Telegraph 23/1/10
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Leeds United 2: match report
By Duncan White at White Hart Lane
Leeds United obviously learnt something when they won up at Old Trafford. When the board was held up with five minutes of stoppage time on it the away fans began chanting ‘Fergie time’.
It was more in hope than expectation but, to cries of Yorkshire delight, in the final minutes of those five, referee Alan Wiley awarded a penalty for Michael Dawson’s sliding tackle on Jermain Beckford which Leeds United’s lethal striker converted with conviction.
Dawson had timed a tackle on Beckford in the box perfectly moments before but this time he seemed to clip the striker first before getting the ball. It was a big call and one met with disbelief by Dawson. Beckford held his nerve to force the replay.
Tottenham Hotspur were the better side for much of this game, missed a host of chances, including a Jermain Defoe penalty, and, thanks to substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko, seemed to have the winner. Leeds, though, refused to roll over.
Harry Redknapp did not send his very strongest side out, though. The surprise starter in the Spurs line-up was Danny Rose, the 19-year-old England Under 21 winger.
Rose started out in Leeds’ academy but was bought by Spurs two years ago for £1million. It took all of seven minutes for him to hurt his former club, flicking the ball away from the onrushing Michael Doyle in the box. Penalty.
Casper Ankergren, the lanky Danish keeper, had already tipped over an audacious Jermain Defoe lob two minutes earlier and once again he prevented the Spurs striker opening the scoring. Defoe’s penalty was low and to Ankergren’s left and the Leeds keeper got down well to push it behind.
That wasn’t the last of his work. The Leeds players were clearly pumped up for this game and Spurs bought a lot of fouls cheaply around the box.
Gareth Bale twice drew saves out of Ankergren with his sharply curving free-kicks and Niko Kranjcar caused panic with his low effort, both Defoe and Michael Dawson being denied at close range after Ankergren’s initial spill.
As Spurs continued to miss chance after chance - they should have had a second penalty when Jason Crowe felled Defoe - Leeds sensed their opportunity.
Simon Grayson had deployed the tricky Robert Snodgrass in the hole behind Beckford and he repeatedly got into useful positions, making things awkward for the Spurs back four.
Beckford had been quiet in the first half hour but, typically, he sprang into to lithe and lethal life with two swift attacks. First he left Dawson for dead, dragging a left-foot shot just wide, and then he pounced on a clever Jonathan Howson pass, drawing an excellent save out of Heurelho Gomes.
Leeds’ finally caved with four minutes to go before the break. Bale got past Howson down the Spurs left and then alertly picked out Kranjcar with his drag back.
The Croat’s low shot lacked power but Ankergren, seemingly unsighted, could only block with his feet. Peter Crouch tapped in the rebound.
Spurs really should have been home and dry by half time. Jermaine Jenas, who had worked himself into a great position, sliced his left-footed effort high over the bar, just before the break.
Seconds into the second half, and not content with having let Leeds off the hook, Jenas hit an ill judged back-pass that almost gifted them an equaliser. Beckford was onto it in a flash but his touch was too heavy.
That wasn’t it, either. With 53 minutes gone, Snodgrass sent in a corner that Jenas tried to steer back to Gomes. He didn’t get enough purchase on the ball, though, and it dropped short, where Beckford was waiting. It wasn’t a straightforward finish, though, - he still had to contort his body, whipping it round to tuck the ball under Gomes. The rambunctious away end went into rapture.
Leeds pressed on. The outstanding Snodgrass played a clever one-two with Neil Kilkenny on the edge of the Spurs box only to slip just before hitting his shot, with Wilson Palacios, on as a substitute for Rose, sliding in desperately.
Redknapp responded to his team’s fading enthusiasm by sending on both Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko for the last 20 minutes. Four minutes later and Spurs had regained the lead.
It was fluid move, the best of the game. Bale paid a crisp pass into the path of Palacios as the Honduran sprinted up the left channel and he in turn squared across the edge of the box.
Pavlyuchenko dummied over the ball and ran into the box, where Defoe picked him out. The Russian striker finished first-time.
That was that, you thought. But there was plenty of drama still to come.
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Leeds United 2: match report
By Duncan White at White Hart Lane
Leeds United obviously learnt something when they won up at Old Trafford. When the board was held up with five minutes of stoppage time on it the away fans began chanting ‘Fergie time’.
It was more in hope than expectation but, to cries of Yorkshire delight, in the final minutes of those five, referee Alan Wiley awarded a penalty for Michael Dawson’s sliding tackle on Jermain Beckford which Leeds United’s lethal striker converted with conviction.
