Clayton Leaves Leeds for Rivals

Midfielder Adam Clayton has joined Championship newcomers Huddersfield Town for an undisclosed fee. Clayton is well known to Huddersfield Town Manager Simon Grayson, who brought the former England under-20 international to Elland Road from Manchester City. The 23-year-old was placed on the transfer list by United manager Neil Warnock at the end of last season after failing to agree a new contract with the club.Clayton, who has signed a three-year deal with the League One Play-Off winners, made 50 appearances for United after initially joining on loan from Manchester City in the summer of 2010.

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.

Lucky "Saints" complete Elland Road Smash n Grab Raid

Neil Warnock made one enforced change to his starting line-up for his first home game in 'official' charge with Leigh Bromby coming in for the injured Alex Bruce at right-back.Elland Road gave Warnock a warm reception as he took to the home dugout for the first time, and his players responded in kind with a high octane start to the match.Adam Clayton had an early close-range effort smothered by Kelvin Davis, but for all their cavalier efforts they were not able to make the most of their dominance before Lambert opened the scoring on 16 minutes.Against the run of play, Jack Cork's cross from the right was headed back across by Tadanari Lee and Lambert was well-placed to hammer home a volley for his 20th league goal of the season.
Warnock joined the rest of the home crowd in screaming for a penalty when a shot struck Jose Fonte's elbow inside the area, but referee Nigel Miller ignored the appeals.New Leeds captain Robert Snodgrass, Ross McCormack and Aidan White all went close but were unable to beat Davis in the Southampton goal, but they went into the break on terms having lost defender Leigh Bromby to injury midway through the half.Despite being ahead it was Saints manager Nigel Adkins who made the changes at half-time, bringing on Guly do Prado and Dean Hammond.Warnock responded by bringing on Danny Webber for his debut 10 minutes into the second half as Leeds continued to enjoy the bulk of the attacking possession.Davis was a rock for Southampton as he first made an exceptional close-range double-save from Luciano Becchio before, just moments later, denied Webber with a fingertip save.Lloyd Sam came on with a quarter of an hour remaining, but even though he injected some pace and impetus into a Leeds team that was becoming increasingly frustrated he could not help them find a way through.The closest they came was during an almighty scramble in the six-yard box following a corner,Unbelievably, and summing up Leeds evening, one attack ended with two headers hitting the bar after Southampton failed to clear, the second one coming from Darren O'Dea.But, amazingly, Southampton held on to walk away with all three points to deny United.

Late Late Winner Seals Points for Leeds(again)

New Leeds United manager Neil Warnock met the players for the first time before the game and was sat in the stand watching as Neil Redfearn took charge of the team for the last time. Doncaster kicked off with 10 men after Pascal Chimbonda was sent back to the dressing room to remove an earring.Leeds started well, the recalled Andros Townsend initiating one early raid, but it was Doncaster who had the first chance when Habib Bamogo hit the post with a header. Leeds came forward, Luciano Becchio put the ball over the top after a good ball from Adam Clayton.It was an untidy opening half hour with neither side really taking a grip on the game and chances being at a premium. Robert Snodgrass created one opportunity for Clayton, but the midfielder's shot was charged down.And it was Doncaster who took the lead on 31 minutes when Andy Lonergan made a good block from James Hayter and the ball fell to Mamadou Bagayoko who drilled it home into an empty net.United actually came close to an equaliser on 37 minutes when Chimbonda almost headed a free-kick into his own goal.But it was the visitors who should have gone further ahead early in the second half when Hayter found space to get in a powerful strike on goal - but his effort struck the bar and bounced to safety.
Almost immediately, United responded and Becchio headed an Alex Bruce cross just over the top.
But Doncaster were 2-0 up on 52 minutes when they again found plenty of space and Bagayoko converted from close range after good work by El Hadj Diouf.

