Sorry Leeds Mauled By Foxes

By Gary Spate
September 16 2003

LEEDS United fans were left scratching their heads in disbelief as Premiership newcomers Leicester City slaughtered the Yorkshire strugglers 4-0.

Leeds manager Peter Reid was left fuming as his sloppy side were forced to take a back seat for much of the game.

Goals by Lilian Nalis, Paul Dickov (2) and Jamie Scowcroft sealed the victory for the Foxes who dominated the proceedings.

"We need to get the attitude right," said United manager Reid. "We can learn from Leicester in that regard. You are on television, playing in a great stadium and on a beautiful pitch but Leicester wanted to win more than us.

"Football is about consistency and we have not got that. If we had got beat but we'd had a right good go, then I could have handled it. But all over the pitch we were second best.

"It doesn't take an Einstein to go and defend. Just make it a bit harder for them.

"But at every dead ball situation I thought they were going to score. I can accept getting beaten - it happens. But we were just not at the races and they were much, much better than us."

Despite the embarrassing defeat, Leeds fans were impressed with the way goalkeeper Paul Robinson performed. Hasd it not been for the efforts of the possible future England No. 1, Leicester could have scored twice as many.

Lilian Nalis, a French 32-year-old freebie from Italian side Chievo, unleashed a 30-yard rocket past Robinson.

"I have not seen Lilian do anything like that before," said Leicester manager Micky Adams. "I have tried to explain to him what the word fluke means but he is not having any of it."

Paul Dickov slotted in the Foxes' second goal of the game after a smart flick-on by Marcus Bent.

In the final stages Paul Dickov collected Muzzy Izzet's pass and curled a low shot past Robinson before Jamie Scowcroft headed home from close range to seal a resounding win for Leicester.

Adams added: "This is what we are all about. We have to start games fast and furious.

"I would have taken any margin of victory because it was very important for us to get that first win under our belts."

LEICESTER: Walker, Sinclair, Thatcher, Taggart, Curtis, Nalis, Hignett (Stewart 77), Izzet, Scowcroft, Dickov (Impey 86), Bent (Deane 75).

LEEDS: Robinson, Kelly, Camara, Roque Junior (Radebe 81), Domi (Olembe 54), Pennant, Morris, Seth Johnson, Sakho (Lennon 69), Viduka, Smith.