Match Report Cardiff 1-1 Leeds

Luciano Becchio's second-half equaliser ensured Cardiff's hopes of making the npower Championship play-offs for a third successive season will go down to the wire.Leeds striker Becchio headed home his 11th goal of the season in the 73rd minute to cancel out Joe Mason's opener for Cardiff just before half-time and leave the Welsh side with a solitary point from their final home game of the season.Cardiff were unchanged from the side that beat Derby on Tuesday night, while Alex Bruce, Zac Thompson and Becchio returned for Leeds.
Bluebirds midfielder Liam Lawrence had an early effort saved by Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, and at the other end Ross McCormack headed wide against his former club after good work from Robert Snodgrass.Mason skewed his close-range effort off target as Cardiff sought an early breakthrough, but neither side created a further chance before Leeds defender Leigh Bromby was stretchered off in the 32nd minute.Bromby, who appeared to slip awkwardly unopposed and required immediate medical attention, was replaced by Paul Connolly.

That setback appeared to distract the visitors and Cardiff caught them napping to take the lead four minutes before the break, when Mason raced on to Peter Whittingham's raking pass from inside his own half and held his nerve to lob the ball over the advancing Lonergan from inside the penalty area.City striker Kenny Miller was then denied in fine style by Lonergan, who kept out the Scot's angled 18-yard drive as Cardiff threatened to increase their lead in time added on at the end of the first half.

Leeds began the second half with renewed purpose. Thompson's fierce shot was blocked by Cardiff defender Ben Turner and Becchio headed wide from 12 yards soon after.Leeds boss Neil Warnock sent on Ramon Nunez and Danny Webber for McCormack and Adam Clayton respectively just before the hour-mark and the visitors then went close when Danny Pugh's 20-yard effort flew wide.The visitors continued to give as good as they got, but Lonergan was forced into another excellent save in the 70th minute when keeping out Andrew Taylor's goalbound volley.

Leeds then dealt Cardiff's play-off hopes a blow with the equaliser three minutes later. Substitute Connolly swung over a fine cross from the right and Becchio rose above the home defence to head beyond Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall into the bottom corner.

Cardiff substitute Filip Kiss fired wide from the edge of the area and Whittingham failed to keep his 87th-minute free-kick on target as Leeds held on for a deserved point.

McCormack Rescues Leeds

Ross McCormack struck what could prove to be one of the most vital goals of Simon Grayson’s time in charge of Leeds United five minutes into injury time, as the Whites overturned a one-goal deficit to come from behind and beat 10-man Burnley.
Going into the game with a three-game losing run behind him and a very public demand of promotion from outspoken owner Ken Bates hanging over his head, some could have been forgiven for writing Grayson’s Elland Road obituary when his men fell behind to Charlie Austin’s 69th-minute opener.

But the under-pressure boss was given a leg-up by Brian Easton’s own goal with four minutes left and, when it looked as though he would have to take a draw against 10 men back to his chairman, McCormack pounced on Lee Grant’s fumble of Andros Townsend’s long-range strike to send his manager on an emotional charge of celebration down the touchline.

The end result was perhaps harsh on Burnley, who had looked set to record an eighth win in nine games when Austin scored - his goal coming some 40 minutes after Kieran Trippier had been sent off for two bookings, both of which came for fouls on lively debutant Townsend.

But it was Leeds who had the last word, with top scorer McCormack coming off the bench to grab his 12th and most important of the season.

Grayson said after Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Barnsley that some players may never play for him again and he stayed true to his word, making five changes, although it was Burnley who started better with Austin spurning a one-on-one chance.

Leeds then lost captain Patrick Kisnorbo to a 14th-minute knee injury that forced Grayson into another reshuffle, and he was thankful to see Andy Lonergan turn Austin’s opportunistic 25-yard drive over as he changed his side around.

Burnley began to fade after that second Austin effort and Townsend in particular opted to try and swing momentum in favour of the home side. Tripper was the man in his sights and twice in the space of six minutes he torched past the full-back, with referee Mike Brown brandishing a yellow card on both occasions, with the second one perhaps only worthy of a warning.

