Leeds 1 Burnley 2 - truly awful

By Andy Baggott
November 4 2004

Leeds produced probably their worst 90 minutes ‘football’ in recent memory. After a goal within 12 seconds, the rest of the game was uninspiring, unattractive rubbish.

It started so well – Healy’s clever little header inside found right, who fired home. The fans were lifted, an early goal was just what we needed. Unfortunately that was as good as it got, as Burnley out passed Leeds for the entire first 45 minutes. The Leeds passing was shocking when played short, and nothing better than an aimless punt to Deane the rest of the time. It came as no surprise when Burnley equalised after 10 minutes. Clarke Carlise made a complete mess of his back pass, and although Sullivan just got to the ball first, the forward slid in, and blocked it – the ball fell to his feet a yard out. It got worse. Poor marking at the back allowed a volleyed cross to be headed goalwards-Sullivan produced a good save, but the rebound was forced home. Leeds had a couple of chances to equalise, but Deane headed wide when he should have scored, and Pugh should have scored, but allowed the keeper to save.

Leeds came out more pumped up for the second half, but couldn’t find a way through. Joachim’s charge down from the keppers kick hit the crossbar and post, but wouldn’t go in. Leeds had most of the play, although Burnley threatened on the break, but the home side lacked any invention at all. With fully 20 minutes to go, we resorted to lumping the ball into the area in desperation. There is no confidence within the team, and no playmaker, and the fans let the players know exactly what they thought of the performance when they were booed off at the final whistle.

Ratings

Sullivan 6 – little chance Kelly 6 – at least played the ball into the channels

Butler 6 – never gave up

Carlisle 4 – shocker of a performance

Pugh 5 – never in the game

Wright 6 – better second half

Joachim 5 – no one wanted to give him the ball

Gregan 2 – woeful, truly woeful

Deane 4 – tried but not up to the job

Healey 5 – no service to feet – forced to work on scraps

Subs

Ricketts 5 – not a target man, but kept having the ball to his head

Lennon 6 – injected some pace, and must start soon

Johnson 6 – did more in 10 minutes than most did all game-should also start

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