United pulled one back within less than two minutes, though, when Andros Townsend levelled with a good low strike from just inside the box.Townsend went close again shortly after the hour when he tried his luck from distance with a shot that flew wide of the mark. And the on loan Tottenham midfielder also provided Becchio with an inviting cross, but his header was saved by David Button.United had built up a good head of steam now and were pushing forward in search of a leveller. Ross McCormack was next to be denied by the Doncaster goalkeeper as he looked to take the ball around Button.Robbie Rogers was introduced with 12 minutes to go, but it was Snodgrass who created the next chance with another good delivery for Becchio.
But Leeds were level with 10 minutes left when Clayton got on the end of a good ball in from Snodgrass and scored with a sweet strike to make it 2-2.
With the impetus firmly with United, Doncaster looked to slow things down and hold on to the point. As the game hit the 90-minute mark, and the fourth official displayed five minutes of added time, there was a lengthy and worrying stoppage after Rogers and Tommy Spurr had a clash of heads and both were stretchered off.
Play eventually resumed almost six minutes later, and in the 99th minute it was the Leeds who were celebrating when Becchio latched on to a loose ball to smash it home from just inside the box to settle the points.While police reinforcements were seen sprinting into the tunnel after the game following a huge altercation between players from both sides.

Match Report:Crystal Palace 1-1 Leeds United

Robert Snodgrass stepped off the bench to rescue a point for Leeds against 10-man Crystal Palace just over two weeks after undergoing surgery on his appendix.

The Scotland international, a surprise inclusion in the Leeds squad, struck from close range in the 63rd minute to cancel out Chris Martin's early opener for Palace.

The hosts played the second period with 10 men after striker Sean Scannell had been sent off on the stroke of half-time for a second yellow card.

It was the second game running Leeds had come from behind against 10 men after Ross McCormack's stoppage-time winner against Burnley in their last league outing, but today's point did little for either side's npower Championship play-off aspirations.

Palace, with one eye on Wembley in the Carling Cup, have won just three of their last their last eight league games and have dropped to 13th place, while Leeds slipped to 11th, albeit just one point adrift of the top six.

Palace wasted little time in picking up where they left off in their Carling Cup semi-final win over Cardiff on Tuesday night - Anthony Gardner's goal gave them a slender lead to take into the second leg - to take a sixth-minute lead.

Martin cut inside on the left side of the penalty area and arrowed an angled shot into the bottom corner beyond Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan for his second goal of the season.

Leeds spurned their best chance when unmarked midfielder Danny Pugh lashed Adam Clayton's corner over the crossbar from six yards.

Julian Speroni then pulled off two fine saves in quick succession to keep his side ahead.

The Palace keeper smothered Clayton's effort from inside the area and then parried defender Tom Lees' shot in the 36th minute.

Palace were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time. Scannell, already booked for a foul on Andros Townsend, was shown a second yellow card by referee David Coote for his clumsy challenge on Pugh.

Returning Ross McCormack's close-range effort was blocked by Paddy McCarthy and Speroni saved again, from Lees' header, as the visitors looked to make their extra man count after the break.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson sent on Snodgrass for defender Aidy White in the 56th minute and was rewarded seven minutes later.

McCormack slipped the ball to his fellow Scot inside the box and Snodgrass tucked the ball into the bottom corner from six yards.

Republic of Ireland defender Paul McShane, signed on loan from Hull this week, made his Palace debut when replacing Mustapha Dumbuya in the 67th minute.

But Leeds continued to press. Snodgrass, Pugh and Clayton were all off target with long-distance efforts, while Speroni denied Leeds an 86th-minute winner when keeping out substitute Mikael Forssell's close-range shot.

Leeds thrash Forest to honour Speed

Leeds kicked off what promises to be a long goodbye to Gary Speed with an emotional and impressive 4-0 win at Nottingham Forest.Wales manager Speed was found dead at his home on Sunday aged 42 and Leeds, with whom he won the old First Division title in 1992, were the first of his five former clubs to play since the tragic news broke.Manager Simon Grayson, who forged a lifelong friendship with Speed after they signed schoolboy forms with Leeds on the same day when they were 14, asked his players to win the game in Speed's memory.And they duly produced their best performance of the season to do so, with first-half goals from Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson and second-half strikes from Luciano Becchio and Adam Clayton doing the damage.Leeds' dominant on-field display was almost a backdrop to a celebration of Speed's life off it, though.Prior to kick-off the two sets of fans shelved historic animosities dating back to the feuds of Brian Clough and Don Revie to join together in a minute's applause, while the travelling support chanted Speed's name for 11 minutes during the first half.Speed predominantly wore that shirt number throughout his 312 appearances for Leeds and it was during that vocal tribute that they opened the scoring.They had started the better of the sides with Snodgrass twice going close, before Becchio's flick played in Howson and he drew a save from Lee Camp. Michael Brown, making a first start since September 10, then worked the keeper somewhat harder from 30 yards.The pressure soon told and in the 20th minute, Leeds took the lead. Snodgrass picked up possession midway through the Forest half and, after a handful of paces, he beat Camp with a crisp left-footed drive from 20 yards. The goal was celebrated no more vehemently than by Grayson who was close to breaking down on the sidelines.