In between the two bookings Townsend ran at the Burnley defence and drilled wide but, after that and Trippier’s dismissal, both sides seemed without idea and limped through to the interval.

Leeds displayed a shade more invention at the start of the second half, with Ramon Nunez twice putting in crosses that caused Grant problems and Townsend fizzing a strike over from the corner of the area.

Townsend was relentless in his pursuit of whoever was occupying Burnley’s right-back berth and, after he drew a foul and a booking from David Edgar, Leeds mounted their first real spell of pressure which saw Brian Easton head away from under his own bar and Darren O’Dea then clip the top of the goal with a looping header.

Ben Mee then received the fourth yellow card of the afternoon awarded for a foul on Townsend, and from the subsequent free-kick, Nunez worked Grant for the first time.

Leeds rookie Zac Thompson then saw a volley scrape past Grant’s post from 25 yards, before Austin went one better at the other end, giving Burnley the lead out of nothing.

A long ball from Dean Marney fell to him in the box and, as the Leeds defence held back, he snapped at a half-volley on the turn and found Lonergan’s bottom corner with his 10th of the season.

Leeds were initially stunned, but got a fortuitous break when Easton turned Adam Clayton’s corner beyond Grant with four minutes left and then, when a draw looked on, McCormack pounced to offer his boss some welcome relief.

Townsend’s 25-yarder should have been a regulation save for Grant, but the keeper shelled the ball and McCormack did the rest.

Leed United Facing Tough Test

Leeds United will be bidding to scale an emotional backdrop to tonight’s npower Championship clash at Nottingham Forest to get their promotion drive back on track.Still stunned by the sudden death of former player Gary Speed, Leeds and their Forest hosts will wear black armbands in the player’s memory and there will also be a minute’s applause agreed by Forest before the kick-off. Boss Simon Grayson, who signed professional forms with the Whites 25 years ago on the same day as Speed, said: “Speedo was a true friend and a very, very popular man.

“He was such a popular person and this is a difficult time for everyone.”

Grayson has to try to lift his own spirits and that of a club thrown into mourning by the death, at the age of 42, of Speed.

And he has to also inspire his men to quickly erase the memory of their dispiriting Yorkshire derby defeat at home to Barnsley, which left the Whites totalling a mere two points from their last four games on home turf.

In contrast, Leeds’ spirited away form has been the reason why they remain in fifth place and well among the promotion pack.

Honduran striker Ramon Nunez will be pushing for a start after he came on for the ineffective Sam against Barnsley, while Andy Keogh will seek the same after he replaced Luciano Becchio, whose form has dipped.

Nunez Sign New Contract with Leeds

Honduran international Ramon Nunez has signed a new contract with Leeds United.The 25-year-old, who can play up front and in midfield, has signed a deal that takes him up to 2015 with the option of a further year.
The deal comes as reward for a player who has netted five goals in 10 appearances so far this season.
"I'm delighted," said Ramon."Leeds is the club that gave me an opportunity and I'm happy here. It's all about concentrating on my football and working hard to get into the team."Obviously getting in the Premier League is the goal of everybody here. We certainly have enough good players to do that."Having joined Scunthorpe United on loan last season, Ramon returned to Leeds impress during the pre-season campaign. He netted his first goals for the club in the Carling Cup win against Bradford and followed that with one against Hull and another Cup brace against Doncaster.With a number of attacking options at Simon Grayson's disposal, Ramon has been restricted to five starts and five substitute appearances, but he is confident his opportunities will come."I've no doubt that I'll get my opportunity and when I do I'll be looking to take it," he added.
Ramon follows in the footsteps of Tom Lees, who recently agreed a new, extended deal with the club.

