Leedsunited.com 25/8/07
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NOTTS FOREST 1 (Commons 50), LEEDS UNITED 2 (Kandol 17, Beckford 90)
United arrived at the City Ground looking to reduce the points defecit further after two straight wins to open the campaign. One of only three sides with a 100 per cent start in League One, Dennis Wise's started the afternoon on minus nine points.
Jamie Clapham was handed his debut at left-back, in place of the injured Andrew Hughes, while Seb Carole made his first league start of the season in place of injury victim Ian Westlake.
As predicted the City Ground was packed to near capacity and the fans were treated to a lively opening.
Forest had a couple of early opportunities - one falling to Kris Commons - but both Matt Heath and Casper Ankergren were on hand to avert any danger.
And after soaking up some early pressure, United hit Forest on the counter and Tresor Kandol converted coolly to make it 1-0.
Strike partner Jermaine Beckford was the architect with a delightful pass and Kandol delivered a low finish to send the 3,000 travelling fans delirious.
It was almost 2-0 before the half-hour but David Prutton, returning to Forest for the first time, saw a header forced over the bar, following a well-worked Alan Thompson corner.
Kandol's goal and the subsequent flurry of United corners only served to frustrate the already quiet home support.
The home side did have two free-kicks blocked by the wall and Ankergren gathered a corner with ease, but it was United who looked the most dangerous, particularly with Beckford and Seb Carole sharp on the break.
On the stroke of half-time Kandol did well to send Beckford through on goal, but the striker's first time shot went over the top. Carole also tried his luck in stoppage time with a curling effort from the touchline which drifted just wide.
Just four minutes into the second half it was 1-1 though. A Commons free-kick from distance appeared to take a wicked deflection to leave Ankergren with no chance.
That goal lifted City Ground spirits and James Perch should have done better on 54 minutes, following a cross from the right, as Forest started to show some confidence.
Commons also went close when he drilled a shot just wide from the edge of the box. And Heath made a superb tackle to deny Junior Agogo in a one-on-one situation after Forest broke quickly from deep inside their own half.
Beckford threatened at the other end - Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith cut out his cross with Kandol waiting - while Rui Marques made a good block to deny Commons as the contest moved up a pace.
Shortly after the hour, Wise again signalled his attacking intentions and introduced Tore Andre Flo from the bench in place of Prutton.
But the immediate action was in the United goalmouth and Marques made another superb block before Frazer Richardson headed a teasing cross to safety.
With 15 minutes remaining and the game finely balanced, Forest boss Colin Calderwood introduced crowd favourite Nathan Tyson in place of Agogo.
Felix Bastians was the next Forest introduction, in place of Commons, and he wasted a great chance to win the game with just three minutes remaining when he shot wide from close range.
But Leeds United don't lose matches. Not at the moment anyway. And, as scripted, the winner came from the men in yellow with just 30 seconds remaining.
Carole weaved his way in from the left, rifled a low ball into the centre, and Beckford was on hand at the far post to turn the ball home for a crucial winner.
Yorkshire Evening Post 25/8/07
Leeds United 'warned off' transfer targets
By Phil Hay
DENNIS WISE'S transfer plans are coming under growing pressure after the Leeds United boss was warned off two of his main targets.
Wise's attempt to lure Steve Davies to Elland Road from Tranmere Rovers is in jeopardy after Ronnie Moore urged his board at Prenton Park to resist United's interest, and Blackpool look set to obstruct any bids for Shaun Barker, their 24-year-old full-back.
Leeds have been monitoring Barker and are considering submitting an offer to Bloomfield Road, but Blackpool manager Simon Grayson has played down talk of the defender's departure by insisting it would take a "fantastic offer" to secure his signature.
Barker has entered the final year of his contract, but Grayson said: "We're fortunate that we're a club that doesn't have to sell players unless it's a really fantastic price for us.
"If someone offers me £2million for Shaun Barker then I'd be daft to turn it down. If someone offers me £20,000 for Shaun Barker then they can basically get stuffed."
Tranmere winger Davies is also the subject of intense interest from Leeds and has already attracted an unsuccessful bid from the Elland Road club.
Moore is hoping to see Tranmere's directors stand firm if United come calling for a second time before the transfer window closes next Friday.
The Tranmere boss said: "The big thing is we want Steve here. We want to try keep our young players at Prenton Park."