Forest had no answer to Leeds' pressure and Becchio soon broke through looking to make it two but Joel Lynch made a last-ditch saving tackle, before Lynch's defensive partner Wes Morgan made an even more impressive block.Seven minutes before the break Snodgrass got clear and, although Camp left his goal to meet him, Snodgrass won the tackle between the two. He then tried to find the vacant goal but Morgan managed to get back and deflect his 25-yard effort over.A jinking run from Snodgrass then laid on a simple chance that Howson should have finished, although it mattered little as the two combined to greater effect just seconds later.Becchio's touch found Snodgrass, whose cushioned pass set Howson free down the right. He was still 25 yards from goal but hit a first-time half-volley that gave Camp no chance and found the top corner for his first goal since his effort during a 4-1 win over Forest in April.Forest introduced the powerful Ishmael Miller at half-time in a bid to start a rescue mission, but their task got all the harder in the 49th minute when Becchio rose to head in a Brown cross for his second of the season.Miller's arrival did give his side a new outlet, though, and his header, although comfortably held by Alex McCarthy just before the hour, marked his side's first real chance.However it was only a momentary spark for Forest and with 24 minutes left Leeds made it four. Howson robbed Greg Cunningham of possession just outside the area and, although his shot was parried by Camp, Clayton was on hand to despatch the rebound.Forest midfielder Andy Reid saw red for a second yellow card with 11 minutes to go to cap an awful night for his side.

Leeds Bounce Back In Style

Adam Clayton struck a superb second-half winner as Leeds bounced back from their 5-0 midweek defeat by Blackpool with a win at managerless Leicester.In a match of few goalscoring chances, midfielder Clayton's long-range strike in the 68th minute proved decisive.Leeds' notoriously fragile defence was rarely tested by City, with on debutant keeper Alex McCarthy not having a meaningful save to make.Paul Rachubka, whose three calamitous moments underpinned Leeds’ midweek nightmare, was dropped in one of just two changes made by manager Simon Grayson.McCarthy, who joined from Reading on Friday, could not have wished for an easier debut in truth, and that was the case from the first whistle, with his only real involvement early on being witness to a Steve Howard half-volley looping over his bar.At the other end, Leeds’ strike pair of Andy Keogh and Ross McCormack both succeeded in turning and getting in behind the Leicester defence, but hesitated and were quickly shut down when a run at goal would have been the better option.McCarthy then turned a cute Andy King cross-shot over his bar, before McCormack wasted the first genuine opening of the game when he drilled over from 12 yards after an Aidy White cross fell to him with 18 minutes gone.The Scot’s failure to score what would have been an 11th of the season did not signal the start of an open period, though, and the game remained tight and was played largely in the midfield. When opportunities did come, Leicester’s Paul Gallagher and Leeds’ Danny Pugh dragged them wide.White was nearly caught out in the first-half injury time when he was robbed by Neil Danns on halfway but, much like Keogh and McCormack before him, Danns could not make the best of the space ahead of him and was crowed out by Jonny Howson.

The pedestrian nature of the game continued into the second half, and a half-hearted scoop from Danns that landed on the top of McCarthy’s net was the closest either side went in the opening 15 minutes.

It was going to take something special to break the deadlock and Clayton’s strike was just that. Leeds worked the ball wide to Pugh and, after his scuffed cross was cleared, Clayton curled the loose ball beyond Kasper Schmeichel from 25 yards, giving the former United stopper no chance as he found the top right-hand corner.

Leicester immediately sent on £3million striker Jermaine Beckford, who scored 85 goals in 132 starts during a four-year spell at Leeds, but even his arrival could not help fashion a chance for the home side who left the field to a chorus of boos.

