Telegraph 17/9/10
Doncaster Rovers 0 Leeds United 0: match report
By Iain Percy
Neil Sullivan, the Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper, will be 41 this season but produced an excellent performance on Friday night to frustrate a Leeds United manager only two months older than him.
Sullivan was impressive as he denied Davide Somma and Max Gradel to preserve Rovers’ unbeaten home record and deny Leeds the opportunity to exact revenge for their defeat in the League One play-off final two years ago.
Leeds had dominated the second half but the visitors found to their annoyance why the former Scotland international, Sullivan, is so highly rated at the Keepmoat Stadium. When Somma did finally beat him, he was denied by an offside flag.
Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: “On another night Davide would have put a couple away but we’re delighted to have come away to a difficult place and got a point.
“We’ve always had a response from the players when we’ve had a bad result and I thought we created some good chances and looked like the team that was going to win it.
“We’re disappointed, we could have won the game but after the other night we’ll take a clean sheet and a point.”
John Ryan, the Doncaster chairman, is not adverse to hyperbole and had claimed before the game that Leeds are a smaller club than his own.
It is hard to argue with him after two years of steady progression, since Rovers defeated Leeds in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Leeds, who were ruthlessly picked apart by Barnsley on Tuesday night, could have been behind after just 29 seconds when Billy Sharp’s close-range effort was deflected over the crossbar.
Somma cracked a 30-yard drive against the crossbar with Sullivan stranded but shortly before half-time the home goalkeeper was more alert to repel the South African forward’s sliding effort. Somma spurned a promising opportunity early in the second period, dragging his shot horribly wide, before Max Gradel forced a reflex save from Sullivan.
Leeds were temporarily convinced they had taken the lead 15 minutes from time when Somma pounced from close range, after Sullivan had been unable to hold Bradley Johnson’s half-volley, but they were frustrated by an offside flag. It did little to lighten the mood of Grayson, who regularly harangued the fourth official.
Doncaster Rovers 0 Leeds United 0: match report
By Iain Percy
Neil Sullivan, the Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper, will be 41 this season but produced an excellent performance on Friday night to frustrate a Leeds United manager only two months older than him.
Sullivan was impressive as he denied Davide Somma and Max Gradel to preserve Rovers’ unbeaten home record and deny Leeds the opportunity to exact revenge for their defeat in the League One play-off final two years ago.
Leeds had dominated the second half but the visitors found to their annoyance why the former Scotland international, Sullivan, is so highly rated at the Keepmoat Stadium. When Somma did finally beat him, he was denied by an offside flag.
Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: “On another night Davide would have put a couple away but we’re delighted to have come away to a difficult place and got a point.
“We’ve always had a response from the players when we’ve had a bad result and I thought we created some good chances and looked like the team that was going to win it.
“We’re disappointed, we could have won the game but after the other night we’ll take a clean sheet and a point.”
John Ryan, the Doncaster chairman, is not adverse to hyperbole and had claimed before the game that Leeds are a smaller club than his own.
It is hard to argue with him after two years of steady progression, since Rovers defeated Leeds in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Leeds, who were ruthlessly picked apart by Barnsley on Tuesday night, could have been behind after just 29 seconds when Billy Sharp’s close-range effort was deflected over the crossbar.
Somma cracked a 30-yard drive against the crossbar with Sullivan stranded but shortly before half-time the home goalkeeper was more alert to repel the South African forward’s sliding effort. Somma spurned a promising opportunity early in the second period, dragging his shot horribly wide, before Max Gradel forced a reflex save from Sullivan.
Leeds were temporarily convinced they had taken the lead 15 minutes from time when Somma pounced from close range, after Sullivan had been unable to hold Bradley Johnson’s half-volley, but they were frustrated by an offside flag. It did little to lighten the mood of Grayson, who regularly harangued the fourth official.
leedsunited.com 17/9/10
UNITED HELD AT DONCASTER
DONCASTER 0, LEEDS 0
United manager Simon Grayson rang the changes after the midweek 5-2 beating at Barnsley. Paul Connolly and Fede Bessone both missed out with injury, Luciano Becchio and Richard Naylor were both rested following a heavy workload, and there was a full debut for Ross McCormack.
Davide Somma also came into the starting line-up along with Aidy White while Amdy Faye was named among the subs, along with Rob Snodgrass who returned from injury.
The United boss has demanded a response from his players, but they were on the back foot inside the opening minute when Billy Sharp latched on to a cross from the Doncaster right and should have done better with his finish. Doncaster won three successive corners, but Leeds cleared the third and broke quickly and incisively, White's cross being too far in front of an advancing Somma.
Max Gradel was also an early threat for Leeds and he tested Neil Sullivan at the near post before winning a corner.
There was plenty of huster and bluster from both sides during what was a frenetic opening with action at both ends. Somma was also looking lively for United and his hold-up play allowed McCormack a shot which was deflected for a corner.
Somma came within a whisker of opening the scoring on 22 minutes, though, when his sweetly struck effort beat former Leeds keeper Neil Sullivan but came back off the bar. McCormack teed his striking partner up again from the re-bound, and another cracker of a shot flew just wide.
When Doncaster came forward, Dean Shiels sent a shot across the face of goal and well wide of a watchful Shane Higgs. Moments later, Shiels did go close when he curled a shot against the upright after finding himself on space inside the box.
The balance of free-kick decisions were certainly going Doncaster's way during the first half, and Jonny Howson had to be alert to clear one effort which skidded through a ruck of players.
But it was United who fashioned out another great chance when a perfect through ball released Somma, who was denied by an advancing Sullivan, the veteran getting down well at the striker's feet.
