Leedsunited.com 10/9/11
McCORMACK SEALS UNITED VICTORY
Leeds edge out Palace at Elland Road...
UNITED 3 (McCormack 8, 84 Becchio 70), CRYSTAL PALACE 2 (McCarthy 12, Scannell 20)
United manager Simon Grayson had to make three enforced changes as his side returned to league action following a two-week lay-off. Charlie Taylor came in for his full debut in place of the suspended Aidy White, Michael Brown returned in place of the injured Adam Clayton, and Ramon Nunez took over from the departed Max Gradel on the left. The bench also included the returning Luciano Becchio and new signing Mikael Forssell.
United went into the game on the back of a start that had produced just one win from the opening five games, but the United boss had expressed his satisfaction with performances so far.
And Leeds were celebrating inside the opening minutes when young Taylor produced a pin-point cross from the left and Ross McCormack was on hand to head the ball home. It was the perfect start for Leeds.
It was a well-worked goal and, moments later, Taylor delivered another excellent cross, but this time Julian Speroni was equal to the delivery and he collected.
But it was 1-1 in the 12th minute when Mile Jedinak sent over a free-kick and Paddy McCarthy bundled the ball home from close range to level matters. There were claims McCarthy had used his hand to bring the ball down before converting, but the Palace man made no mistake.
United almost responded immediately, Robert Snodgrass smashing a shot against the post, but it was 2-1 to the visitors after 20 minutes when Sean Scannell finished off a quick break forward by converting from close range. Jermaine Easter was the architect with a storming run and low cross, giving Scannell the easiest of tap-ins.
Leeds had some defending to go again on 25 minutes when Palace threatened, but Darren O'Dea averted the danger in the first instance before the ball was returned and Scannell headed over.
United struggled to get up the field as Palace pressured and worked hard, and it was turning into a tough opening period for Leeds. There was another scare before the interval when another low cross fizzed across the face of goal. Fortunately, no one was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
And, right on the stroke of half-time, Andy Lonergan made a superb save to deny the lively Wilfred Zaha when he turned the ball over the bar.
United looked to start the second half on the front foot, but Scannell was again causing problems as Palace looked to break quickly and Zaha wasted a decent chance after more good work by the striker.
But Palace keeper Speroni was called into action moments later when he beat away a Snodgrass free-kick which was curling into the corner.
On 58 minutes, Grayson made a double change with Forssell and Becchio both joining the action.
And the Argentinean wasted little time in making an impact. Within 12 minutes of his arrival he got on the end of a free-kick from the left and headed the ball home to level matters.
It was a typical Becchio finish and the striker wheeled away to the dug-out to thank the club's medical staff, who have nursed him back to fitness following a hamstring injury.
Lloyd Sam was also introduced following the goal as United looked to win the game, but it was the visitors who had the next couple of openings, Glenn Murray firing at Lonergan and Zaha shooting over the top.
But it was Leeds who were celebrating on 84 minutes when Forssell knocked down a cross into the path of McCormack and the striker converted to make it 3-2.
As the game headed into stoppage time, Snodgrass got back well to make a superb clearance as Palace threw men forward, and Leeds had four minutes of added time to secure the victory.
United had to clear one ball from deep, but Leeds got men behind the ball to secure a second successive home league victory.
McCORMACK SEALS UNITED VICTORY
Leeds edge out Palace at Elland Road...
UNITED 3 (McCormack 8, 84 Becchio 70), CRYSTAL PALACE 2 (McCarthy 12, Scannell 20)
United manager Simon Grayson had to make three enforced changes as his side returned to league action following a two-week lay-off. Charlie Taylor came in for his full debut in place of the suspended Aidy White, Michael Brown returned in place of the injured Adam Clayton, and Ramon Nunez took over from the departed Max Gradel on the left. The bench also included the returning Luciano Becchio and new signing Mikael Forssell.
United went into the game on the back of a start that had produced just one win from the opening five games, but the United boss had expressed his satisfaction with performances so far.
And Leeds were celebrating inside the opening minutes when young Taylor produced a pin-point cross from the left and Ross McCormack was on hand to head the ball home. It was the perfect start for Leeds.
It was a well-worked goal and, moments later, Taylor delivered another excellent cross, but this time Julian Speroni was equal to the delivery and he collected.
But it was 1-1 in the 12th minute when Mile Jedinak sent over a free-kick and Paddy McCarthy bundled the ball home from close range to level matters. There were claims McCarthy had used his hand to bring the ball down before converting, but the Palace man made no mistake.
United almost responded immediately, Robert Snodgrass smashing a shot against the post, but it was 2-1 to the visitors after 20 minutes when Sean Scannell finished off a quick break forward by converting from close range. Jermaine Easter was the architect with a storming run and low cross, giving Scannell the easiest of tap-ins.
Leeds had some defending to go again on 25 minutes when Palace threatened, but Darren O'Dea averted the danger in the first instance before the ball was returned and Scannell headed over.
United struggled to get up the field as Palace pressured and worked hard, and it was turning into a tough opening period for Leeds. There was another scare before the interval when another low cross fizzed across the face of goal. Fortunately, no one was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
And, right on the stroke of half-time, Andy Lonergan made a superb save to deny the lively Wilfred Zaha when he turned the ball over the bar.
United looked to start the second half on the front foot, but Scannell was again causing problems as Palace looked to break quickly and Zaha wasted a decent chance after more good work by the striker.
But Palace keeper Speroni was called into action moments later when he beat away a Snodgrass free-kick which was curling into the corner.
On 58 minutes, Grayson made a double change with Forssell and Becchio both joining the action.
And the Argentinean wasted little time in making an impact. Within 12 minutes of his arrival he got on the end of a free-kick from the left and headed the ball home to level matters.
It was a typical Becchio finish and the striker wheeled away to the dug-out to thank the club's medical staff, who have nursed him back to fitness following a hamstring injury.
Lloyd Sam was also introduced following the goal as United looked to win the game, but it was the visitors who had the next couple of openings, Glenn Murray firing at Lonergan and Zaha shooting over the top.
But it was Leeds who were celebrating on 84 minutes when Forssell knocked down a cross into the path of McCormack and the striker converted to make it 3-2.
As the game headed into stoppage time, Snodgrass got back well to make a superb clearance as Palace threw men forward, and Leeds had four minutes of added time to secure the victory.
United had to clear one ball from deep, but Leeds got men behind the ball to secure a second successive home league victory.