Nunez :"the opportunity of a lifetime,"

Leeds United playmaker Ramon Nunez is hoping to get another chance to impress manager Simon Grayson in the Carling Cup.The Honduras international has already lit up the cup competition with doubles in previous rounds against Bradford and Doncaster.Nunez has passed up the chance of featuring against the likes of Venezuela and Paraguay to be available, a fact that Honduras coach Luis Suarez understands.The Whites tackle rivals Manchester United in the third round on Tuesday evening and Nunez is just hoping to have the chance to shine once again."This competition may not be everyone's top priority, but it means everything to me, because it has given me the opportunity of a lifetime," commented Nunez."I haven't figured too much in the Championship, but I have in the cup, and it's a chance I wasn't going to pass up."I knew the last international break was going to clash with the Bradford tie, so I told the coach I would be better off here. I just couldn't miss out on a chance with Leeds and it could benefit Honduras, because this sort of experience can only make me a better player."Even so, you wonder what the response might be. Some coaches might not take too kindly to it, but fortunately Luis was fine. I was thinking about Leeds first, but there was some consideration for Honduras as well, because the Carling Cup has already been good for me."I scored twice against Bradford and twice against Doncaster, and now I'm just waiting and hoping for the chance to play against Manchester United."It's the sort of thing I have dreamed of since my father moved the family to Dallas to give me and my sister Estela a better life. I was only five, but I was already kicking a ball around and dreaming of nights like this."I'm living that dream now, and it's just a huge platform for me to show what I can do. The way it all came together for me against Bradford and Doncaster, after we were behind in both games, was unreal.

"Now it's United and I just hope I'm picked, because my mum and dad and Estela are going to be watching on television in Dallas and scores of relatives and friends are tuning in back in Honduras."

Nunez: We can win promotion

GOAL-scoring ace Ramon Nunez says the current Championship table is misleading and that Leeds United firmly believe they can still win promotion to the Premier League.

United have picked up just four points from a possible 15 thus far and sit just 19th in the table, Simon Grayson’s side only one point off the drop zone heading into the international break.

But Nunez, who has already fired in five goals this term, feels the current standings are a harsh reflection of United’s performances and has few doubts that the Whites will soon climb the league.

The Honduran international had to watch 89 minutes from the bench on Saturday as United fell to a 2-1 defeat at Ipswich Town – dominating the first half and leading through Ross McCormack’s goal but then succumbing to second-half pressure after left-back Aidy White was controversially sent off.

It left a sour taste as United signed off for two weeks without club football but Nunez remains full of confidence that his side will soon be back competing at the top.

“I think we can definitely be up there,” said Nunez. “We’ve had a couple of unfortunate results which have us at the bottom end of the table. But I think in other circumstances, with a couple of things going our way, we could be in the top 10, if not the top six.

“It’s something that we can’t look into too deeply and we just have to remember that we have a great squad.

“We’ve shown it every game and we’ve been unfortunate in a couple.

“But we definitely have a great squad and we can definitely win promotion.”

United will return to action a week on Saturday when Crystal Palace are the visitors to Elland Road – followed by another home clash with Bristol City the weekend after

Nunez gives Grayson plenty to ponder

Carling Cup ace Ramon Nunez hopes his latest heroics will earn him a starting shot for Leeds at Ipswich tomorrow.The Honduran striker smashed two long-range goals in the midweek win over Doncaster to add to the couple he notched against City in the first round.Now Nunez is waiting to see if his latest nudge to Simon Grayson will persuade the Whites chief to give him a spot at Portman Road.Nunez said: “It’s always the manager’s decision on who to play. Us, as players, can only do it on the pitch and hope he picks up on what we do and puts us in the starting 11 on game day.“There is not much more I can do but keep working hard and wait for my chance.“I can feel my fitness getting better each time I play, as well as my confidence, and I want to keep it going.“I’m really enjoying playing on the left or in my favourite position at the minute, just behind the striker.“Hopefully I can keep on going and get some more games under my belt. The competition is always good here at the club, which is very healthy for the team.“Hopefully that’s something that can help the club get into the Premier League.”

Leeds enjoyed tremendous support at the Keepmoat Stadium, as they did in London last weekend during the battling 2-2 draw at West Ham. Nunez expects the fans to be out in numbers again for the trip to Portman Road.

“The fans have been great, not only this season but also last. They are one of the best crowds in England and it’s always comforting to have their support.

“We are very thankful for that and I’m sure it will continue until the end of the season.”

