Guardian 1/5/10
Richard Naylor own goal leaves Leeds hanging and gives Charlton hope
Barney Ronay at The Valley
The race for the final League One promotion spot is still twitching with unpredictable, and for Leeds United agonising, life. Defeat to a peppy and energetic Charlton Athletic at The Valley,
combined with Millwall's defeat at Tranmere, means Leeds remain in second. "Our destiny is still in our own hands. I thought we dominated possession and we had great chances to win the game," Simon Grayson said. But in truth Leeds blew it here, failing to have a serious attempt on goal during a second half when they knew victory would have clinched promotion.
Charlton and Swindon now have an outside chance of going up automatically, and Huddersfield are not quite out of it. The final day seems certain to be shot through with fist-gnawing tension.
This match was settled by Richard Naylor's late own goal, the ball deflected into his own net by the Leeds captain as Akpo Sodje's close-range header looked to be dipping beneath the bar. It completed a deserved win for Charlton, for whom automatic promotion had seemed to be only a mathematical hypothesis before the start of play, albeit one leavened by the chance to inflect an early blow to the breadbasket against opponents they may still face again later this month in the play-offs.
In the event this was a thrillingly full-blooded match. In the first 20 minutes Leeds took the game to Charlton via a succession of free-kicks and throw-ins, without creating any clear chances for the nimble-footed Max Gradel or the lumbering Luciano Becchio, starting again ahead of Jermaine Beckford. On 15 minutes Bradley Johnson broke through Sam Sodje's challenge rather too easily and spanked a swerving shot that Darren Randolph could only palm down awkwardly.
Charlton made most progress on the right through the yellow-booted Lloyd Sam, although it was from the other flank that Deon Burton drew a flying save from Shane Higgs with an athletic scissors-volley on the half-hour. Moments later Neill Collins managed to spoon a bouncing ball over the bar from three yards out after an aerial scramble from a deep Leeds free-kick. If that was the miss of the first half, the most stirring cheer came with news just before half-time from Prenton Park of Ian Thomas-Moore's goal for Tranmere against Millwall, transporting the massed away end into its own version of utopia.
Despite which Leeds started the second half gingerly, spooked perhaps by the fact promotion was now just a goal away. A curling shot by Therry Racon was well saved at full stretch by Higgs. Charlton were getting closer: on the hour mark Sam Sodje somehow managed to head over the bar from three yards from a corner.
With 26 minutes remaining Beckford came on for Robert Snodgrass just as news came through of Tranmere's second goal. Leeds's top scorer could have made up an attacking trio, but Grayson instead drew Gradel back into midfield when others might have gambled more forcefully. It was only in the final 10 minutes, with the Arsenal loanee Sanchez Watt on the field to complete a quartet of attackers, that Leeds finally came forward. Beckford poked an effort into the side netting after good work from Gradel.
"We only want one goal!" sang the Leeds fans, just as one finally came at the home end with two minutes left. Akpo Sodje leapt highest after a bout of aerial ping-pong in the six-yard box; Naylor's final touch sent the ball into the roof of the net.
In the second minute of stoppage time Leeds did finally have a second-half effort on target, Beckford heading firmly goalwards only to see Randolph save brilliantly. Leeds had come to life too late and their season of steadily declining momentum is still in the balance.
For Charlton hope unexpectedly remains, as does an encouraging sense of coming strong at the last. "We'll go to Oldham and take care of our own job and hope results fall our way," Phil Parkinson said. "Football is about handling the occasion and being able to produce your best when the pressure is on."
Leeds have another chance to do just that at home to Bristol Rovers. Either way it seems likely to be another afternoon of enervating tension for all concerned.
Richard Naylor own goal leaves Leeds hanging and gives Charlton hope
Barney Ronay at The Valley
The race for the final League One promotion spot is still twitching with unpredictable, and for Leeds United agonising, life. Defeat to a peppy and energetic Charlton Athletic at The Valley,
combined with Millwall's defeat at Tranmere, means Leeds remain in second. "Our destiny is still in our own hands. I thought we dominated possession and we had great chances to win the game," Simon Grayson said. But in truth Leeds blew it here, failing to have a serious attempt on goal during a second half when they knew victory would have clinched promotion.Charlton and Swindon now have an outside chance of going up automatically, and Huddersfield are not quite out of it. The final day seems certain to be shot through with fist-gnawing tension.
This match was settled by Richard Naylor's late own goal, the ball deflected into his own net by the Leeds captain as Akpo Sodje's close-range header looked to be dipping beneath the bar. It completed a deserved win for Charlton, for whom automatic promotion had seemed to be only a mathematical hypothesis before the start of play, albeit one leavened by the chance to inflect an early blow to the breadbasket against opponents they may still face again later this month in the play-offs.
