Yorkshire Post 3/10/09
Leeds United 0 Charlton Athletic 0: Draw fair result, says Grayson
By Richard Sutcliffe at Elland Road
A SWIRLING wind may have spoiled League One's match of the day but Casper Ankergren insists Leeds United will not be blown off course in the quest to win promotion.
The Elland Road club continue to set the pace at the top of the third tier, sitting three points clear of the chasing pack despite being held to a goalless draw by Charlton Athletic.
It was the second time in five days United had
been forced to settle for a point on home soil but Ankergren believes the preserving of the only unbeaten record in the country on a day when the side was not at its best shows the mettle of Simon Grayson's squad.
The Danish goalkeeper, back in the side in place of the injured Shane Higgs, said: "The weather was a goalkeeper's nightmare. The wind was blowing all over and it was raining as well. It makes it difficult but I feel we dealt with it okay.
"We knew it was going to be one of those games where there would not be a lot of chances. I think both teams will probably be happy with the draw.
"Charlton have had some good results and will be up there. But it is looking like it could be a good season for us.
"The team have done well – eight wins and three draws from 11 games is a good start. We would have taken that at the beginning. The key now is to push on.
"It is early but we have a lot of quality players. We have had one or two injuries lately but it hasn't affected the team. That shows we have strength in depth."
In truth, the meeting of the top two was a disappointing affair with the wind making even the simplest of tasks hazardous for the players.Of the two sides, Charlton perhaps adapted better to the testing conditions with Jonjo Shelvey producing a midfield display of such maturity that it was difficult to believe he is only 17 years old.
The talented Romford-born teenager has been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs and on the evidence of his efforts against Leeds it is easy to see why.
Shelvey used the ball intelligently in an energetic display, endeavouring to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible, and it was no surprise that Charlton manager Phil Parkinson should single out the young midfielder for praise.
If there was to be a criticism of Shelvey it was his finishing with the teenager being guilty of wasting the visitors' best chance of the afternoon on 25 minutes.
Frazer Richardson, back at Elland Road for the first time since being released by Grayson last summer, was the creator with an electric turn of pace that left Bradley Johnson and Andrew Hughes trailing in his wake on the flank.
Then, after reaching the by-line, the former Leeds full-back looked up and picked out Shelvey with an immaculate cross that deserved a lot better than being headed inches wide of the post.
It was a let-off for Leeds who, until then, had been on top and looking the more likely to score.
Jermaine Beckford certainly should have done a lot better when played through by a sublime pass from Neil Kilkenny that allowed the United top scorer to race clear of Sam Sodje.
A goal seemed certain but, as the majority of the 31,828 crowd prepared to celebrate, Beckford snatched at the chance and his shot flew wide.
If Beckford was culpable in that instance, he was unfortunate when a return pass from Jonny Howson just evaded the Leeds striker as he slid in with the goal at his mercy.
The home side were looking the more likely to break through – a feeling that was reinforced when Johnson brought a stunning save from Rob Elliott just after the half-hour.
The reality, however, was rather different with it being Charlton who then settled into a rhythm that led to Ankergren becoming the busiest goalkeeper.
He was fortunate to escape just before the break after flapping at a corner but more than made up for that with a save that kept a low drive from Shelvey out 15 minutes from time.
Ankergren also had to display safe hands to deal with a thunderous shot from Matthew Spring that could have earned the Londoners all three points.
As it was, they had to settle for just one and that was an outcome that Charlton's experienced defender Christian Dailly would have settled for ahead of kick-off.
The former Scotland international said: "Leeds are a good, solid team with dangerous players. It was important not to let them get six points clear of us. With two home games coming up, it keeps us in touch."
Leeds United: Ankergren; Bromby, Kisnorbo, Naylor, Hughes (Robinson 65); Howson, Kilkenny (Grella 79), Doyle, Johnson; Beckford, Becchio (Showunmi 36). Unused substitutes: Fielding, Prutton, Michalik, Kandol.
Charlton Athletic: Elliott; Richardson, Sodje, Dailly, Youga, Sam (Wagstaff 46), Spring, Racon (Basey 89), Bailey; Shelvey (McLeod 76), Burton. Unused substitutes: Randolph, Llera, Solly, Tuna.
Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).
MATCH FOCUS
Hero: Jonjo Shelvey
An outstanding display from the 17-year-old that ensured it was Charlton and not Leeds who adapted better to the testing conditions.
Villain: The wind
Any hopes of a free-flowing game between two in-form sides were, literally, blown away by the weather that left the Elland Road pitch covered in litter by the final whistle.
Key moment
9th-minute: Had Jermaine Beckford taken the chance presented by Neil Kilkenny, United could be six points clear.
