Lonergan Faces Battle to Regain Place

Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan is braced for a tough fight to win back his place in the starting line-up.The 28-year-old was first choice at Elland Road before fracturing his finger in October and although fit again, he only returned to the side for Saturday's clash with Reading because on-loan Alex McCarthy was not allowed to play against his parent club.Lonergan was lobbed from an acute angle in the second minute by Reading striker Simon Church, which proved to be the winning goal, and was not entirely happy with his display in his comeback match.Lonergan told the club's official website: "There were a few groans from behind, and you think 'should I have come for it or retreated to my line?' but he controlled it well and it was a good finish.
"I was disappointed though because it was my chance to get my place back and I didn't feel as though I took that chance."I thought I'd done well before I got injured, but Alex has done well and I've got to fight for my place back. Whoever is picked next week will get my full backing."

McCarthy Extends Leeds Stay

Reading Football Club announced today that they have agreed to extend Alex McCarthy's loan spell at Leeds United for a further month.There will be a clause in the deal that allows Reading to recall him immediately if required, and he will not be able to play in the game between the two clubs this weekend.The Royals' Director of Nick Hammond commented that the arrangement is in the best interest of both the player and Reading.Nick said, "Alex is an oustanding talent and wants to continue his development by playing regularly at the highest possible level."With Adam Federici in such fine form, this further spell will help Alex greatly and will not weaken our first team."Indeed, with Mikkel Andersen we have another exceptional goalkeeping talent and may well have to develop similar plans in the future to assist Mikkel's continued progress."Both Alex and Mikkel have made it clear to me that their goal is to be first team regular at our club, which could not be better for us."

Match Report Watford 1-1 Leeds

Simon Grayson was forced into shuffling his pack for the trip to Watford with skipper Jonny Howson sidelined with a knee injury and Michael Brown still feeling the effects of a knock on the ankle.The changes meant for a change of system with Danny Pugh operating in a central midfield role, alongside Adam Clayton while Andy Keogh partnered Becchio in the front line.It was a quite an open start to the contest with both sides looking to drive forward when in possession. Watford got in a couple of early crosses while Robert Snodgrass had one shot blocked when he was given space on the edge of the box.Pugh also lifted a shot over the top in the 11th minute after more good attacking play by Leeds. At the other end Marvin Sordell screwed a shot wide after he found space to create an opening.United threatened again when Snodgrass was again given space, but his shot from distance was wide of the mark. Snodgrass also delivered two good corners, the second of which Tom Lees narrowly failed to connect with.United won a series of corners, but when Watford broke after one Leeds attack, Michael Kightly was able to capitalise on some sloppy defending and after advancing, he lashed the ball beyond the reach of Alex McCarthy.While Leeds had been good enough in possession, Watford looked equally good with the ball and were causing United problems with good movement.United did have an opportunity to get back in the game on 40 minutes, but Snodgras bent a shot wide of the past when, despite goalkeeper Scott Loach being drawn, there were four Watford men on the line.Luciano Becchio was also denied following a good cross from the right as the game headed towards half-time, whjile Andy Keogh looked to referee Eddie Ilderton after going down in the box while trying to force an opening.Lloyd Sam also put an effort wide right on the stroke of half-time after more good work by Keogh.The second half opened up as a stop-start affair. Becchio did lift an ambitious attempt over the top from distance while the hosts also sent a shot wide of the mark after again finding good space.McCarthy also had to get down well to save a low effort from Troy Deeney while Sordell lifted a shot over the bar after capitalising on some sloppiness at the back.
Shortly after the hour, Grayson made a double change, introducing Mika Vayrynen and Ross McCormack. It also prompted a change in system with Aidy White and Snodgrass moving into advanced wide roles.There was no immediate impact with the changes as Watford continued to look the more likely side. White was thwarted on one advancing run and with 15 minutes remaining Snodgrass was crowded out as he looked to progress on the edge of the box.But as the game headed towards the final five minutes, United were looking increasingly unlikely in the bid to force an equaliser with Watford looking well organised and resolute.A rare hashed clearance allowed Becchio a half-chance, but the striker's first time shot was wide of the mark.And with two minutes remaining, Sordell went down under pressure from Kisnorbo and Watford were awarded a penalty. Sordell stepped up, but McCarthy got a vital fingertip and pushed his penalty onto the post.Moments later, the United keeper made another excellent save and Leeds were facing three minutes of added time in the hope of salvaging a draw.But there was drama in the 94th minute at the other end when Mika Vayrynen was brought down and Ilderton awarded Leeds a penalty. Snodgrass was the man who stepped up and he made no mistake in smashing home an equaliser with the last kick of the game to send the 2,000 travelling fans into ecstasy.