As the first half entered its final moments, United had some defending to do, Bruce making one timely intervention when Sharp was in space. Simon Gillett also had a shot blocked from the resultant corner.
However, Leeds ended the half on the front foot. Kilkenny had shot deflected for a corner and Neill Coillins saw his header cleared from the resultant corner.
The game was finely balanced at the interval, and it was Leeds who had the first opportunity of the second half when the lively Somma sent a shot wide of the mark.
Doncaster did fashion out a half-chance for Shiels shortly before the hour, but he was unable to make a good connection and his header looped over the top.
At the other end, Sullivan was called into action moments later to save a strong effort from Gradel after some good build-up play, and the former Leeds keeper also had to save when McCormack returned the ball with a powerful strike at goal.
The first change for Leeds came on 67 minutes when Snodgrass was handed his seasonal debut in place of McCormack who went down injured. The Scot was given a terrific reception by the travelling fans.
And those travelling fans were going wild on 74 minutes when United thought the lead was theirs. Johnson tried his luck from distance with a shot which Sullivan failed to hold, and Somma was on hand to apply the finishing touch from close range for his fifth goal of the season. But an offside flag was raised to deny the striker and put a swift end to the celebrations.
With 10 minutes remaining, and Leeds shading the contest, the home side made two changes, introducing Brian Stock and Waide Fairhurst.
United had immediate claims for a penalty when Somma appeared to be shoved in the back while looking to get on the end of a cross, but the referee waved play on. The South African had been terrific for Leeds and his pace and movement caused Doncaster problems throughout.
Grayson made another change as the game entered its final five minutes, Sanchez Watt replacing Gradel.
The hosts had a lucky escape within moments of the change, Sullivan scrambling to push a deflected shot from Johnson around the post for a corner.
United still had to make some decisive blocks. Both Collins and Bruce getting their bodies in the way when the hosts looked to force a goal.
DONCASTER 0, LEEDS 0
United manager Simon Grayson rang the changes after the midweek 5-2 beating at Barnsley. Paul Connolly and Fede Bessone both missed out with injury, Luciano Becchio and Richard Naylor were both rested following a heavy workload, and there was a full debut for Ross McCormack.
Davide Somma also came into the starting line-up along with Aidy White while Amdy Faye was named among the subs, along with Rob Snodgrass who returned from injury.
The United boss has demanded a response from his players, but they were on the back foot inside the opening minute when Billy Sharp latched on to a cross from the Doncaster right and should have done better with his finish. Doncaster won three successive corners, but Leeds cleared the third and broke quickly and incisively, White's cross being too far in front of an advancing Somma.
Max Gradel was also an early threat for Leeds and he tested Neil Sullivan at the near post before winning a corner.
There was plenty of huster and bluster from both sides during what was a frenetic opening with action at both ends. Somma was also looking lively for United and his hold-up play allowed McCormack a shot which was deflected for a corner.
Somma came within a whisker of opening the scoring on 22 minutes, though, when his sweetly struck effort beat former Leeds keeper Neil Sullivan but came back off the bar. McCormack teed his striking partner up again from the re-bound, and another cracker of a shot flew just wide.
When Doncaster came forward, Dean Shiels sent a shot across the face of goal and well wide of a watchful Shane Higgs. Moments later, Shiels did go close when he curled a shot against the upright after finding himself on space inside the box.
The balance of free-kick decisions were certainly going Doncaster's way during the first half, and Jonny Howson had to be alert to clear one effort which skidded through a ruck of players.
But it was United who fashioned out another great chance when a perfect through ball released Somma, who was denied by an advancing Sullivan, the veteran getting down well at the striker's feet.
As the first half entered its final moments, United had some defending to do, Bruce making one timely intervention when Sharp was in space. Simon Gillett also had a shot blocked from the resultant corner.
However, Leeds ended the half on the front foot. Kilkenny had shot deflected for a corner and Neill Coillins saw his header cleared from the resultant corner.
The game was finely balanced at the interval, and it was Leeds who had the first opportunity of the second half when the lively Somma sent a shot wide of the mark.
Doncaster did fashion out a half-chance for Shiels shortly before the hour, but he was unable to make a good connection and his header looped over the top.
At the other end, Sullivan was called into action moments later to save a strong effort from Gradel after some good build-up play, and the former Leeds keeper also had to save when McCormack returned the ball with a powerful strike at goal.
The first change for Leeds came on 67 minutes when Snodgrass was handed his seasonal debut in place of McCormack who went down injured. The Scot was given a terrific reception by the travelling fans.
And those travelling fans were going wild on 74 minutes when United thought the lead was theirs. Johnson tried his luck from distance with a shot which Sullivan failed to hold, and Somma was on hand to apply the finishing touch from close range for his fifth goal of the season. But an offside flag was raised to deny the striker and put a swift end to the celebrations.
With 10 minutes remaining, and Leeds shading the contest, the home side made two changes, introducing Brian Stock and Waide Fairhurst.
United had immediate claims for a penalty when Somma appeared to be shoved in the back while looking to get on the end of a cross, but the referee waved play on. The South African had been terrific for Leeds and his pace and movement caused Doncaster problems throughout.
Grayson made another change as the game entered its final five minutes, Sanchez Watt replacing Gradel.
The hosts had a lucky escape within moments of the change, Sullivan scrambling to push a deflected shot from Johnson around the post for a corner.
United still had to make some decisive blocks. Both Collins and Bruce getting their bodies in the way when the hosts looked to force a goal.
Both sides were looking to win the game and three minutes of added time gave hope that it could be Leeds who snared the points, but there proved to be no decisive goal as honours ended even with a stalemate.