Man u 1 Leeds 1 - report

By Andy Baggott
February 23 2004

Leeds produced a backs to the wall effort to gain a vital, if unexpected point. Eddie Gray recalled Stephen Mcphail to replace Viduka, and 18 year old Scott Carson started in goal in place of the suspended Paul Robinson.

Man Utd pressed without ever really threatening, as the Leeds back 4 held firm. Led by captain Dominic Matteo, they frustrated the home side, and pretty much protected Carson. The first half was dominated in possession, by the reds, and Leeds only produced a couple of half chances. After the interval, Leeds had a good patch of play. Smith up front was having a stormer, while Seth Johnson grew in stature in midfield. With an hour gone, Ferguson brought on Roy Keane for the ineffective Kleberson. Almost immediately he made a difference, and it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken. Carson couldn’t hold a cross shot, and Scholes prodded home. This could have signalled a Leeds collapse, but there was no chance of it happening. Domi went down the left, and looped over a cross, and Smith got a much deserved goal, rising above Brown, and heading down. The last 23 minutes were a nervy affair, with Man Utd chasing the win, but they never really looked like doing it, except for a late chance for Van Nistlerooy. They were restricted to just 4 shots on target all game, and Leeds fully deserved their point.