Sublime Snodgrass secures win

Elland Road played host to its biggest league crowd of the season for a game that was dominated by a memorial to the passing of title winner Gary Speed.There wasn't a dry eye in the house as fans watched a moving tribute to Gary ahead of the game before a minute's applause and wreath laying by both managers and some of Gary's former team-mates.It meant for an emotional occasion, and just as at Nottingham Forest in midweek, Leeds started on the front foot with the fans quick to chant the name of their hero.Luciano Becchio came within a whisker of opening the scoring inside nine minutes when he headed an Aidy White corner just wide. Jack Smith also cleared off the line after some great play by Robert Snodgrass.Just as at Forest, the Leeds fans adopted a chant of Gary Speed after 11 minutes of the game and the contest was being played out in an emotionally charged atmosphere.At the other end, Alex McCarthy had to make a couple of decent saves while White had to clear one for a corner.It was lively opening 30 minutes or so with both sides looking to get forward, and challenges were flying in thick and fast.Jonny Howson received treatment for a lengthy period during the first half and United played a short period with 10 men before Lloyd Sam was introduced as his replacement.Five minutes before the break, Grayson was forced into making another change when Michael Brown limped out of the action to be replaced by Andy Keogh.One of those subs, Sam, almost made an immediate impact, but he couldn't quite get his head on the end of a Snodgrass ball into the box.
There was another worry for Grayson at the start of the second half when Tom Lees appeared to be holding his leg, and Leigh Bromby was immediately dispatched to warm-up.Millwall also had an opportunity at the start of the second period when McCarthy had to push away a Scott Barron free-kick after Paddy Kisnorbo had picked up a yellow card on the edge of the box.When Leeds attacked, Sam fired wide and Snodgrass sent a low effort skidding wide of the upright.Sam also weaved his way into the Millwall box and as his shot was blocked there were claims for a handball by a Millwall defender.Shortly after the hour as Leeds slowly looked to get a grip on the game, Adam Clayton won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Snodgrass stepped up to take it, and delivered a superb strike that left Steve Mildenhall with no chance. The Scot's celebration included a poignant gesture towards his black armband.Moments later, the Scot made it 2-0 with his second goal of the afternoon and United were suddenly in complete command.Snodgrass was also the cross provider when he linked up superbly with Andy Keogh, but his ball into the box was just too quick for the Irishman to steer home.United almost added a third, but Mildenhall made a great save to deny Becchio, and the keeper also made a terrific save to deny Sam in stoppage time,But it was a comfortable enough victory for Leeds and was a fitting tribute for Gary Speed, a man who had started his career on the same turf some 23 years earlier.

