Millwall 2 Leeds United 0: Dave Hockaday fears Massimo Cellino's wrath after opening day defeat
Telegraph 9/8/14
By Tom Prentki
Ian Holloway admitted that he had “dodged a bullet” in escaping relegation on the final day of last season but it is Dave Hockaday who will be worried about being in the firing line of the trigger-happy Massimo Cellino after beginning his reign as Leeds’ manager with defeat.
Mark Beevers had him sweating inside the opening minutes as he exploited Leeds’ lack of marking to sweep home after Martyn Woolford and Lee Martin had combined for a short corner.
Senegalese striker Souleymane Doukara was among Leeds’ debutants but made no impact as the lone front man with Hockaday’s side spending much of the game inside their own half.
Luke Murphy was gifted a rare chance at goal as the Lions’ defence parted but he screwed his effort harmlessly wide.
Leeds were showing no inclination to mark as the half drew to a close and Alan Dunne was given the freedom of their penalty area but could only angle his header straight at Marco Silvestri, making his debut in goal for the Yorkshire side.
Straight after the break Noel Hunt almost capitalised on a calamitous fumble from David Forde as he rushed from his line and snatched at the ball but Dunne was on the line to clear, before Martin raced free for Milwall and saw his shot well saved by Silvestri in an ebullient start to the half.
The impressive Woolford freed himself on the right side and seemed to be clipped by Murphy but Oliver Langford waved away the fervent penalty appeals as Millwall continued to threaten.
Langford did point to the spot in the closing minutes when Lewis Cook tripped Lee Gregory allowing Shaun Williams to slot his spot-kick beyond Silvestri and seal victory.
Leeds were roared on by an away following of more than two thousand supporters but neither they, nor Cellino saw much evidence that their recent malaise will relent.
By Tom Prentki
Ian Holloway admitted that he had “dodged a bullet” in escaping relegation on the final day of last season but it is Dave Hockaday who will be worried about being in the firing line of the trigger-happy Massimo Cellino after beginning his reign as Leeds’ manager with defeat.
Mark Beevers had him sweating inside the opening minutes as he exploited Leeds’ lack of marking to sweep home after Martyn Woolford and Lee Martin had combined for a short corner.
Senegalese striker Souleymane Doukara was among Leeds’ debutants but made no impact as the lone front man with Hockaday’s side spending much of the game inside their own half.
Luke Murphy was gifted a rare chance at goal as the Lions’ defence parted but he screwed his effort harmlessly wide.
Leeds were showing no inclination to mark as the half drew to a close and Alan Dunne was given the freedom of their penalty area but could only angle his header straight at Marco Silvestri, making his debut in goal for the Yorkshire side.
Straight after the break Noel Hunt almost capitalised on a calamitous fumble from David Forde as he rushed from his line and snatched at the ball but Dunne was on the line to clear, before Martin raced free for Milwall and saw his shot well saved by Silvestri in an ebullient start to the half.
The impressive Woolford freed himself on the right side and seemed to be clipped by Murphy but Oliver Langford waved away the fervent penalty appeals as Millwall continued to threaten.
Langford did point to the spot in the closing minutes when Lewis Cook tripped Lee Gregory allowing Shaun Williams to slot his spot-kick beyond Silvestri and seal victory.
Leeds were roared on by an away following of more than two thousand supporters but neither they, nor Cellino saw much evidence that their recent malaise will relent.