lees also steps into the first 11 numbers with the number four shirt while Luciano Becchio retains the number 10.Aidan White will wear 14 for the new season while Andy Gray is 18 and David Norris 19. Michael Brown will wear number 21 this season and Zac Thompson has been given the number 23 shirt.
Ross McCormack will wear his favoured number 44.

1 PADDY KENNY
2 
3 ADAM DRURY 
4 TOM LEES 
5 JASON PEARCE 
6 
7 PAUL GREEN 
8 RODOLPH AUSTIN 
9 
10 LUCIANO BECCHIO 
11 LUKE VARNEY 
12 JAMIE ASHDOWN 
13 
14 AIDAN WHITE 
15 
16 DANNY PUGH 
17 
18 ANDY GRAY 
19 DAVID NORRIS 
20 
21 MICHAEL BROWN 
22 ROBBIE ROGERS 
23 ZAC THOMPSON
24 PAUL CONNOLLY
44 ROSS McCORMACK

Warnock wants Brown to stay

Leeds manager Neil Warnock is confident midfielder Michael Brown will extend his stay at Elland Road.Brown, who joined the West Yorkshire club from Portsmouth last summer, was an ever-present in Warnock's starting XI until a red card picked up at Easter effectively ended his season.The 35-year-old former Sheffield United and Tottenham player was offered a new one-year contract at the end of the season following the expiry of his current deal and Warnock expects him to put pen to paper in time for the new season."We've offered Michael another year and I think we'll start that from next month," Warnock told the club's offical website.Brown, who joined Leeds on a free transfer from Portsmouth last summer, made 26 first-team appearances last season, most of them coming after the arrival of Warnock as manager in February.

Leeds 1 Leicester 2

It was the final game of the season for Neil Warnock and his men, and the boss recalled Paul Connolly back to his starting line-up from with Michael Brown returning from suspension.The Leicester team included two former United men in their ranks, Jermaine Beckford and Kasper Schmeichel, and the latter made two good blocks inside the opening five minutes to deny Robert Snodgrass and Luciano Becchio.The visitors also had a couple of attempts off target during the opening 20 minutes or so and the match had a real end of sense of feel about it.United were the better of the two sides and when Snodgrass and Alex Bruce linked up well down the right Adam Clayton had a shot blocked.When Beckford won a free-kick on the edge of the box, Andy Lonergan beat away the strike, but the visitors got themselves in front when Martin Waghorn was able to capitalise on some sloppy defending to race clear on goal before tucking the ball beneath Lonergan.
The United keeper also had a save to make early in the second half when Waghorn was presented with another decent chance in front of goal.Schmeichel had to react quickly at the other end, following a neat passage of play, as United looked to get back in the game.As the game headed towards the closing stages, Leicester had a couple more half chances, but failed to seriously trouble Lonergan, and like the season, the game looked set to fizzle out.Mikael Forssell did test Schmeichel when he turned and shot, and Leicester responded with a strike over the top.But Danny Webber did bag an equaliser 10 minutes from time when Snodgrass played a low ball in and he converted from close range.There was still time for one final twist, though, and in stoppage time, Leicester sub Harry Panayiotou settled matters, despite appeals for offside.

Leeds 0-2 Derby-Match Report

Neil Warnock welcomed Paul Connolly, Darren O'Dea and Ramon Nunez into his starting line-up for the second game of the Easter weekend.While the club's Play-Offs had all been extinguished, the new boss was challenging his players to prove their worth for next season and was also demanding a positive finish to the home campaign.Warnock was still searching for his first win at Elland Road since officially taking over, and after one early header over the top, Tom Lees did well to shut out Nathan Tyson.United's first serious raid came to an end with a penalty appeal when Ramon Nunez appeared to be bundled to the ground while looking to advance inside the box.At the other end, Andy Lonergan had to punch away one inswinging delivery while Tyson sent another header wide of the park.There was little to excite the fans during the opening 25 minutes, but Leeds were once again reduced to 10 men when Michael Brown was dismissed for a high foot.United almost immediately carved out another chance and Darren O'Dea went close with a header from a free-kick.But it was the visitors who took the lead on minutes when Craig Bryson found the space to get in a clean strike on goal which beat Lonergan.Leeds looked to get back on terms and McCormack went close, but Derby also tested the home defence once again before the break.The second half started at a frenetic pace, but Derby again looked the more threatening and United had more defending to do.
There had been an edge to the game throughout and tempers flared after Connolly was booked for a challenge on the hour.Derby keeper Frank Fielding was called into action for the first time on 63 minutes when he had to get down well to scramble away a shot from Nunez.But it was Derby who scored a second when Steven Davies capitalised on a loose ball after a good block by O'Dea and was able to stroke the ball home.With 20 minutes remaining, Warnock made his first change, introducing Billy Paynter in place of Becchio.But as the game headed into the final 10 minutes, United made little in terms of headway and match appeared to be slowly petering out into a routine away win.Substitute Danny Webber had an opportunity with six minutes remaining, but his shot was wide of the mark.Derby substitute Jamie Ward also had a chance at the other end, but he was denied by Lonergan after a clinical break by the visitors.
The visitors also had a couple of near misses in stoppage time, but it mattered little as they collected a 2-0 victory to move above Leeds.