Ramon At The Double

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson made six changes from the side which drew 2-2 at West Ham just over 48 hours ago. Included in those were debuts for Paul Rachubka and Zac Thompson while Paul Connolly, Ramon Nunez, Lloyd Sam, and Andy O'Brien were all given run-outs.Included in the Doncaster side for the Carling Cup second round tie was formed Leeds skipper Richard Naylor.Unsurprisingly, the game attracted a big Leeds following, but the other three sides of the Keepmoat Stadium were sparsely populated by home fans.But it was those home fans who were celebrating after less than three minutes when James Hayter got in the end of an angled ball from distance into the box and turned it beyond Rachubka.
The hosts almost capitalised on some poor marking at a free-kick in the eighth minute, but O'Brien made a timely intervention to head an attempt clear.It was a frenetic start from the home side who looked to put Leeds under all sorts of early pressure.Rachubka was called upon to make a decent save inside the opening 20 minutes when he was tested by Kyle Bennett after United lost possession in the middle of the park and moments later, the keeper had to get down well at his near post to deny Simon Gillett as the hosts made all the early running.It should have been 2-0 on 21 minutes, though, when Doncaster broke quickly and Bennett lifted the ball over Rachubka. Thankfully, the ball came back off the inside of the post and back into the arms of the Leeds keeper.That appeared to be the cue for Leeds to finally come into the game with a first real spell of pressure. And Jonny Howson came within a whisker of bagging a leveller when he returned a Naylor clearance with a dipping shot which went just over the bar.Leeds were level on the half-hour however, courtesy of a stunning volley from Ramon Nunez. It was a superb strike from the Honduran who caught everyone by surprise with a sweetly struck first-time effort from just outside of the box.
The equaliser opened the game up more and as proceedings headed towards the halfway point, both sides were looking to get the ball forward quickly.One minute of stoppage time was added and in that first minute, Ross McCormack sent a shot skidding wide of the post.But it was Doncaster who had the first raid of the second period when Rachubka got down well to block a Bennett header after a good cross from Mustapha Dumbuya. Bennett had been a threat all night and he went close again when he lifted a shot just over Rachubka's bar.United's response came courtesy of Keogh, who sent a shot wide of the mark. McCormack also lifted the ball high and wide after some decent build-up play.
On the hour, Grayson made his first change, handing youngster Charlie Taylor another opportunity, in place of White at left-back. Max Gradel soon followed when he came on with 26 minutes still left on the clock.
The Ivorian had the ball in the net with a rare header three minutes after coming on, but the whistle had already been blown for an infringment. Gradel also weaved his way into the box moments later, but lifted a shot over the top.
There was a lot of bluster from both sides as the game entered the final 15 minutes, but little in the way of clear cut chances. Rachubka was called upon to save a swirling shot from Mark Wilson, but the effort was an opportunist strike from outside of the area.
At the other end, there was another strike from outside of the area, but this time it came from the boot of man in form Nunez and his stinging strike was well placed to bulge the net with Gary Woods well beaten.
It was Nunez's fifth strike of the season and, in keeping with his other goals, it was another classy effort from the Honduran.
The goal left United with less than 10 minutes to preserve the lead and spare an extra 30 minutes, and Rachubka did well to deny George Friend when a free-kick was sent in by the hosts on 87 minutes.
Moments later, Rachubka was beaten by a screamer from Bennett, but for the second time in the game, the youngster struck the upright.
Four minutes of stoppage time were added on, and Gradel had an opportunity to finish the tie early when he raced from the half-way line. But home goalkeeper Woods did well and managed to deny the United sub.