Ref watch
Scott Mathieson: Showed plenty of common sense by making allowances for the conditions.
Verdict
A disappointing game but a result that Leeds and Charlton were satisfied with at the final whistle as it leaves them both occupying the top two places.
Next game
Leeds United v Darlington; tomorrow, 7.45pm; JP Trophy second round.
Quote of the day
Where's the coach going?– Sam Sodje's reaction to the team bus setting off without the Charlton defender as he signed autographs for waiting Leeds fans.
So are these two high-flying teams destined for league one glory this season?
The top two went head to head at Elland Road and Yorkshire Post chief football writer Richard Sutcliffe gives his verdict on whether they have what it takes to go the distance.
Strengths:
The results of the opening two months suggest Leeds and Charlton are well equipped to mount a challenge for automatic promotion and Saturday did nothing to dispel those thoughts. The weather may have marred the quality of the game but both showed why they are so hotly fancied to go up. Charlton can probably take more out of the meeting at Elland Road with their neat passing style and high-tempo approach making the visitors the more likely to score. Charlton have a nice mix of youth and experience with the centre-back pairing of Sam Sodje and Christian Dailly gelling well on their first outing together. Leeds may have relied too much on the long ball at times, especially after 6ft 3in striker Enoch Showunmi came off the bench to replace Luciano Becchio. But Simon Grayson's side still showed the kind of resolve and determination to eke out a point when not playing well that all promotion chasing sides must have.
Weaknesses:
Charlton's big worry is the size of their squad as injuries could have a major impact later in the season. If, for instance, they had suffered the injury woe that Leeds are going through at the moment with several key players out – Becchio being the latest of these with an ankle injury – then the Addicks' lack of numbers could come back to haunt them. The biggest concern for Leeds on Saturday, meanwhile, was how badly missed Robert Snodgrass was on the right flank. The Scot has matured into a fine player and it can be no coincidence that his absence through injury led to fewer than normal chances coming the way of the strikers. It would be a similar story if Becchio or Jermaine Beckford are out with Enoch Showunmi still not having won over the Elland Road crowd.
Verdict
The meeting of the top two was so badly affected by the weather that it is difficult to use it as a tool to indicate whether Leeds and Charlton have what it takes to win promotion. But it is a fair bet to suggest both will be in the promotion mix with Leeds, thanks to their superior squad, just about having the edge in the battle to go up.
Leeds United 0 Charlton Athletic 0: Draw fair result, says Grayson
By Richard Sutcliffe at Elland Road
A SWIRLING wind may have spoiled League One's match of the day but Casper Ankergren insists Leeds United will not be blown off course in the quest to win promotion.
The Elland Road club continue to set the pace at the top of the third tier, sitting three points clear of the chasing pack despite being held to a goalless draw by Charlton Athletic.
It was the second time in five days United had
been forced to settle for a point on home soil but Ankergren believes the preserving of the only unbeaten record in the country on a day when the side was not at its best shows the mettle of Simon Grayson's squad.The Danish goalkeeper, back in the side in place of the injured Shane Higgs, said: "The weather was a goalkeeper's nightmare. The wind was blowing all over and it was raining as well. It makes it difficult but I feel we dealt with it okay.
"We knew it was going to be one of those games where there would not be a lot of chances. I think both teams will probably be happy with the draw.
"Charlton have had some good results and will be up there. But it is looking like it could be a good season for us.
"The team have done well – eight wins and three draws from 11 games is a good start. We would have taken that at the beginning. The key now is to push on.
"It is early but we have a lot of quality players. We have had one or two injuries lately but it hasn't affected the team. That shows we have strength in depth."
In truth, the meeting of the top two was a disappointing affair with the wind making even the simplest of tasks hazardous for the players.Of the two sides, Charlton perhaps adapted better to the testing conditions with Jonjo Shelvey producing a midfield display of such maturity that it was difficult to believe he is only 17 years old.
The talented Romford-born teenager has been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs and on the evidence of his efforts against Leeds it is easy to see why.
Shelvey used the ball intelligently in an energetic display, endeavouring to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible, and it was no surprise that Charlton manager Phil Parkinson should single out the young midfielder for praise.
If there was to be a criticism of Shelvey it was his finishing with the teenager being guilty of wasting the visitors' best chance of the afternoon on 25 minutes.
Frazer Richardson, back at Elland Road for the first time since being released by Grayson last summer, was the creator with an electric turn of pace that left Bradley Johnson and Andrew Hughes trailing in his wake on the flank.
Then, after reaching the by-line, the former Leeds full-back looked up and picked out Shelvey with an immaculate cross that deserved a lot better than being headed inches wide of the post.
