Middlesbrough 2 - 3 Leeds - Match Report

By Rich B - 21.02 30-8-02
September 1 2003

Leeds will be delighted to leave the Riverside with all three points after losing the lead in this thrilling match - although fortune was on the away team, you could not argue that it wasn't deserved...for work rate alone.

Peter Reid started with the same side that drew against Southampton in mod-week and the Whites came out quicker off the blocks.  Smith should have done better after a knock down from Viduka but blast over the bar - it threw Middlesbrough into life and Nemeth could have opened the scoring but for an excellent block by Kelly.

A couple more chances fell to each side until the break-through came on 16 minutes.  Pennant played a superb ball in to pick up the run of Sakho who slotted the ball passed the unguarded Schwarzer.  Leeds stayed strong in the first half but new signing for 'Brough, Medietta started to put his stamp on the game and a couple of telling balls and good runs hand Leeds on the back foot.  As the side went in at Half-Time, 'Brough were finishing on top.

As the second half got underway, it was the home team that started stronger.  Juninho and Nemeth both having good chances.  It took just 15 minutes for the leveller and it came from confusion at the back. Mendietta was fouled on the edge of the area and both team stopped before expecting a free kick.  The ball fell to Juninho who thread a pass to Nemeth who fired it in.

It only took three minutes before 'Brough took the lead.  A half cleared free kick fell to Juninho again and a left footed volley was unstoppable as it flew in to the top corner of the net - 2-1 'Brough.

Aarron Lennon came on for Harte and the youngster set the game alight with some clever touches, dribbles and passes - the  boost worked for United.  On 70 Minutes, Leeds won a corner.  Pennant fired the ball in and Camara unleashed an powerful header that flew into the back of the net..2 for Leeds and 2 debut goals for the new boys. 

Chances continued for both sides, Mills cleared one off the line, then Kelly did the same for Leeds.  It took until 89 minutes for the winner.  Davies slipped with a header at the back that Viduka latched on to and the big Australian hit a deft chip over the hapless Schwarzer - 2- 3 and the first win of the season.

A fantastic team effort against an impressive Middlesbrough side, especially Mendietta that may set the Premiership on fire if the form he showed in this game continues