Match Report Brighton 3 Leeds 3

Ross McCormack snatched an equaliser deep into stoppage time as Leeds stopped Brighton returning to the top of the npower Championship in a topsy-turvy encounter at the Amex Arena.The Seagulls were in action two nights previously against Liverpool in the Carling Cup and, despite manager Gus Poyet making five changes to his staring line-up, they looked weary as Leeds raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of first-half goals from Andy Keogh and McCormack.But a magnificent piece of individual skill from Craig Mackail-Smith reduced the arrears moments after the interval and the Scotland international then won the penalty from which Ashley Barnes netted his seventh goal of the season.Barnes turned provider as Mackail-Smith finished from close range with six minutes to play.But McCormack intervened to check a remarkable Brighton comeback.In the third minute, some slack marking from Danny Pugh – making his second debut for Leeds following his move from Stoke this week – might have given Brighton the lead.From Craig Noone’s corner Inigo Calderon escaped Pugh to head down for Barnes to thrash over.But Leeds were soon into their stride and, after Robert Snodgrass and Adam Clayton went close, the latter had a hand in the opening goal in the 18th minute.Full back Aidy White cut back from the left to Keogh, who found Clayton on the edge of the area. The midfielder’s shot was blocked but ricocheted into Keogh’s path and he slotted home his first Leeds goal.It was two six minutes later when McCormack turned to unleash a superb left-foot drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards for his eighth goal of the season.Less than two minutes after half-time Brighton were back in the contest. Mackail-Smith collected Barnes’ pass from the right and produced a sublime drag back and turn before coolly stroking into the bottom corner.Leeds were now the team under pressure and Leigh Bromby was the man to buckle, inexplicably scything down Mackail-Smith in the box with an hour played.
Barnes netted from the spot – then Calderon and Barnes combined to leave Mackail-Smith with a simple finish.

But Simon Grayson’s men dug deep and McCormack slammed home from Jon-athan Howson’s cutback.

Match Report: Leeds 2 Bristol City 1

Simon Grayson welcomed back Adam Clayton and Aidy White to his starting line-up as his side went in search of back to back league wins for the first time this season. The visiting side included former Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny, making his return to Elland Road following his summer switch to Bristol City.And it was a perfect start to the game for Leeds with the returning Clayton scoring with a terrific left foot strike inside four minutes. Robert Snodgrass, who had looked very lively during the opening moments, was the architect and Clayton converted his pull-back with a good finish.Leeds threatened again moments later, but Andy Keogh was crowded out, and in reply Marvin Elliott put a header wide for the home side.But Bristol City were on the back foot again when Ramon Nunez instigated a break from midfield to feed Keogh, but the striker was denied by David James.It was 1-1 on 11 minutes, though, courtesy of none other than Kilkenny, who scored from the edge of the box with a shot that clipped the bar.United immediately fashioned out another chance, but an offside flag was raised, and it was a frenetic opening to proceedings at Elland Road.
Nunez also lifted a shot over the top from distance after trying his luck in the middle of the park. Ross McCormack was next to go close when Cole Skuse did well to get a foot on his shot to turn it for a corner. From the set-play, Darren O'Dea forced a save out of James.It was an open game and Andy Lonergan had to be alert to deal with a backpass from Darren O'Dea as Albert Adomah looked to cash in.Leeds looked to finish the half, strongly, though and Bristol City had some defending to do under a little pressure.United also had the first effort of the second half when McCormack screwed a shot wide. Moments later, Snodgrass lifted an effort over the bar after some good build-play.On 58 minutes, Grayson made his first change of the game, introducing Luciano Becchio in place of Nunez. Becchio arrived at the same point against Crystal Palace last weekend and made a decisive impact on the game.But there was drama on 64 minutes when Paddy Kisnorbo was adjudged to have fouled Nicky Maynard and a penalty was awarded. The challenge appeared to be on the edge of the area, but Kisnorbo was ordered off and the spot-kick was awarded.
Lonergan again proved his worth to Leeds though by making a good save to deny Maynard from 12 yards.
Following the dismissal, which will see Kisnorbo miss Tuesday's game against Man United, Grayson sacrificed Keogh in the front-line to bolster his defence with Leigh Bromby joining the fray. And he followed that by introducing Mikael Forssell in place of Snodgrass.The visitors were looking to make the extra man count and United had some defending to do in terms of balls being played into the box.
And just as another frustrating afternoon looked to be on the cards, United grabbed a late goal. Becchio got on the end of a ball into the box and McCormack was on hand to stab the ball over the line to make it 2-1 to Leeds.As the game headed into stopage time it took a decisive clearance from Tom Lees to deal with one cross and it was clear United were going to have to dig deep to secure the win.

