Leeds 2 Oldham 0 - report

By Andy Baggott
August 24 2005

Leeds produced a totally professional performance to beat Oldham in last nights Carling Cup Tie at Elland Road. Leeds only had 3 players who started in the win over Wolves, Einarsson, Gregan and Richardson as Blackwell took the chance to look at the rest of his squad.

The visitors though started the stronger, and Leeds had to weather the early storm, Fraser Richardson clearing off the line in the first 15 minutes. The home side slowly began to take control of the game, and there was no surprise when we took the lead on 20 minutes, although the scorer may have raised a few eyebrows!! Michael Ricketts got only his second goal for Leeds, and he took it well. The former Bolton and Middlesboro forward has endured a torrid time in his Leeds career, but there are signs this season that he is working his way back towards the player we know he can be. He shrugged off a challenge and fired home, to show Blackwell that he still has that ability in his locker. The second followed soon afterwards – Healy, who worked all game, pulled the ball back to Richardson, who fired home from 10 yards. With that goal on 24 minutes, the game was over – and both teams knew it. Oldham never really threatened again, and it was Leeds who had all the chances. The second half petered out, as Leeds did a job, and kept another clean sheet.

Norwich are the opponents on Saturday, and there will be wholesale changes again, but one or two players will have done themselves no harm at all last night and may have played their way into Blackwells thoughts…