Leeds v Southampton - match report
By Andy Baggott
August 27 2003
Both sides went into the game searching for their first win. Neither team could break the deadlock, but there was plenty to be optimistic about for Leeds boss Peter Reid
A vastly improved performance saw Leeds draw a game they deserved to win. From the very first minute, there was a passion about the play, and a real hunger about the team. As expected, Jermaine Pennant came in for Jason Wilcox, with the other change being Ian Harte in for Lucas Radebe. Leeds thought they had opened the scoring after 3 minutes, Kellys superb free kick headed home by the diving Sakho, only to be thwarted by the linesmans flag. Still Leeds pressed, and how. Johnson and Morris were pulling all the strings in midfield, with Seth having a great game. He pinged some superb angled balls, usually to the right wing, and Pennant. Once there, the on loan Arsenal man casued no ends of problems for 'our friend' Graeme Le Saux, who had a torrid time, and eventually got booked for tripping the winger. The breakthrough wouldn't come though, and despite all the play, we couldn't find a way past the Soton defence.
After the break it was more of the same, and Smith went close from distance, only to be denied by Paul Jones. Next to try his luck was Seth, who found Jones again. Pennant, cutting in from the right also extended the Saints keeper with a stinging drive, but to no avail. Dodd came closest for the visitors, with his shot from fully 35 yards been tipped over by Robinson. Leeds threw on Batty for the injured Morris, Richardson for the limping Harte, and Wilcox in the last minute for Pennant, who left the field to a standing ovation. Robinson denied Ormerod in the last minute, and the game ended goaless.
Some major plus points for Reid. Johnson amd Morris bossed the middle, whilst Sakho and Pennant caused problems all game. At the back Kelly covered well, Camara looks better with every game, Harte, although skinned a couple of times, didn't disappoint, and Matteo was excellent. Robbo did everything asked, and Smith was a menace all night. Which brings us to the minus of the night. Viduka did not look at the races all night, and was constantly caught on the back foot. Hopefully it was a blip, but he needs to show us the form he is capable of. The team were applauded off, the crowd left in good spirits, and we move on to Middlesbro on Saturday.