Doncaster V Leeds Pre-view

Simon Grayson will freshen up Leeds United’s line-up as the Whites approach their second game in three days at Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers in the Carling Cup.The Whites put in a heroic display at Championship favourites West Ham on Sunday – a 90th-minute leveller from the superbly impressive Adam Clayton sealing a 2-2 draw – which was the least Grayson’s side deserved.But after an energy-sapping afternoon in hot London sunshine, the Whites boss admits there will be changes for tonight’s second round tie at the Keepmoat.Both midfielder Michael Brown (calf) and striker Billy Paynter (thigh) remain doubtful with fellow frontmen Luciano Becchio (hamstring) and Davide Somma (knee) definitely out.
“We’ll have one or two people coming into the team because they might need an opportunity to play,” said Grayson.“We’ll see where everyone is (in terms of fitness) but it’s a game we want to win, and then we can concentrate on Ipswich after that.”Likely candidates to come into the team include midfielder Ramon Nunez and winger Lloyd Sam who both came on as second half substitutes at West Ham as well as the likes of defenders Andy O’Brien and Paul Connolly – unused on the bench at the weekend.However, recent recruit Brown remains a doubt and Grayson is grateful for his squad’s strength in depth.Of Brown, Grayson said: “He had a calf strain and that made the decision to bring Jonny Howson back in slightly easier.“I also brought Gradel back in for Nunez on Sunday because it was an opportunityfor him to shine and he’s a fantastic talent. He showed a lot of character after missing the penalty too, and he was a constant threat.“I’m delighted that we’ve got players like that to bring in because we had to do it at West Ham.”United’s opponents Doncaster, meanwhile, are suffering with all sorts of problems, currently sitting bottom of the Championship and with a whole host of players missing.Star striker Billy Sharp, Ryan Mason, James Chambers and Martin Woods are all out while on-loan duo Reece Brown and Milan Lalkovic are not eligible to play.However, Brian Stock, Shelton Martis, James Hayter and James O’Connor have all returned to training from injury and may come into contention.

One man expecting the Whites to take the League Cup seriously and book their place in round three is United legend Eddie Gray who was mightily impressed with Sunday’s draw at West Ham.

“I think Simon will pay a lot of attention to the League Cup,” said Gray.

“I think he will make a few changes but I still think we should be too strong for a Doncaster side that have started averagely and are struggling for players

Match Report Leeds 4 Hull City 1

Simon Grayson was forced into changing his starting line-up once again with Jonny Howson and Max Gradel both suspended, and Leigh Bromby injured.Aidy White made his first start of the season, at left-back, Darren O'Dea moved to centre-back, Ramon Nunez lined up on the left of a four-man midfield and Andy Keogh came in for his debut up front alongside Ross McCormack.Keogh, on loan from Wolves, almost made an immediate impact when he got a touch on a Robert Snodgrass free-kick and Paddy Kisnorbo saw his header cleared away. Moments later, Snodgrass tested Peter Gulacsi with a stinging shot.United also carved out an opening on the counter after Andy Lonergan collected a corner and moved the ball out quickly. Nunez raced away and fed McCormack, whose shot was deflected to safety by Joe Dudgeon.
Lonergan was again showing good command of his area and when Hull won a corner, Kisnorbo doing well, the keeper punched clear.United should have gone ahead on 15 minutes. Nunez beat Gulacsi from distance, but the shot came off the underside of the bar and McCormack was unable to keep his follow-up header down.

Moments later, McCormack was celebrating, though, when he got on the end of a Snodgrass cross and followed up his initial header, which was parried, to make it 1-0 to Leeds. It was United's first goal from open play in the league and was a well worked affair with the striker showing good instinct.
While McCormack was delighted to get off the mark, Keogh was also looking a threat and he curled a shot wide within three minutes of Leeds taking the lead.
United were dealt a blow on 21 minutes, however, when a cross came in from the Hull right and Tom Lees poked the ball into his own goal. Lees was unfortunate in that there was a Hull man coming in at the far post, and the defender had to make contact with the cross.
The equaliser saw the game level out somewhat after United's early domination, and Lonergan had to collect a couple of balls into the box after Hull got themselves in good wide positions.
United did have another opportunity leading up to half-time when Keogh again did well and McCormack saw his shot blocked by James Chester, but the goal did come moments later.