Howson hails young duo

Leeds captain Jonny Howson has praised young players Adam Clayton and Zac Thompson after the pair recently broke into the first-team.Former Manchester City trainee Clayton has started every league game for the Whites this term while Thompson was handed his first start in the Carling Cup tie with Doncaster.Howson told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Clayts, since he has come back in pre-season, he has been on fire, every day in training and you can see that in the games."He's been brought up at Premiership standard with Manchester City and you can see that with some of the different things and the way he plays."And I think Zac is in a similar situation to Adam."He has definitely got talent and if he keeps working hard and keeps looking up to the likes of Adam, myself and the older players, then I'm sure he can be in the same sort of situation."

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.

Southampton 3 Leeds 1

Simon Grayson gave debuts to Michael Brown, Andy Lonergan, and Darren O'Dea, and a first start to Adam Clayton for the season opener at Southampton. His side lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and were backed by in excess of 3,000 noisy travelling fans at the St Mary's Stadium.Brown set the tone early doors with a couple of crunching challenges in the middle of the park, and the opening exchanges were littered with free-kicks.
It was from one O'Dea delivery from deep that Jonny Howson tested Kelvin Davis with a good strike after Robert Snodgrass had held the ball up well. Davis failed to hold the shot, but the ball was swiftly cleared.
But the home side went ahead in the 10th minute when Dean Hammond was allowed to advance from midfield and his low shot beat Lonergan from distance.
United almost responded immediately when Snodgrass whipped over a corner, and moments later Clayton released Max Gradel, but the Ivorian had strayed offside. Leeds also threatened when Gradel showed quick feet to deliver a cross and Clayton's back-post header was deflected for a corner.
On 22 minutes, Snodgrass had a free-kick blocked by the Southampton wall after Brown was bundled to the floor 25 yards from goal.
But, while Leeds seemed to be enjoying the better possession, it was the home side who scored again before the half-hour. Adam Lallana was the scorer with an effort which curled past Lonergan after Southampton found space in the Leeds area.
They almost netted a third moments later, but Lonergan averted the danger by spreading himself well to deny Lallana, who should have scored.
As the game headed towards the break United were still putting passes together, but without any great incision, and the hosts were answering any questions that were posed of them.
United had history of coming from behind at Southampton - the 4-3 win in 2005 ranks as one of the club's greatest ever comebacks - and Grayson's men started the second half on the front foot. Gradel felt he had claims for a penalty when he went down in the box, and Ross McCormack tested Davis with an early strike.
But it was the hosts who added third goal on 52 minutes when David Connolly supplied the finish after Southampton yet again found enough space to hurt Leeds.
Grayson responded immediately by replacing Brown with Billy Paynter as United looked to climb the proverbial mountain. And the striker did have an opportunity on the hour when Clayton picked him out with a great pass - but Davis proved himself equal to the shot to deny Paynter.
Ramon Nunez was next to be introduced for United when he came on for the final half-hour. Shortly after Gradel felt he had another penalty claim, but after a quick break by the hosts led to a corner, Lonergan was grateful to see a free header fly past his post.
United's final substitution came on 73 minutes when Lloyd Sam replaced Snodgrass.
But Southampton had another opportunity when Aaron Martin latched on to a free-kick and his downward header bounced up and over the bar.
At the other end, Nunez tried his luck from distance with a shot which went just wide while Sam looked to inject some life into proceedings with a raid down the right which won a corner.
It was the home side who went close again, though, with just five minutes remaining when substitute Richard Chaplow struck the post with a powerful strike.
Four minutes of stoppage time looked like prolonging the agony for United and the 3,000 plus away following as Grayson's men slipped to a second successive opening day defeat.
But in the final of those minutes, United won a penalty, following a handball, and Gradel stepped up to smash the ball home for a consolation.

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.