Dawson had timed a tackle on Beckford in the box perfectly moments before but this time he seemed to clip the striker first before getting the ball. It was a big call and one met with disbelief by Dawson. Beckford held his nerve to force the replay.
Tottenham Hotspur were the better side for much of this game, missed a host of chances, including a Jermain Defoe penalty, and, thanks to substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko, seemed to have the winner. Leeds, though, refused to roll over.
Harry Redknapp did not send his very strongest side out, though. The surprise starter in the Spurs line-up was Danny Rose, the 19-year-old England Under 21 winger.
Rose started out in Leeds’ academy but was bought by Spurs two years ago for £1million. It took all of seven minutes for him to hurt his former club, flicking the ball away from the onrushing Michael Doyle in the box. Penalty.
Casper Ankergren, the lanky Danish keeper, had already tipped over an audacious Jermain Defoe lob two minutes earlier and once again he prevented the Spurs striker opening the scoring. Defoe’s penalty was low and to Ankergren’s left and the Leeds keeper got down well to push it behind.
That wasn’t the last of his work. The Leeds players were clearly pumped up for this game and Spurs bought a lot of fouls cheaply around the box.
Gareth Bale twice drew saves out of Ankergren with his sharply curving free-kicks and Niko Kranjcar caused panic with his low effort, both Defoe and Michael Dawson being denied at close range after Ankergren’s initial spill.
As Spurs continued to miss chance after chance - they should have had a second penalty when Jason Crowe felled Defoe - Leeds sensed their opportunity.
Simon Grayson had deployed the tricky Robert Snodgrass in the hole behind Beckford and he repeatedly got into useful positions, making things awkward for the Spurs back four.
Beckford had been quiet in the first half hour but, typically, he sprang into to lithe and lethal life with two swift attacks. First he left Dawson for dead, dragging a left-foot shot just wide, and then he pounced on a clever Jonathan Howson pass, drawing an excellent save out of Heurelho Gomes.
Leeds’ finally caved with four minutes to go before the break. Bale got past Howson down the Spurs left and then alertly picked out Kranjcar with his drag back.
The Croat’s low shot lacked power but Ankergren, seemingly unsighted, could only block with his feet. Peter Crouch tapped in the rebound.
Spurs really should have been home and dry by half time. Jermaine Jenas, who had worked himself into a great position, sliced his left-footed effort high over the bar, just before the break.
Seconds into the second half, and not content with having let Leeds off the hook, Jenas hit an ill judged back-pass that almost gifted them an equaliser. Beckford was onto it in a flash but his touch was too heavy.
That wasn’t it, either. With 53 minutes gone, Snodgrass sent in a corner that Jenas tried to steer back to Gomes. He didn’t get enough purchase on the ball, though, and it dropped short, where Beckford was waiting. It wasn’t a straightforward finish, though, - he still had to contort his body, whipping it round to tuck the ball under Gomes. The rambunctious away end went into rapture.
Leeds pressed on. The outstanding Snodgrass played a clever one-two with Neil Kilkenny on the edge of the Spurs box only to slip just before hitting his shot, with Wilson Palacios, on as a substitute for Rose, sliding in desperately.
Redknapp responded to his team’s fading enthusiasm by sending on both Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko for the last 20 minutes. Four minutes later and Spurs had regained the lead.
It was fluid move, the best of the game. Bale paid a crisp pass into the path of Palacios as the Honduran sprinted up the left channel and he in turn squared across the edge of the box.
Pavlyuchenko dummied over the ball and ran into the box, where Defoe picked him out. The Russian striker finished first-time.
That was that, you thought. But there was plenty of drama still to come.
Sporting Life 23/1/10
LEEDS AGREE GRADEL DEAL
Leeds have agreed a fee with Leicester to sign Max Gradel on a permanent basis.
The winger recently returned to the Walkers Stadium after making the final appearance of his loan spell in the defeat at Exeter.
But the 22-year-old, who made a total of 16 appearances for United, is now set for a move to Elland Road subject to completing a medical with the club.
Mail 20/1/10
Jermaine Beckford to Everton is nowhere near a done deal, says Leeds boss Simon Grayson
Leeds manager Simon Grayson is not convinced Jermaine Beckford will definitely be joining Everton this summer.
It has been reported that striker Beckford, who withdrew a transfer request on Sunday, had signed a pre-contract agreement with the Merseysiders with a view to becoming their player once his Leeds contract runs out at the end of the season.