It was Lees who was the scorer when he blasted the ball home from the edge of the box on 40 minutes after Gulacsi failed to hold a ball into the box. It was the defender's first goal for the club.
United also had the ball in the net two minutes before the break when McCormack delivered a great finish - but his effort was ruled out for offside.
And Leeds had the ball in the net at the start of the second half and there was no doubt this time. Snodgrass was the scorer with a free-kick which he bent around the Hull wall.
It was the perfect start to the half and gave Leeds a two-goal cushion in a game for the first time since March.
Unsurprisingly, Hull looked to show some urgency after the goal, but United were looking fairly comfortable. When Aaron McLean got an opportunity in front of goal on the hour, Lonergan proved equal to the header and made another good save.
At the other end, United carved out a decent opening and Nunez fired over the bar from distance.
The Honduran made no mistake on 69 minutes when he got on the end of another flowing move forward and hammered the ball beyond Gulacsi to make it 4-1.
United were virtually home and hosed, although the visitors didn't give up the ghost and Matty Fryatt spooned a decent chance over the top for Hull. McLean also fired wide with a first time effort.
The final 15 minutes or so were a test for United to ensure no further goals were conceded as the visitors looked to salvage some pride from the contest.
But Leeds were always in with a chance of adding to the tally, and Snodgrass grazed the bar on 85 minutes with a shot from just outside of the box.
And that was virtually it as United eased towards a confidence boosting first league victory of the season, although Adam Clayton almost rounded off another fine performance at the heart of the midfield by adding a fifth, but he was denied by a Hull defender when the goal was beckoning.

Leeds United V Hull City Pre-View

Leeds' new loan signing Andy Keogh is expected to go straight into the starting line-up.The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international, signed initially on loan until January, is a likely starter as manager Simon Grayson is still without strikers Luciano Becchio, Billy Paynter and Davide Somma, while winger Max Gradel is suspended.Becchio (hamstring) and long-term absentee Somma (knee) have yet to play this season and Paynter missed out on Saturday with a thigh strain.Leeds will also be without suspended skipper Jonny Howson. The midfielder and Gradel were both sent off during Saturday's home defeat to Middlesbrough for two yellow card offences and will sit out respective one-game bans.Grayson could turn to Ramon Nunez and Lloyd Sam, who both stepped off the substitutes' bench against Middlesbrough, while young defenders Tom Lees, 20, and Zac Thompson, 18, will be hoping to feature again after making their debuts at the weekend.

Hull manager Nigel Pearson will pick from a virtually full-strength squad.

Defender Liam Rosenior (knee), striker Dele Adebola (back) and Aaron Mclean (calf) all returned to action as the Tigers secured their first win of the season at Ipswich.

Rosenior started at Portman Road and is expected to retain his place, while Adebola and Mclean were both late substitutes' and may have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare said: "There's a few aches and pains and niggles, but they all reported in [on Sunday].

"They'll train again and there are a couple who might just do a bit less, but we'll wait and see how they are on Tuesday morning."

Defender Paul McShane (calf) and winger Cameron Stewart (knee ligaments) are still unavailable.

Leeds United hero Nunez drop to bench

LEEDS United’s midweek Carling Cup hero Ramon Nunez is expected to return to the bench for tomorrow’s Championship home clash against Middlesbrough.Nunez bagged a brace in the 3-2 derby defeat of Bradford City at Elland Road on Tuesday night but the return of fellow wingers Robert Snodgrass and Max Gradel from international duty means the Honduran is unlikely to be handed a second start following his promising full debut.On-loan Celtic centre-back Darren O’Dea is also available again after playing in the Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw against Croatia and Andy O’Brien looks likely to make way after being jeered off by United fans following his substitution against Bradford.Strikers Luciano Becchio and Davide Somma remain sidelined, while fellow frontman Billy Paynter is also doubtful with a thigh strain.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, could be without highly-rated defender Matthew Bates, who is being courted by Premier League new boys Swansea and was left out of Tuesday’s 3-0 Carling Cup win at Walsall.

But Australian pair Scott McDonald and Rhys Williams both return from representing their country, as do Estonian Tarmo Kink and Barry Robson, who was an unused substitute in Scotland’s 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifier win over Denmark.