GET THE MESSAGE!
NOTTS FOREST 1 (Commons 50), LEEDS UNITED 2 (Kandol 17, Beckford 90)
United arrived at the City Ground looking to reduce the points defecit further after two straight wins to open the campaign. One of only three sides with a 100 per cent start in League One, Dennis Wise's started the afternoon on minus nine points.
Jamie Clapham was handed his debut at left-back, in place of the injured Andrew Hughes, while Seb Carole made his first league start of the season in place of injury victim Ian Westlake.
As predicted the City Ground was packed to near capacity and the fans were treated to a lively opening.
Forest had a couple of early opportunities - one falling to Kris Commons - but both Matt Heath and Casper Ankergren were on hand to avert any danger.
And after soaking up some early pressure, United hit Forest on the counter and Tresor Kandol converted coolly to make it 1-0.
Strike partner Jermaine Beckford was the architect with a delightful pass and Kandol delivered a low finish to send the 3,000 travelling fans delirious.
It was almost 2-0 before the half-hour but David Prutton, returning to Forest for the first time, saw a header forced over the bar, following a well-worked Alan Thompson corner.
Kandol's goal and the subsequent flurry of United corners only served to frustrate the already quiet home support.
The home side did have two free-kicks blocked by the wall and Ankergren gathered a corner with ease, but it was United who looked the most dangerous, particularly with Beckford and Seb Carole sharp on the break.
On the stroke of half-time Kandol did well to send Beckford through on goal, but the striker's first time shot went over the top. Carole also tried his luck in stoppage time with a curling effort from the touchline which drifted just wide.
Just four minutes into the second half it was 1-1 though. A Commons free-kick from distance appeared to take a wicked deflection to leave Ankergren with no chance.
That goal lifted City Ground spirits and James Perch should have done better on 54 minutes, following a cross from the right, as Forest started to show some confidence.
Commons also went close when he drilled a shot just wide from the edge of the box. And Heath made a superb tackle to deny Junior Agogo in a one-on-one situation after Forest broke quickly from deep inside their own half.
Beckford threatened at the other end - Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith cut out his cross with Kandol waiting - while Rui Marques made a good block to deny Commons as the contest moved up a pace.
Shortly after the hour, Wise again signalled his attacking intentions and introduced Tore Andre Flo from the bench in place of Prutton.
But the immediate action was in the United goalmouth and Marques made another superb block before Frazer Richardson headed a teasing cross to safety.
With 15 minutes remaining and the game finely balanced, Forest boss Colin Calderwood introduced crowd favourite Nathan Tyson in place of Agogo.
Felix Bastians was the next Forest introduction, in place of Commons, and he wasted a great chance to win the game with just three minutes remaining when he shot wide from close range.
But Leeds United don't lose matches. Not at the moment anyway. And, as scripted, the winner came from the men in yellow with just 30 seconds remaining.
Carole weaved his way in from the left, rifled a low ball into the centre, and Beckford was on hand at the far post to turn the ball home for a crucial winner.
Yorkshire Evening Post 25/8/07
Leeds United 'warned off' transfer targets
By Phil Hay
DENNIS WISE'S transfer plans are coming under growing pressure after the Leeds United boss was warned off two of his main targets.
Wise's attempt to lure Steve Davies to Elland Road from Tranmere Rovers is in jeopardy after Ronnie Moore urged his board at Prenton Park to resist United's interest, and Blackpool look set to obstruct any bids for Shaun Barker, their 24-year-old full-back.
Leeds have been monitoring Barker and are considering submitting an offer to Bloomfield Road, but Blackpool manager Simon Grayson has played down talk of the defender's departure by insisting it would take a "fantastic offer" to secure his signature.
Barker has entered the final year of his contract, but Grayson said: "We're fortunate that we're a club that doesn't have to sell players unless it's a really fantastic price for us.
"If someone offers me £2million for Shaun Barker then I'd be daft to turn it down. If someone offers me £20,000 for Shaun Barker then they can basically get stuffed."
Tranmere winger Davies is also the subject of intense interest from Leeds and has already attracted an unsuccessful bid from the Elland Road club.
Moore is hoping to see Tranmere's directors stand firm if United come calling for a second time before the transfer window closes next Friday.
The Tranmere boss said: "The big thing is we want Steve here. We want to try keep our young players at Prenton Park."