But when asked to comment on the speculation Grayson said: 'Pre-contract agreements aren't binding so both parties could pull out at any time.
'If he bangs in another 20 goals, there might be bigger teams than Everton coming in for him.'
Leeds have turned down a reported £1.5million bid for Beckford from Newcastle during the current transfer window, while his stock rose after firing the winner in the Yorkshire club's shock FA Cup win at Manchester United.
The 26-year-old, who has scored 20 goals this season, has scored 74 in 135 appearances for Leeds since joining from non-league Wealdstone in January 2007.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus 19/1/10
Beckford off target in Leeds defeat
Leeds 1 Carlisle 2
Jermaine Beckford missed a hatful of chances just days after coming off the transfer list as Leeds lost the first leg of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-final to a Graham Kavanagh-inspired Carlisle.
Just four days before their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham, Leeds lacked the cutting edge they will need if they are to cause another upset after knocking out Manchester United. And Jermaine Beckford, the goal hero at Old Trafford, was the biggest culprit.
Manager Simon Grayson demoted the out-of-touch Luciano Becchio to the bench and promoted American striker Mike Grella to partner Beckford, who came off the transfer list at the weekend. Leigh Bromby moved into central defence in place of Patrick Kisnorbo, Jason Crowe came in at right back and Jonny Howson replaced Michael Doyle in midfield.
As expected, Carlisle included former Leeds men Ian Harte and Tom Taiwo.
Beckford should have opened the scoring after only six minutes but from Bradley Johnson’s pass, and with only keeper Lenny Pidgeley to beat, he fired wide of the left post.
However, Carlisle went close three times in a four-minute spell, with the Leeds defence rocking. Matty Robson’s driven cross was met by Kevan Hurst who seemed certain to score but Andrew Hughes cleared off the line.
Adam Clayton had a powerful drive deflected just wide and when Robson’s angled shot was parried at full stretch by Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby completed the goalmouth clearance.
Carlisle’s reward arrived in the 21st minute. Evan Horwood’s high cross from the left was headed down by Richard Keogh for Republic of Ireland international Graham Kavanagh to control with his chest before smacking home an unstoppable right-foot effort from ten yards.
Beckford should have equalised in the 29th minute but could only send a gentle lob into the keeper’s hands and, after shooting against the far post nine minutes later, he fluffed yet another chance from a pass by Robert Snodgrass.
Ankergren made two excellent first-half saves from Kavanagh and Clayton and Carlisle held a one-goal advantage at the break.
Crowe, who had struggled defensively, got Leeds back on terms in the 56th minute, arriving at the far post to head home a cross from the left by Hughes and grab his first goal for the club.
With Leeds much improved, Crowe almost scored again soon afterwards, volleying close with Hughes again the provider, but Carlisle’s lead was restored six minutes from time when Harte’s free-kick from the right saw substitute Joe Anyinsah head a soft goal from six yards.
Leedsunited.com 19/1/10
CARLISLE STEAL WIN AT ELLAND ROAD
UNITED 1 (Crowe 56), CARLISLE 2 (Kavanagh 21, Anyinsah 84)
After picking up one point from the last six, Simon Grayson's League One leaders turned their attentions towards the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the first leg of the Northern Area Final against Carlisle United.
With a place at Wembley up for grabs, Grayson tinkered slightly with his team, Jason Crowe, Jonny Howson, and Mike Grella all being drafted into the starting line-up.
Carlisle were the last side to win at Elland Road in a league game, but it was Leeds who started brightly and after Leigh Bromby headed an early free-kick over the top, Jermaine Beckord came within a whisker of opening the scoring following a great ball from Bradley Johnson.
But it took a great goal-line clearance from Andrew Hughes to deny Carlisle on 12 minutes after the United defender scrambled back to block a shot. Moments later, Bromby showed real quality to deny Scott Dobie after Casper Ankergren had done well to parry at Robson shot across the face of goal.
It was United who fashioned out the next chance in an entertaining opening, Beckford having a shot pushed for a corner following good work by Robert Snodgrass.
A goal was clearly coming, and it fell to Carlisle in stunning fashion on 21 minutes. A cross from the left was headed down to Graham Kavanagh and the veteran midfielder, just inside the box, allowed the ball to bounce before slamming home an unstoppable shot to give the visitors the lead.
United responded courtesy of the lively Beckford, who was denied by Lenny Pidgeley in the Carlisle goal. Beckford was denied again by a good block before Johnson had an effort deflected for a corner.