Match report: Leeds United 0-1 Reading

Simon Grayson shuffled his pack for the visit of Reading. Andy Lonergan returned to the starting line-up for the first time since October after injury while Michael Brown and Ross McCormack also won recalls.Sadly, Lonergan's first taste of the action was to pick the ball out of the back of the net after Simon Church latched on to a long ball forward and lifted the ball home from the tightest of angles.It was a good finish, but a simple route to goal, and United were suddenly playing catch-up. The response was good with Leeds coming back out of the traps quickly and Reading were immediately put under pressure.But Reading went close again on the quarter-hour when Jobi McAnuff cut in from the right and blazed a shot wide of the mark.And Lonergan was called upon to make a good save low to his left on 20 minutes before Aidy White scrambled the ball away for a corner.On the half-hour, United won a free-kick when McCormack was brought down by McAnuff on the edge of the box, but the resultant set-piece was twice blocked by the Reading defence.The visitors did close go with a free-kick before the interval when Kaspars Gorkss headed over the top, and in the final moment of the half McCormack headed into the arms of Adam Federici.There were no changes for either side at half-time as United went in search of a route back into the game.The opening stages of the second period were a tight affair with United struggling to make any real headway against a well organised Reading side.United fashioned out a chance on 59 minutes when Danny Pugh, Robert Snodgrass, and Paul Connolly all combined well before a cheeky back-heel from Adam Clayton was smothered by Federici.On 65 minutes, Grayson made a triple change for United with Lloyd Sam, Andy Keogh and Mika Vayrynen all joining the fray.Keogh was the first sub to have any involvement when Paddy Kisnorbo headed on a Snodgrass free-kick, and the Irish international tried a spectacular effort which he couldn't quite pull off.There was a scramble on 74 minutes when both Luciano Becchio and Sam were denied by some good defending, but Reading's response was a quick break which put Leeds on the back foot.
Reading goalkeeper Federici had to react well to clear from Snodgrass on 80 minutes and Pugh followed up with a shot that was deflected wide, but the visitors remained strong and organised as the clock started to tick down.The final 10 minutes or saw offered little in the way of a route back for Leeds, as the visitors edged towards victory.Four minutes of stoppage time offered United a glimmer of hope, but there was to be no way back for Grayson's men as Reading picked up all three points.

Howson and Brown Doubtful for Watford Game

Leeds United are awaiting news on the severity of Jonny Howson’s injury after seeing their captain limp out of Saturday’s victory over Millwall.Howson suffered a knee problem in the first half of United’s 2-0 win at Elland Road, leaving the field after contesting a challenge with Millwall midfielder Jimmy Abdou.The 22-year-old slid into a tackle in an attempt to dispossess Abdou on the edge of Millwall’s box, and Howson’s painful reaction led to his substitution soon after.He thought briefly about returning to the pitch but was withdrawn after discussions between manager Simon Grayson and club physiotherapist Harvey Sharman, and Grayson is hoping for a positive assessment amid concerns that United’s captain is facing a spell on the sidelines.Grayson said: “We’re not sure how badly damaged his knee is. He was on crutches at the end of the game when he came back out to the dug-out but it’s too early to diagnose at the moment.”Howson’s injury was one of two which forced Grayson into first-half alterations, and Michael Brown is an early doubt for this weekend’s visit to Watford after hurting an ankle.Brown was making only his seventh start of the season but Howson, who maintained an ever-present record during the 2010-11 campaign, has missed only one fixture through suspension this term.

