United cure drought of Ricketts
United cure drought of Ricketts
by Terry Ruane
For the second successive season Leeds United played hosts to Swindon Town in the second round of the Carling Cup.
United blushes were saved last year when goalkeeper Paul Robinson headed the equaliser with only seconds remaining.
Lightning almost struck twice last night as Swindon trailed 1-0 with seconds to go. Goalkeeper Rhys Evans arrived late at the far post, but saw his header sail over the crossbar.
Leeds opened brightly with some good work down the right hand side from Gary Kelly, United's only survivor from last year's cup-tie. Jamie McMaster dummied his long ball, Michael Ricketts controlled, and played in a teasing cross that had Evans at full stretch.
On nine minutes Leeds took the lead when Kelly played a superb through ball to Ricketts. The big striker took one touch before neatly side-footing the ball past Evans to register his first goal for the club.
United manager Kevin Blackwell said after the game that he was pleased that one of his strikers had scored, as they had been unable to buy a goal this season.
United's faithful must have hoped that with an early goal their team would settle down and put Swindon to the sword.
The Wiltshire team, however, had other ideas and with Sam Parkin upfront and ably supported by Brian Howard and Sammy Igoe, Swindon began to claw their way back into this cup-tie.
Swindon almost drew level, after good work down the right flank by Igoe. His cross fell to Howard, whose shot was deflected over the bar for a Swindon corner. Minutes later Steve Robinson then pulled his shot wide as the visitors began to force Leeds into rearguard action.
Leeds almost doubled their lead when Sean O'Hanlon headed the ball against his own crossbar and Ricketts failed to turn the rebound into the net.
Leeds United 1, Swindon 0
Carling Cup - second round
(at Elland Road)
Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Kilgallon, Joachim (Cadamarteri 70min), Gregan, Spring, Pugh, McMaster (Walton 61), Ricketts (Deane 80). Subs (not used): Carson, Duberry. Goal: Ricketts 9.
Swindon: Evans, Duke, O'Hanlon, Ifil, Smith (Heywood 80), Robinson, Hewlett (Fallon 80), Miglioranzi (Pook 90), Howard, Igoe, Parkin. Subs (not used): Book, Garrard.
Referee: Brian Curson (Leicestershire).
Attendance: 18,476
United cure drought of Ricketts
by Terry Ruane
For the second successive season Leeds United played hosts to Swindon Town in the second round of the Carling Cup.
United blushes were saved last year when goalkeeper Paul Robinson headed the equaliser with only seconds remaining.
Lightning almost struck twice last night as Swindon trailed 1-0 with seconds to go. Goalkeeper Rhys Evans arrived late at the far post, but saw his header sail over the crossbar.
Leeds opened brightly with some good work down the right hand side from Gary Kelly, United's only survivor from last year's cup-tie. Jamie McMaster dummied his long ball, Michael Ricketts controlled, and played in a teasing cross that had Evans at full stretch.
On nine minutes Leeds took the lead when Kelly played a superb through ball to Ricketts. The big striker took one touch before neatly side-footing the ball past Evans to register his first goal for the club.
United manager Kevin Blackwell said after the game that he was pleased that one of his strikers had scored, as they had been unable to buy a goal this season.
United's faithful must have hoped that with an early goal their team would settle down and put Swindon to the sword.
The Wiltshire team, however, had other ideas and with Sam Parkin upfront and ably supported by Brian Howard and Sammy Igoe, Swindon began to claw their way back into this cup-tie.
Swindon almost drew level, after good work down the right flank by Igoe. His cross fell to Howard, whose shot was deflected over the bar for a Swindon corner. Minutes later Steve Robinson then pulled his shot wide as the visitors began to force Leeds into rearguard action.
Leeds almost doubled their lead when Sean O'Hanlon headed the ball against his own crossbar and Ricketts failed to turn the rebound into the net.
Leeds United 1, Swindon 0
Carling Cup - second round
(at Elland Road)
Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Kilgallon, Joachim (Cadamarteri 70min), Gregan, Spring, Pugh, McMaster (Walton 61), Ricketts (Deane 80). Subs (not used): Carson, Duberry. Goal: Ricketts 9.
Swindon: Evans, Duke, O'Hanlon, Ifil, Smith (Heywood 80), Robinson, Hewlett (Fallon 80), Miglioranzi (Pook 90), Howard, Igoe, Parkin. Subs (not used): Book, Garrard.
Referee: Brian Curson (Leicestershire).
Attendance: 18,476