Leeds came even closer on 35 minutes when Richard Naylor was twice thwarted and Mike Grella forced Pidgeley into making a great save, following an overhead kick. United also had two shouts for handball waved away during a concerted spell of pressure.
Leeds were dominant by now, and as the game edged towards half-time, Beckford was denied by an upright after latching onto another incisive pass.
But Ankergren was called upon to make a good block on 38 minutes when Adam Clayton tried his luck from distance.
With 45 minutes of the first leg remaining, United looked to start the second half well in a bid to get back on level terms in the contest.
And Leeds were quickly level, courtesy of a Jason Crowe header. Andrew Hughes was the provider with a cross from the left and as Carlisle goalkeeper Pidgeley came racing off his line, Crowe was waiting to pounce with a well-placed header at the far post.
Moments later, Crowe found himself with another opportunity at the far post, but this time he lifted his shot over the top. And it was Leeds who continued to look the most threatening of the two sides, with Beckford again going close.
On 70 minutes, Pidgeley came off his line well to deny Howson after a great ball from Snodgrass, and moments later from another cross, ths time from the left, Johnson fired just wide of the upright.
Carlisle had rarely had a sniff in the second half with Leeds dominating, but the visitors did have a half-chance when, after being presented with a header following a half-cleared corner, Kevan Hurst nodded wide.
But six minutes from time, the visitors bagged got themselves back in front. Former United defender Ian Harte sent over a free-kick and substitute Joe Anyinsah escaped the United defence to head home.
The goal was ill-deserved, and United came within a whisker of restoring parity in the second minute of stoppage time. First, Luciano Becchio had a header well saved and, following up, Howson saw his effort hacked off the line by a Carlisle defender.And that proved to be the last opportunity of the first leg as Carlisle became the first side since Liverpool to win at Elland Road. It was Carlisle's third win in four visits to Leeds and the Cumbrians will hold a slender advantage going into the second leg at Brunton Park early next month.
LEEDS AGREE GRADEL DEAL
Leeds have agreed a fee with Leicester to sign Max Gradel on a permanent basis.
The winger recently returned to the Walkers Stadium after making the final appearance of his loan spell in the defeat at Exeter.
But the 22-year-old, who made a total of 16 appearances for United, is now set for a move to Elland Road subject to completing a medical with the club.
Mail 20/1/10
Jermaine Beckford to Everton is nowhere near a done deal, says Leeds boss Simon Grayson
Leeds manager Simon Grayson is not convinced Jermaine Beckford will definitely be joining Everton this summer.
It has been reported that striker Beckford, who withdrew a transfer request on Sunday, had signed a pre-contract agreement with the Merseysiders with a view to becoming their player once his Leeds contract runs out at the end of the season.
But when asked to comment on the speculation Grayson said: 'Pre-contract agreements aren't binding so both parties could pull out at any time.
'If he bangs in another 20 goals, there might be bigger teams than Everton coming in for him.'
Leeds have turned down a reported £1.5million bid for Beckford from Newcastle during the current transfer window, while his stock rose after firing the winner in the Yorkshire club's shock FA Cup win at Manchester United.
The 26-year-old, who has scored 20 goals this season, has scored 74 in 135 appearances for Leeds since joining from non-league Wealdstone in January 2007.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus 19/1/10
Beckford off target in Leeds defeat
Leeds 1 Carlisle 2
Jermaine Beckford missed a hatful of chances just days after coming off the transfer list as Leeds lost the first leg of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-final to a Graham Kavanagh-inspired Carlisle.
Just four days before their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham, Leeds lacked the cutting edge they will need if they are to cause another upset after knocking out Manchester United. And Jermaine Beckford, the goal hero at Old Trafford, was the biggest culprit.
Manager Simon Grayson demoted the out-of-touch Luciano Becchio to the bench and promoted American striker Mike Grella to partner Beckford, who came off the transfer list at the weekend. Leigh Bromby moved into central defence in place of Patrick Kisnorbo, Jason Crowe came in at right back and Jonny Howson replaced Michael Doyle in midfield.
As expected, Carlisle included former Leeds men Ian Harte and Tom Taiwo.
Beckford should have opened the scoring after only six minutes but from Bradley Johnson’s pass, and with only keeper Lenny Pidgeley to beat, he fired wide of the left post.
However, Carlisle went close three times in a four-minute spell, with the Leeds defence rocking. Matty Robson’s driven cross was met by Kevan Hurst who seemed certain to score but Andrew Hughes cleared off the line.
Adam Clayton had a powerful drive deflected just wide and when Robson’s angled shot was parried at full stretch by Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby completed the goalmouth clearance.