Nunez Fully Committed To Leeds Cause

Ramon Nunez has revealed that his Carling Cup rescue job for Leeds United was only possible due to turning down the chance to play for Honduras.The midfielder marked his first start at Elland Road by netting twice as Leeds fought back to beat Bradford City 3-2 in a thrilling first-round tie.For Nunez, his starring role on Tuesday night against the Bantams represented a welcome change of fortune after a year that has seen the 25-year-old fail to make the breakthrough since moving from Honduran club Olimpia during the 2010 summer transfer window.The double strike also represented reward for his decision not to join the Honduras squad to face Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale.Nunez, who has won 44 caps for his country, said: “I wanted to take a couple of games off international football to help myself at Leeds.“I want to be able to stay here and fight for my place. Honduras are playing Venezuela but I asked to stay here. It was something I touched on with the (Honduras) management. I told them I want to get settled in Leeds and this will benefit my game. I wanted to show my commitment to the team and let them know how much I want to do well here.”

Nunez’s decision to stay ensured United’s blushes were spared against League Two Bradford.

Trailing at half-time, Leeds drew level thanks to Nunez’s equaliser 26 seconds into the second half. Michael Flynn restored the visitors’ lead before Ross McCormack’s first goal of the season paved the way for Nunez to net the winner 15 minutes from time.

Nunez said: “I was happy to get the two goals but much happier that we got the win. It was a hard-fought game and, credit to Bradford, they made it tough for us.

“I also believe we made it tough for ourselves at times, too, and there are definitely things we need to work on. But we can do that. Half-time was like a wake-up call and we all knew that we had to play better in the second half.

“I was really disappointed because I had a great chance to score during the first half. There were so many things I could have done with the ball but didn’t.

“I did, though, know that it was still an early stage of the game so, if I kept my head, other chances would come along and I could tuck them away. Luckily, I was able to do that. The first goal was really important as it came early in the second half.

“Scoring two goals is always special but my parents were watching back home as well. It was about 12 o’clock when the game started so the timing was not too bad for them. I am sure they will be happy with what they saw.”

Nunez’s goals may have been his first in a Leeds shirt but he did manage to find the net three times in the Championship when on loan at Scunthorpe during the final few weeks of last season.

The Iron may have gone down despite Nunez’s late flurry of goals but the experience of playing regularly in the Championship meant he returned for pre-season with Leeds determined to make his mark.

And as part of that bid to establish himself at Elland Road, he has sought inspiration from team-mate Davide Somma. “I do look at Davide and see what he did. He went out on loan to Lincoln (in 2009-10), did well and then came back to score 12 goals last season. That is very admirable and is something I look up to. I want to do the same.

“Last season was very frustrating, especially as I am 25 and need to be playing first-team games. I knew that if I was patient that my chance would come. I love English football and want to do well here. It has always been a dream of mine to play here and I hope now that I have kick-started my career in England.

“Scunthorpe was good but I want to play for Leeds. I see this as just the start for me.”

Nunez’s double ensured Tuesday night ended on a high for United, who had slipped to a 3-1 defeat on the opening day at Southampton.

With back-to-back home games against Middlesbrough and Hull City to come in the next week, Nunez believes Leeds can push on. “Beating Bradford was very important as it could have made people nervous with two home games coming up.

“We had to win after the tough loss at Southampton. I believe it will lift our confidence.”