In the event this was a thrillingly full-blooded match. In the first 20 minutes Leeds took the game to Charlton via a succession of free-kicks and throw-ins, without creating any clear chances for the nimble-footed Max Gradel or the lumbering Luciano Becchio, starting again ahead of Jermaine Beckford. On 15 minutes Bradley Johnson broke through Sam Sodje's challenge rather too easily and spanked a swerving shot that Darren Randolph could only palm down awkwardly.
Charlton made most progress on the right through the yellow-booted Lloyd Sam, although it was from the other flank that Deon Burton drew a flying save from Shane Higgs with an athletic scissors-volley on the half-hour. Moments later Neill Collins managed to spoon a bouncing ball over the bar from three yards out after an aerial scramble from a deep Leeds free-kick. If that was the miss of the first half, the most stirring cheer came with news just before half-time from Prenton Park of Ian Thomas-Moore's goal for Tranmere against Millwall, transporting the massed away end into its own version of utopia.
Despite which Leeds started the second half gingerly, spooked perhaps by the fact promotion was now just a goal away. A curling shot by Therry Racon was well saved at full stretch by Higgs. Charlton were getting closer: on the hour mark Sam Sodje somehow managed to head over the bar from three yards from a corner.
With 26 minutes remaining Beckford came on for Robert Snodgrass just as news came through of Tranmere's second goal. Leeds's top scorer could have made up an attacking trio, but Grayson instead drew Gradel back into midfield when others might have gambled more forcefully. It was only in the final 10 minutes, with the Arsenal loanee Sanchez Watt on the field to complete a quartet of attackers, that Leeds finally came forward. Beckford poked an effort into the side netting after good work from Gradel.
"We only want one goal!" sang the Leeds fans, just as one finally came at the home end with two minutes left. Akpo Sodje leapt highest after a bout of aerial ping-pong in the six-yard box; Naylor's final touch sent the ball into the roof of the net.
In the second minute of stoppage time Leeds did finally have a second-half effort on target, Beckford heading firmly goalwards only to see Randolph save brilliantly. Leeds had come to life too late and their season of steadily declining momentum is still in the balance.
For Charlton hope unexpectedly remains, as does an encouraging sense of coming strong at the last. "We'll go to Oldham and take care of our own job and hope results fall our way," Phil Parkinson said. "Football is about handling the occasion and being able to produce your best when the pressure is on."
Leeds have another chance to do just that at home to Bristol Rovers. Either way it seems likely to be another afternoon of enervating tension for all concerned.
Telegraph 1/5/10
Charlton Athletic 1 Leeds United 0: match report
By Ben Findon at The Valley
Leeds United's promotion party is on hold after defeat at Charlton Athletic but they will still end their three-year exile in League 1 if they beat Bristol Rovers at Elland Road on the final
weekend of the regular season.
Akpo Sodje's 86th-minute winnner leaves Leeds with a slender one-point lead over Millwall, who lost at Tranmere, and Swindon. Charlton are a point further back but the Yorkshire side's destiny remains in their hands and they will be favourites to avoid the play-offs and accompany Norwich back to the Coca-Cola Championship.
No shortage of thrills from the opening moments at the Valley. Indeed, Leeds could have had the ideal start courtesy of an underhit back-pass from Charlton's Sam Sodje in the second minute. It was a gift for Max Gradel, but the Leeds striker drummed the ball against the imposing frame of Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Charlton were not in the mood to dispense further invitations, and though Leeds pressed forward, the home defenders allowed strictly limited openings.
Bradley Johnson's strike from the edge of the penalty area on 20 minutes tested Randolph again and Neil Collins forced a frantic clearance 10 minutes from the break.
Much of Charlton's threat was carried by the quick-footed Lloyd Sam, with some dangerous bursts down the right wing. Charlton's best first-half opportunity stemmed from the opposite flank, however, when Nicky Forster's flick-on enabled Deon Burton to shoot acrobatically, forcing Shane Higgs into a sprawling save.
The biggest cheer from the visitors' end came moments before the interval, with news that Tranmere had taken the lead against Millwall.
Charlton's attacking intent was clear from the start of the second half and there were two serious scares for Leeds around the hour mark.
Therry Racon's low drive seemed to catch Higgs off-guard and he had to push the ball away after a delayed dive. Then, following a corner, Sam Sodje had his head in his hands after planting a header over the crossbar from close in.
The response from Leeds was swift, with 30-goal striker Jermaine Beckford sent on in place of Robert Snodgrass. Moments later there was another roar from the visitors' end, saluting Tranmere's second against Millwall.
Leeds continued to live dangerously. Substitute Akpo Sodje directed a 72nd-minute header straight at Higgs, and two minutes later the impressive Sam skipped through the middle to send a shot rising over the Leeds crossbar.
Charlton's tails were up and four minutes from the end, when Leeds were slow to cleer the danger, Akpo Sodje rose to head in from close range.