Nunez on Target Again As Leeds Remain Unbeaten

Leeds maintained their unbeaten run in pre season with a draw in Norway against Sandefjord.The game finished 1-1 after both sides scored inside the final five minutes.Sandefjord took the lead only for Nunez to equalise with a long-range effort.Simon Grayson named just a seventeen-man squad with trialist Alexandre Mendy again in the starting line up.There was no place in the squad for fellow trialist Boldiszar Bodor who played at Sheffield Wednesday who was supposed to be making the trip.Ross McCormack had Leeds first effort on goal but his shot went wide of the post.McCormack should have opened the scoring after he was fouled inside the box.The striker stepped up and fired his penalty kick wide of the post, his second miss from the spot in pre season.Mendy had the final chance of the first half but headed over.Ramon Nunez was the first substitution of the evening replacing Michael Brown ten minutes into the second half.Nunez quickly made an impact seeing a shot go just wide of the post.Adam Clayton had a decent effort tipped over the bar as Leeds controlled the game.Tom Lees had a great chance from a corner when he sent a header over the bar when free inside the area.Max Gradel replaced Ross McCormack inside the final five minutes and he was quickly involved, firing a shot over the crossbar.The home side scored in the final minutes of the game when Stokke fired in from close range.Leeds still had time to find an equaliser when Nunez fired home from distance with the assistance of a deflection.

It was to prove the final meaningful action of the game as Leeds maintained their unbeaten pre season.

Leeds now prepare for their final pre season game of the summer when they entertain Newcastle on Sunday.

Motherwell 1 Leeds United 2

Having beaten Falkirk in midweek, United manager Simon Grayson was again looking to utilise his full squad for the game against SPL side Motherwell.And it was Leeds who created the first opening of the game when Lloyd Sam sent over a cross which Billy Paynter puled back across goal inside the first minute.It was a lively opening to the game and Paul Rachubka was also called into action inside the opening five minutes to make a decent save at the near post after good build-up play by the home side.Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley received a stern talking to early in the game following an altercation that was ended by an intervening Paddy Kisnorbo.Leeds were backed by a terrific away following at Fir Park, too, giving some atmosphere to the game.Michael Brown and Adam Clayton were the sitting central midfielders for United with Jonny Howson being given licence to play in an advanced role.And Clayton was the instigator of what appeared to be the opening goal. The youngster whipped in a cross from the left and Paynter poked the ball home from close range - but the effort was ruled out by an offside flag.
Moments later, Motherwell mounted a raid down their left and Steven Hammell smashed a shot against the post after cutting in at an angle.
As the half wore on the rain started to fall, making the pitch greasy, and two Motherwell defenders may have struggled a little when they combined to send Sam sprawling on 34 minutes to win a penalty for United.
Ross McCormack, Scotland international and one-timer Motherwell favourite, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Darren Randolph, who dived low to his left.
Motherwell had an opportunity themselves after Kisnorbo was somewhat harshly penalised on the edge of the box, but the resultant free-kick was over the head of Paul Rachubka and over the bar.
The hosts did get their noses in front on 39 minutes, though, when Chris Humphrey found space on the right and his low cross was converted by Jamie Murphy who slid the ball home at the far post.
Just over 60 seconds later, McCormack had the ball in the net at the other end after good work by Sam, but the whistle had already gone for an infringement.
And shortly before half-time, Aidy White embarked on a run that saw him carry the ball a full 50 yards before his pull-back cross was cleared over his own bar by Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson.
Grayson made four changes at half-time with Alex Bruce, Ben Parker, Max Gradel and Rob Snodgrass all being handed run-outs. The rain also returned with vengance at the start of the second period as the game kicked off in a torrential downpour.
The home side started brightly and after Paul Connolly cut out one cross, Alex Bruce headed away a corner from underneath his own bar.
But Bruce was involved at the other end moments later when he had a header turned over the bar after McCormack saw a shot turned wide.
Snodgrass was also denied with a header, following a good cross from Gradel after Paynter had charged down a poor clearance.
Gradel threatened again on 60 minutes when he had a shot deflected to Randolph in the Motherwell goal, but the home side came storming back up the park and Rachubka showed good command of his box by coming out to punch the ball clear.
Zac Thompson was next to be denied after a move he started and finished. He released McCormack with a good ball and collected the return before being denied by Randolph. Thye Motherwell goalkeeper also pushed the resultant corner over the top under pressure from Snodgrass.
But the next corner proved decisive as Randolph failed to collect and Bruce was on hand to convert from close range to make it 1-1.
Motherwell responded when Rachubka had to save a Michael Higdon header and on the break Thompson saw a shot deflected wide for United. The hosts again failed to deal with the set-play and Randolph had tol be alert to make an instinctive block to deny Bruce once again.
Moments later, United were in front, though, courtesy of a stunning solo effort from Ramon Nunez. The Honduran showed great skill to weave his way through on goal before working an opening for himself to slip the ball home to make it 2-1.
Having surrendered leads like this last season, Grayson was looking for his troops to close the game out and both Rachubka and Parker made good clearances when Motherwell came forward.
Gradel almost created a third, but was denied by a good challenge when McCormack was waiting in the middle, while at the other end substitute goalkeeper Alex Cairns warmed his hands by collecting a free-kick, curled in from just outside of the area. Cairns also made another decent save late on.
And that proved to be the last real action of what was another impressive pre-season outfit as United ended the week in Scotland by recording a second successive victory north of the border.

