Just what Reids Needs

By Rich B - 07.00 5th Oct 03
October 5 2003

"Cheer Up Peter Reid" goes the song - I doubt he'll need cheering up this morning after seeing his players fight for his job as manager of Leeds united in an outstanding performance against Blackburn Rovers.

Leeds United went in to the game in 18th place in the Premiership following three straight defeats, two of which were 4-0 losses and the much publicised 'vote of confidence' in Peter Reid in mid-week.  Three points were desperately needed but a good performance was just as crucial.  Peter Reid rang changes through the side, click here for the starting line up.

FIRST HALF

Leeds started strong and got stronger.  Within the opening minute, Alan Smith should have opened the scoring after a clever move that has been worked upon in training nearly came off.  It left Smith through on the keeper but he couldn't keep his shot down.  It wasn't the only chance for Smith.  Within a couple of minutes he was through again but this time his shot went just inches wide of  Brad Frieddels right hand post.  Two misses in the opening minutes could have only added to the pressures the payers were feeling and the 'one of those days' thoughts must have entered into Peter Reids mind.  Blackurn were being closed down quickly and Leeds were enjoying the better of the possession however there threat was evident on the break.  Only a superb block by Zoumana Camara prevented a Dwight Yorke shot from finding the target.

GOAL!

Leeds continued to push and on 11 minutes, Seth Johnson got his first of the season.  Viduka received the all in the area and managed to drag the ball out from under his own feet and a crowd of Blackburn defenders to fire a shot just to the right of the Keeper.  Frieddel could only parry the shot and the ball came out to Johnson who slotted home.  Would this  be the turning point as Blackburn stepped up the pressure - not today!

Leeds continued to dominate and the side that lost to Everton last week were nowhere to be found.  We pushed and hurried in every area, playing with a degree of confidence and skill.  David Batty, playing his first start in 18 months rolled ack 10 years with his performance and Olembe covering at Left back was effective and threatening.   Viduka went close and Pennant was cuasing trouble down the right.

BATTY BOX

On 27 minutes, Leeds got the reward for their efforts which has sometimes eluded them this season.   Pennant crossed from the right and David Batty in the middle of the box flicked on to Johnson at the far post.  The midfielder fired a low volley across the face of goal that gave the keeper no chance.  For those who think there is a mistake in my writing of this goal, I just want to state I am correct - Batty was in the box!!

Blackburn did come out blazing and were unlucky not to pull one back as Andy Cole hit the post.   Paul Robinson had to be alert as well from Thompsons shot and Emerton fired a 30 yearder that rose a it too high over the bar - suddenly you got the feeling that this could be Leeds' day!

With the added pressure of Blackburn firing on all cylinders, we have seen a Leeds team in the past with no answers - not today!  Leeds came back time and again and the work rate never dropped.  Viduka could have had a couple before the break and most of the midfield were pushing up well.  When the half time whistle went, the Elland Road crowd demonstrated their approval with a deafening cheer.

Second Half

The second half started like the first, with Smith through on goal.  He could lift the all over the keeper though.  Blackburn certainly came at us more in the second half.  Kelly cleared a shot off the line after Matteo could only clear a corner to Thompson, but it was Seth Johnsons' afternoon.  He came close to his hat-trick with a clever header that beat Friedel but landed on the roof of the net.

CHANGE

On 67 minutes, Peter Reid decided on a sensible change for a team 2 goals up.  Bridges came on to replace Viduka but the Aussie centre forward did not appear happy at the decision, choosing to head straight down the tunnel rather than joining his team-mates on the bench.  It may be that the Duke had picked up a knock that needed treatment however if this was an act of annoyance, it was ill timed and would not be well received by the fans who are calling for unity and teamwork at present.  It should be stated that Viduka had a fantastic game and the decision to bring Bridges on must have only been to give him ½ hour of first team football.

It nealry paid off as well - Olembe completed a blistering run down the left and his cross was cleared to Bridges who fired a shot from 20 yards that just curled away from the goal.  He returned the favour to the Cameroon start a few minutes later as he fed a through ball to the midfielder turned left.  Olembe's shot fell just inches wide of the upright.

On 86 minutes, Blackburn got back in the game courtesy of Dino Baggio.  An Emerton cross fell to the Italian to nod passed a helpless Robinson.  It then became a mission to hang on for the final few minutes.  With the Referee playing five minutes added time, it became a long period for Leeds to to hang on and the tension grew and grew. 

With the final whistle came three points, a missive cheer and a great deal of relief for everyone connected to Leeds.  It seems strange that only days ago, the threat of the sack was hanging over the manager and doubt was placed in his ability to lead or motivate the team.  Interestingly Peter Reid decided not to comment after the game, sending out his no. 2 , Kevin Blackwell to speak to the press.   Blackwell praised the players, the manager and the fans - but not the board and here at Unofficial Leeds United we agree wholeheartedly.

DISCUSSIONS

What was different about this performance?  Can Leeds go forward and build on the result?  Who impressed you?  Click HERE to discuss on our message board now.