Carlisle’s reward arrived in the 21st minute. Evan Horwood’s high cross from the left was headed down by Richard Keogh for Republic of Ireland international Graham Kavanagh to control with his chest before smacking home an unstoppable right-foot effort from ten yards.
Beckford should have equalised in the 29th minute but could only send a gentle lob into the keeper’s hands and, after shooting against the far post nine minutes later, he fluffed yet another chance from a pass by Robert Snodgrass.
Ankergren made two excellent first-half saves from Kavanagh and Clayton and Carlisle held a one-goal advantage at the break.
Crowe, who had struggled defensively, got Leeds back on terms in the 56th minute, arriving at the far post to head home a cross from the left by Hughes and grab his first goal for the club.
With Leeds much improved, Crowe almost scored again soon afterwards, volleying close with Hughes again the provider, but Carlisle’s lead was restored six minutes from time when Harte’s free-kick from the right saw substitute Joe Anyinsah head a soft goal from six yards.
Leedsunited.com 19/1/10
CARLISLE STEAL WIN AT ELLAND ROAD
UNITED 1 (Crowe 56), CARLISLE 2 (Kavanagh 21, Anyinsah 84)
After picking up one point from the last six, Simon Grayson's League One leaders turned their attentions towards the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the first leg of the Northern Area Final against Carlisle United.
With a place at Wembley up for grabs, Grayson tinkered slightly with his team, Jason Crowe, Jonny Howson, and Mike Grella all being drafted into the starting line-up.
Carlisle were the last side to win at Elland Road in a league game, but it was Leeds who started brightly and after Leigh Bromby headed an early free-kick over the top, Jermaine Beckord came within a whisker of opening the scoring following a great ball from Bradley Johnson.
But it took a great goal-line clearance from Andrew Hughes to deny Carlisle on 12 minutes after the United defender scrambled back to block a shot. Moments later, Bromby showed real quality to deny Scott Dobie after Casper Ankergren had done well to parry at Robson shot across the face of goal.
It was United who fashioned out the next chance in an entertaining opening, Beckford having a shot pushed for a corner following good work by Robert Snodgrass.
A goal was clearly coming, and it fell to Carlisle in stunning fashion on 21 minutes. A cross from the left was headed down to Graham Kavanagh and the veteran midfielder, just inside the box, allowed the ball to bounce before slamming home an unstoppable shot to give the visitors the lead.
United responded courtesy of the lively Beckford, who was denied by Lenny Pidgeley in the Carlisle goal. Beckford was denied again by a good block before Johnson had an effort deflected for a corner.
Leeds came even closer on 35 minutes when Richard Naylor was twice thwarted and Mike Grella forced Pidgeley into making a great save, following an overhead kick. United also had two shouts for handball waved away during a concerted spell of pressure.
Leeds were dominant by now, and as the game edged towards half-time, Beckford was denied by an upright after latching onto another incisive pass.
But Ankergren was called upon to make a good block on 38 minutes when Adam Clayton tried his luck from distance.
With 45 minutes of the first leg remaining, United looked to start the second half well in a bid to get back on level terms in the contest.
And Leeds were quickly level, courtesy of a Jason Crowe header. Andrew Hughes was the provider with a cross from the left and as Carlisle goalkeeper Pidgeley came racing off his line, Crowe was waiting to pounce with a well-placed header at the far post.
Moments later, Crowe found himself with another opportunity at the far post, but this time he lifted his shot over the top. And it was Leeds who continued to look the most threatening of the two sides, with Beckford again going close.
On 70 minutes, Pidgeley came off his line well to deny Howson after a great ball from Snodgrass, and moments later from another cross, ths time from the left, Johnson fired just wide of the upright.
Carlisle had rarely had a sniff in the second half with Leeds dominating, but the visitors did have a half-chance when, after being presented with a header following a half-cleared corner, Kevan Hurst nodded wide.
But six minutes from time, the visitors bagged got themselves back in front. Former United defender Ian Harte sent over a free-kick and substitute Joe Anyinsah escaped the United defence to head home.
The goal was ill-deserved, and United came within a whisker of restoring parity in the second minute of stoppage time. First, Luciano Becchio had a header well saved and, following up, Howson saw his effort hacked off the line by a Carlisle defender.And that proved to be the last opportunity of the first leg as Carlisle became the first side since Liverpool to win at Elland Road. It was Carlisle's third win in four visits to Leeds and the Cumbrians will hold a slender advantage going into the second leg at Brunton Park early next month.