Charlton Athletic 1 Leeds United 0: match report
By Ben Findon at The Valley
Leeds United's promotion party is on hold after defeat at Charlton Athletic but they will still end their three-year exile in League 1 if they beat Bristol Rovers at Elland Road on the final
weekend of the regular season.Akpo Sodje's 86th-minute winnner leaves Leeds with a slender one-point lead over Millwall, who lost at Tranmere, and Swindon. Charlton are a point further back but the Yorkshire side's destiny remains in their hands and they will be favourites to avoid the play-offs and accompany Norwich back to the Coca-Cola Championship.
No shortage of thrills from the opening moments at the Valley. Indeed, Leeds could have had the ideal start courtesy of an underhit back-pass from Charlton's Sam Sodje in the second minute. It was a gift for Max Gradel, but the Leeds striker drummed the ball against the imposing frame of Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Charlton were not in the mood to dispense further invitations, and though Leeds pressed forward, the home defenders allowed strictly limited openings.
Bradley Johnson's strike from the edge of the penalty area on 20 minutes tested Randolph again and Neil Collins forced a frantic clearance 10 minutes from the break.
Much of Charlton's threat was carried by the quick-footed Lloyd Sam, with some dangerous bursts down the right wing. Charlton's best first-half opportunity stemmed from the opposite flank, however, when Nicky Forster's flick-on enabled Deon Burton to shoot acrobatically, forcing Shane Higgs into a sprawling save.
The biggest cheer from the visitors' end came moments before the interval, with news that Tranmere had taken the lead against Millwall.
Charlton's attacking intent was clear from the start of the second half and there were two serious scares for Leeds around the hour mark.
Therry Racon's low drive seemed to catch Higgs off-guard and he had to push the ball away after a delayed dive. Then, following a corner, Sam Sodje had his head in his hands after planting a header over the crossbar from close in.
The response from Leeds was swift, with 30-goal striker Jermaine Beckford sent on in place of Robert Snodgrass. Moments later there was another roar from the visitors' end, saluting Tranmere's second against Millwall.
Leeds continued to live dangerously. Substitute Akpo Sodje directed a 72nd-minute header straight at Higgs, and two minutes later the impressive Sam skipped through the middle to send a shot rising over the Leeds crossbar.
Charlton's tails were up and four minutes from the end, when Leeds were slow to cleer the danger, Akpo Sodje rose to head in from close range.
Guardian 27/4/10
Leeds United may be forced to come clean over the ownership issue
Premier League and Championship to standardise rules
Promotion could force Leeds to remove smokescreen
Owen Gibson
If it's not quite up there with the existence of the Loch Ness monster, for some Leeds United fans it is not far off. The mystery of who owns their club could finally be solved this summer, if the team gain promotion.
It had been assumed that Leeds, sitting in an automatic promotion place in League One, would not have to reveal the identity of the shareholders in the offshore companies that make up their ownership structure unless they returned to the Premier League.
But a Premier League proposal for the Football League to align the Championship's rulebook with its own, as part of a package that will deliver a new deal on parachute and solidarity payments, could see the Leeds chairman Ken Bates required to do so far sooner. The Football League, which has satisfied itself that the club's owners are "fit and proper" but does not require them to be named, is likely to put the plan to its clubs at the annual meeting in June.
The Guardian has highlighted the issue of opaque ownership in a campaign backed by MPs and supporters' groups. The Premier League's offer will increase parachute payments from £23.4m over two years to £48m over four and "significantly" increase the solidarity payments shared between other Football League clubs.
It also wants to standardise rules with clubs in the Championship. That would require all those with shareholdings above 10% to be revealed on that club's website. The Football League's chairman Greg Clarke, in talks with the Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore over the package from 2010 to 2013, said on getting the job that he had "a propensity to think that transparency is a wonderful thing". This may be his chance to prove it.
Leeds United may be forced to come clean over the ownership issue
Premier League and Championship to standardise rules
Promotion could force Leeds to remove smokescreen
Owen Gibson
If it's not quite up there with the existence of the Loch Ness monster, for some Leeds United fans it is not far off. The mystery of who owns their club could finally be solved this summer, if the team gain promotion.
It had been assumed that Leeds, sitting in an automatic promotion place in League One, would not have to reveal the identity of the shareholders in the offshore companies that make up their ownership structure unless they returned to the Premier League.
But a Premier League proposal for the Football League to align the Championship's rulebook with its own, as part of a package that will deliver a new deal on parachute and solidarity payments, could see the Leeds chairman Ken Bates required to do so far sooner. The Football League, which has satisfied itself that the club's owners are "fit and proper" but does not require them to be named, is likely to put the plan to its clubs at the annual meeting in June.
The Guardian has highlighted the issue of opaque ownership in a campaign backed by MPs and supporters' groups. The Premier League's offer will increase parachute payments from £23.4m over two years to £48m over four and "significantly" increase the solidarity payments shared between other Football League clubs.
It also wants to standardise rules with clubs in the Championship. That would require all those with shareholdings above 10% to be revealed on that club's website. The Football League's chairman Greg Clarke, in talks with the Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore over the package from 2010 to 2013, said on getting the job that he had "a propensity to think that transparency is a wonderful thing". This may be his chance to prove it.