Match Report Leeds 1-2 Barnsley

Alex McCarthy was the latest victim of Leeds’ keeper curse after his twin errors gifted Barnsley a shock Yorkshire derby triumph.The on-loan Reading man – making his home debut – was beaten by Ricardo Vaz Te’s scuffed 27th-minute shot.And then he failed to hold Jacob Butterfield’s shot two minutes before the break to present Craig Davies with an open goal.Despite Ross McCormack’s stunning second-half effort and a late sending off for David Perkins, Barnsley held out to complete only their second away victory of the campaign.McCarthy’s mistakes came in the first game at Elland Road since Paul Rachu bka’s embarrassing performance in the 5-0 loss to Blackpool that saw him shipped off to Tranmere.And it left Leeds fans praying for quick return from the crocked Andy Lonergan who is due back early next month.But boss Simon Grayson refused to condemn his keeper.“The first one was unfortunate but the second one, the lad’s hit it well and it’s difficult to palm it away,” he said.“I’m not going to show any criticism towards Alex because he’s a great goalkeeper.”Barnsley boss Keith Hill was delighted with his players.“To come to Elland Road and win is up there was one of my best moments. It was great to celebrate with the players at the end,” he said.Grayson’s side spent much of the week playing FIFA 2012 – but this was as far away from fantasy football as you can get.Although Robert Snodgrass was crowned king of the computer game, he soon discovered he could not walk it into the net in real life.The Scot’s speculative effort from outside the area was Leeds’ only effort of the opening stages and it soon became a war of attrition.Lowly Barnsley won plenty of the midfield battle and grew in confidence.Yet it was still a surprise when they took the lead with their first chance of the game.
Jim O’Brien’s cross from the right found Vaz Te. The ex-Bolton forward completely scuffed his shot. But McCarthy had already dived and the ball embarrassingly beat him in slow motion.Leeds struggled for a way back in as Stephen Foster came close to No.2 for the Tykes when he headed over from Danny Butterfield’s inviting free-kick.But Barnsley did not have long to wait – and McCarthy was left with his head in his hands.The outstanding Butterfield’s long- ranger was straight at him but McCarthy fumbled and Davies gleefully accepted his fifth goal in the last five matches.Leeds looked nervy right across the backline and it is a problem that manager Grayson needs to sort out quickly – or they can forget all about a return to the Premier League this season.Perkins saw red with two minutes left for a second yellow for bringing down Keogh but the Tykes held on.And Grayson said: “It was frustrating after our last two away wins. We did not do good enough things.“It’s not easy in this league. People will say we’ve not won in four at home. But we needed someone to show us that spark.“They were more of a threat than us and they hit us on the counter-attack.
“They played a system that suited them and they will get some good results.”

McCarthy Wants Leeds Stay?

Alex McCarthy has hinted that he would be keen to stay with Championship rivals Leeds beyond his one-month loan stay.The 21-year-old goalkeeper arrived at Elland Road at the beginning of November and has conceded just once in the two games he has played, helping the Whites to back-to-back wins.McCarthy was brought into the club to replace the clubs only fit first team goalkeeper Paul Rachubka after his first half horror show against Blackpool. Alex has settled into the team with great ease and was outstanding against Burnley at the weekend.When asked about his future, the England Under-21 international told the Yorkshire Post: "I really don't know. At the moment, it's just for a month until December 10."The main thing is I want to be playing games. When it comes closer to the time, I think we'll sit down and speak about it. We'll just have to see how it goes.
"I'm playing games and that's the main thing. If I stay longer, for whatever reason, it would obviously be a bonus. There's six games (in my loan) to get under my belt."

Taylor On Trial at Leeds

Veteran goalkeeper Maik Taylor is on trial with Leeds United as Simon Grayson ponders increasing his options.The 40-year-old Northern Ireland international is available as a free agent having been released by Birmingham City at the end of last season.Taylor has already made an immediate impact for the Whites after playing in a behind-closed-doors match against Chelsea at the club's Thorp Arch training ground.The former Barnet, Southampton and Fulham shot-stopper saved a penalty as the hosts secured a 2-1 victory over the Blues.Grayson has already brought in Alex McCarthy on a month's loan from Reading, with Andy Lonergan on the sidelines with a broken finger.The Leeds boss told the club's official website: "Maik is an experienced goalkeeper who has been without a club since the summer."He is available to train and play, and he did very well against Chelsea."We're obviously looking at the goalkeeping situation so we'll see how things develop and what suits both parties."Paul Rachubka is out of favour at Elland Road after his nightmare display against Blackpool, leaving only teenager Alex Cairns as Grayson's other option.

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.

Leeds to land McCarthy

According to reports On Skysports.com Leeds are set to sign Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on a month's loan.Whites boss Simon Grayson confirmed he was in the market for a new shot-stopper after Paul Rachubka's nightmare display in Wednesday's 5-0 home drubbing by Blackpool.The former Manchester United trainee was hauled off at half-time against his old club after three blunders led to the Elland Road club falling 3-0 down, with teenager Alex Cairns coming on in his place.Now Grayson has moved swiftly to bring in additional cover with a move for Reading youngster McCarthy poised to be agreed.The 21-year-old has made just one Carling Cup appearance for the Royals this season but is highly regarded at the Madejski Stadium and has had previous spells out on loan with Brentford, Yeovil, Aldershot and Cambridge.

Should the deal be completed in time, McCarthy is expected to go straight into the starting XI for Sunday's testing Championship trip to Leicester.