Leeds beaten by Sheff Utd - not good enough

By Andy Baggott
April 6 2005

Leeds produced one of those shocking performances that have sprung up from time to time this season. Games against Burnley, Gillingham and Brighton spring to mind when trying to compare this ‘effort’

. Leeds were well and truly beaten, suffering their worst home defeat in 3 years as Sheffield United, after going a goal up within 2 minutes, hammered 4 past a hapless Leeds team.

The first two goals came down the right flank, as Simon Walton, filling in for the unavailable Kelly and Richardson, was targeted early on – and on this occasion, the 18 year old wasn’t up to the task – eventually put out of his misery after 40 minutes when Blackwell mercifully substituted him. Walton wasn’t the only below par performer – you could take your pick from around 8 players. Half time came with Leeds 2 down, and there was more of the same after the break, as ex Leeds player Andy Gray fired 2 more to give a resounding look to the scoreline.

Leeds had a couple of glimpses of goal – Hulse denied by the woodwork, Lennon not being awarded a penalty, and Seth Johnson denied by keeper Kenny’s face. Johnson was arguably Leeds’ best player as he steps up his fitness, although it’s unlikely the former Derby man will be with us next season.

The final goal saw Leeds Captain Paul Butler injured and stretchered from the field of play. Reports this morning confirm that Butler swallowed his tongue, and only the quick thinking o Dave Hancock saved the skippers life. He is in the Leeds General Infirmary, but, although been monitored, is expected to be released soon.

The Leeds performance looked like a team going through the motions, with nothing to play for, whilst the visitors had a hunger about them as they try to break into the play offs.

So, any chance of promotion is gone, and a good thing in my opinion. Leeds have very few players who could hack anything above a relegation battle if we were in the Premiership. Sulli, Healy, Lennon perhaps, but the rest would struggle at that level. We would need £25 million+ throwing at the team to be able to survive, which is something we don’t have. Another year in this division, getting rid of the abundance of dead wood, replacing it with some quality may help, and another years experience for the likes of Lennon, Walton, Richardson and Kilgallon can do no harm. Despite the optimists hoping for a swift return, anyone witnessing last night will have a reality check – if Sheff Utd can do this to us, what would Arsenal or Chelsea do?

Blackwell must lift the players ahead of Saturdays trip to Watford, and many must be told that they have 5 games to secure a future at the club.

In a week when Chairman Ken Bates upped season ticket prices for next year, many fans must have been thinking last night if it was really worth it……