Smith Update

Alan Smith’s mooted return to Leeds United looks increasingly doubtful with the Newcastle midfielder no closer to completing a transfer to Elland Road.

A source close to Smith told the Yorkshire Evening Post that a deal to take him back to his former club was “unlikely” with three weeks to go before the start of the English season.

Rumours that Smith was on the verge of leaving Newcastle United for Elland Road circulated on Tuesday after one prominent bookmaker slashed the odds on the move taking place.

But Leeds are understood to be as far away from signing him as they were when Smith, pictured left, returned to pre-season training with Newcastle on July 4.

The Championship club have expressed a firm interest in the 30-year-old, who left Leeds for Manchester United in a highly-controversial move five seasons ago, but the task of prising him away from St James’ Park was always riddled with complications.

Smith is earning in the region of £55,000 a week and has one year remaining on his contract on Tyneside.

Newcastle are ready to release him on a free transfer but the player is believed to be unwilling to accept any deal which forces him to take a wage cut.

The former England international would receive a vastly decreased wage at Elland Road, though Newcastle are said to be contemplating funding a portion of the salary owed to him next season to facilitate a transfer.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson admitted recently that filling the centre of his midfield was a priority for the club after Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny – his partnership for most of last season – left Elland Road on free transfers.

United filled one vacancy by landing former Portsmouth and Sheffield United player Michael Brown on a one-year deal on Monday but Grayson is continuing to search for further recruits with the start of the Championship season on the horizon

Falkirk 0 Leeds 2

United manager Simon Grayson used the majority of his squad for the opening game of the summer, Davide Somma, Andy O'Brien, Luciano Becchio, and Fede Bessone missing through injury.The boss planned to play almost two seperate XIs, and his first half side included summer signings Michael Brown and Paul Rachubka, along with Paddy Kisnorbo and the returning Ben Parker.The opening exchanges saw United play some decent football against the Scottish first division outfit and there were useful touches by the likes of Ramon Nunez and Lloyd Sam.In typical pre-season fashion, there were no real chances early doors although United goalkeeper Paul Rachubka did get down well to stop a Kallum Higginbotham effort inside the opening 15 minutes.United did come close on 25 minutes when Robert Snodgrass curled a free-kick into the side-netting and moments later Billy Paynter shot just wide after great work by Nunez.The lively Sam also went close when he saw his shot turned for a corner, but Leeds did go ahead on 36 minutes when a Nunez cross was turned in by Falkirk defender Thomas Scobbie.All in all it was a useful 45 minutes against a side who looked like quite lively, and as predicted Grayson made a number of changes at half-time, although not the predicted wholesale re-shuffle.There were six changes with Alex Bruce, Leigh Bromby, Aidy White, Jonny Howson, Max Gradel, and Ross McCormack were all introduced.United started the second half with some crisp passing, and it was 2-0 on 53 minutes when Aidy White fed Lloyd Sam who crossed for Snodgrass to head home from close range.Snodgrass almost repaid that favour moments later when his cross from deep found Sam, but the Falkirk keeper was equal to the header.Grayson made another raft of changes on 63 minutes and almost immediately United were denied a third goal by a goal-line clearance after McCormack swung the ball into the middle.The changes prompted a mass re-shuffle that saw Zac Thompson and Nathan Turner in the middle of the park, Lewis Turner at right-back, White moved to the right side of the midfield, and Tom Lees returned to the fray at left-back.The final 20 minutes or so saw the fluency disappear slowly with both sides have made so many changes, but Leeds still had some decent possession at times and showed good movement.With around six minutes left on the clock, Gradel was withdrawn after taking a knock and United headed into the final moments with just 10 men on the field.In the final minute, Falkirk did have a couple of opportunites when Higginbotham came within inches with a strike from distance before Scobbie headed into the arms of Cairns.
And that proved to be the final action as United picked up a 2-0 win to kick-off pre-season.