It was a let-off for Leeds who, until then, had been on top and looking the more likely to score.
Jermaine Beckford certainly should have done a lot better when played through by a sublime pass from Neil Kilkenny that allowed the United top scorer to race clear of Sam Sodje.
A goal seemed certain but, as the majority of the 31,828 crowd prepared to celebrate, Beckford snatched at the chance and his shot flew wide.
If Beckford was culpable in that instance, he was unfortunate when a return pass from Jonny Howson just evaded the Leeds striker as he slid in with the goal at his mercy.
The home side were looking the more likely to break through – a feeling that was reinforced when Johnson brought a stunning save from Rob Elliott just after the half-hour.
The reality, however, was rather different with it being Charlton who then settled into a rhythm that led to Ankergren becoming the busiest goalkeeper.
He was fortunate to escape just before the break after flapping at a corner but more than made up for that with a save that kept a low drive from Shelvey out 15 minutes from time.
Ankergren also had to display safe hands to deal with a thunderous shot from Matthew Spring that could have earned the Londoners all three points.
As it was, they had to settle for just one and that was an outcome that Charlton's experienced defender Christian Dailly would have settled for ahead of kick-off.
The former Scotland international said: "Leeds are a good, solid team with dangerous players. It was important not to let them get six points clear of us. With two home games coming up, it keeps us in touch."
Leeds United: Ankergren; Bromby, Kisnorbo, Naylor, Hughes (Robinson 65); Howson, Kilkenny (Grella 79), Doyle, Johnson; Beckford, Becchio (Showunmi 36). Unused substitutes: Fielding, Prutton, Michalik, Kandol.
Charlton Athletic: Elliott; Richardson, Sodje, Dailly, Youga, Sam (Wagstaff 46), Spring, Racon (Basey 89), Bailey; Shelvey (McLeod 76), Burton. Unused substitutes: Randolph, Llera, Solly, Tuna.
Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).
MATCH FOCUS
Hero: Jonjo Shelvey
An outstanding display from the 17-year-old that ensured it was Charlton and not Leeds who adapted better to the testing conditions.
Villain: The wind
Any hopes of a free-flowing game between two in-form sides were, literally, blown away by the weather that left the Elland Road pitch covered in litter by the final whistle.
Key moment
9th-minute: Had Jermaine Beckford taken the chance presented by Neil Kilkenny, United could be six points clear.
Ref watch
Scott Mathieson: Showed plenty of common sense by making allowances for the conditions.
Verdict
A disappointing game but a result that Leeds and Charlton were satisfied with at the final whistle as it leaves them both occupying the top two places.
Next game
Leeds United v Darlington; tomorrow, 7.45pm; JP Trophy second round.
Quote of the day
Where's the coach going?– Sam Sodje's reaction to the team bus setting off without the Charlton defender as he signed autographs for waiting Leeds fans.
So are these two high-flying teams destined for league one glory this season?
The top two went head to head at Elland Road and Yorkshire Post chief football writer Richard Sutcliffe gives his verdict on whether they have what it takes to go the distance.
Strengths:
The results of the opening two months suggest Leeds and Charlton are well equipped to mount a challenge for automatic promotion and Saturday did nothing to dispel those thoughts. The weather may have marred the quality of the game but both showed why they are so hotly fancied to go up. Charlton can probably take more out of the meeting at Elland Road with their neat passing style and high-tempo approach making the visitors the more likely to score. Charlton have a nice mix of youth and experience with the centre-back pairing of Sam Sodje and Christian Dailly gelling well on their first outing together. Leeds may have relied too much on the long ball at times, especially after 6ft 3in striker Enoch Showunmi came off the bench to replace Luciano Becchio. But Simon Grayson's side still showed the kind of resolve and determination to eke out a point when not playing well that all promotion chasing sides must have.
Weaknesses:
Charlton's big worry is the size of their squad as injuries could have a major impact later in the season. If, for instance, they had suffered the injury woe that Leeds are going through at the moment with several key players out – Becchio being the latest of these with an ankle injury – then the Addicks' lack of numbers could come back to haunt them. The biggest concern for Leeds on Saturday, meanwhile, was how badly missed Robert Snodgrass was on the right flank. The Scot has matured into a fine player and it can be no coincidence that his absence through injury led to fewer than normal chances coming the way of the strikers. It would be a similar story if Becchio or Jermaine Beckford are out with Enoch Showunmi still not having won over the Elland Road crowd.
Verdict
The meeting of the top two was so badly affected by the weather that it is difficult to use it as a tool to indicate whether Leeds and Charlton have what it takes to win promotion. But it is a fair bet to suggest both will be in the promotion mix with Leeds, thanks to their superior squad, just about having the edge in the battle to go up.
