Leeds off to winning start

By Rich Baggott - 7th August 2004 - 15.03
August 7 2004

Leeds lined up with Sullivan, Kelly, Duberry, Richardson, Pugh, Killgallon, Walton, Butler, Wright, Ricketts and Joachim. Subs named for the match were Carson, Radebe, Crainey, Guppy and Deane.

The first half started off as a scrapy affair with neither side taking control. Derby looked threatening early on but none of the attacks led to a real goal scoring opportunity. On 19 mins though, Leeds broke and Joachim got on to the end of flick from Ricketts. His shot seems destined to hit the bottom corner but an outstretched leg of the Derby Keeper, Lee Camp sends it inches wide. Leeds were starting to look threatening now showing a good degree of skill and invention up front. Ricketts went close but was pulled back and a Danny Pugh free kick by the corner flag nearly foils the keeper. On 43 Mins, Leeds had a scare when Derby fopund the back of the net from a corner although the linesman had already flagged for the ball going out of play and back in again.

Half- time then and 0-0 and still anyone's game.

Leeds started brightly in the second half and pushed for the lead. Joachim and Dubbery had chancews but it was left to Frazer Richardson to run in-field and curl a ball intot he far carner of the net on 71 mins - superb first goal from the ex-under-17 international and hopefully a sign of things to come. Within 5 minutes, Leeds could have gone 3-0 up. A spectacular bicycle kick from Butler after Duberry headed accross the face of the goal was blasted over and within a minute, Pugh cut the ball back to an unmarked Richardson who took an extra touch to change feet and was charged down. Leeds though continued to push.

Derby came on strong for the last 4 or 5 minutes and Leeds had Neil Sullivan to thank for a superb save 2 mins into injury time. Derby's Ian Taylor had a looping header that beat Sullivan at full stretch but hit the upright - it bounced out to Junior who hit it first time, only for Sullivan, who was still scrambling to his feet to pull of a stunning save!

1-0 full time then and Leeds moved to top of the table - now all they've got to do is stay there!