Nunez Sparks Leeds Comeback

Simon Grayson made three enforced changes to the side which lost to Southampton on the opening day of the season and drafted in two youngsters to his subs bench.Max Gradel, Robert Snodgrass, and Darren O'Dea were all away on international duty, prompting the inclusion of Lloyd Sam, Ramon Nunez and Ben Parker in the starting line-up. Zac Thompson and Charlie Taylor were the two youngsters on the bench. United had a couple of early raids and Bradford forced Andy Lonergan into making a save inside the opening 10 minutes.
There was also an early booking for Bradford's Dave Syers for a hefty challenge on Parker, and the visitors were clearly going to scrap and hassle for everything.Leeds put together the best passage of play so far on 20 minutes when Lloyd Sam whipped in a cross from the right and Adam Clayton's shot was over the top.
Clayton was also involved moments later when he beat the offside trap and crossed to create a good chance for Nunez, who lofted his effort over the bar.Leeds were starting to apply pressure and Nunez fired into the side netting on 27 minutes from a tight angle and more good play by Leeds.
But it was Bradford who went in front on 31 minutes. Mark Stewart did well down the left and pulled back for Jack Compton to convert from close range.
The goal rocked the Elland Road crowd and United had to re-group as the game headed towards the interval. In the final moment of the half Nunez had a shot deflected wide, but no corner was awarded.
Just 26 seconds into the second half United were level, though. Sam showed great feet inside the box, Clayton showed good awareness, and Nunez smashed home his first goal for the club to make it 1-1.
But Bradford threatened again when Syers seized on a loose ball and he drove his shot across the face of goal.United immediately raced down the other end and McCormack beat the offside trap before drilling a shot wide.The visitors went back in front on 57 minutes, though, with a goal of real quality. Robbie Threlfall played the ball into the box and Michael Flynn supplied a first time finish to stun Leeds.
Moments later, Syers found himself in the clear and bearing down on goal, but a poor touch gave Lonergan the opportunity to come out and deny the striker.On 62 minutes, Grayson made a double change with Tom Lees and Leigh Bromby replacing Paul Connolly and Andy O'Brien at the back.
United were now having to rally and both McCormack and Nunez threatened, and it was the Scot who found an equaliser on 69 minutes when he latched on to a great cross from the right and headed home at the far post.Less than five minutes later Leeds were in front for the first time. Sam got in a low cross, the Bradford keeper failed to deal with it, and Nunez was on hand to convert from close range.
The third goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of the plucky League Two side, and McCormack went close again as United pressed for another goal to put the game beyond doubt.
Clayton also tried his luck with a shot which stung the keeper's gloves before Guy Branston made an important block to deny McCormack. The Scot also brought about a good save and United were finishing the game strongly.
As the clock ticked down, Charlie Taylor joined Lees in the debut stakes when he replaced McCormack for the final three minutes of stoppage time.
Five minutes were added on, but United held firm to record progress in the competition by collecting a first win of the new season.

Leeds set to shuffle the Pack

Leeds United will be without four players due to international commitments for tonight’s Carling Cup first-round derby with Bradford City at Elland Road.Robert Snodgrass and Max Gradel are missing, with the former part of the Scotland squad due to take on Denmark at Hampden Park in a friendly tomorrow.
Gradel, handed his senior bow by the Ivory Coast in early June – coming on as a sub in the African Cup of Nations qualifiying win against Benin – will be hoping to claim his second full cap in the Elephants’ friendly against Israel at the Ivorian capital of Abidjan, also tomorrow.
Darren O’Dea, who joined the club late last week on a season-long loan from Glasgow Celtic, is unavailable with the defender in the Republic of Ireland squad for their clash with Croatia in Dublin tomorrow evening.
Another who has been called up by the boys in green is United teenager Aidy White, with the Horsforth lad handed a call-up last week ahead of Ireland U21s’ clash with their Austrian counterparts, which takes place in Sligo this evening (6pm).It’s White’s first call-up to the squad with the 19-year-old recently switching allegiance to Ireland after previously making his England U19 debut as a sub against the Czech Republic in March 2009.

Ben Parker is tipped to start at left-back, while Ramon Nunez, Lloyd Sam, Billy Paynter and Leigh Bromby could also be handed starts, with Alex Bruce and Mike Grella also in contention.

City could again be without full-back and former captain Simon Ramsden, who missed Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Aldershot because of a calf strain, tonight.

Centre-half Steve Williams is expected to feature after shrugging off a thigh injury and could replace Lee Bullock, injured at the weekend. Ritchie Jones is also in the reckoning following injury for City, set to hand a debut to Spurs loan keeper Oscar Jansson.

United will make a decision on trialists Felix Luz – who scored a hat-trick for a United XI against Farsley on Saturday – Dennis Grote and Ibrahim Maaroufi shortly, possibly at some point today or tomorrow.