Leeds complete double on QPR

By Rich Baggott
February 5 2006

Leeds continued to find the form that has seen them take a firm hold on third place in the Championship but the game won't be entering any history books as a classic.

Leeds returned to winning ways on Saturday as they looked to overcome the disappointment of a draw in mid-week agaisnt Ipswich.

Keven Blackwell made the change many had predicted by including David Healy in the starting line up at the expense of Rob Hulse. Rangers were foced into a last minute emergency loan signing to get an experienced keeper in goal. Both regular keepers were injured but Phil Barnes was confirmed as a 7-day loan signing from Leeds biggest rivals this season, Sheffield United.

The first half failed to ignite and any hope of a repeat of the 6-1 scoreline that Leeds enjoyed at ER last season was quickly dismissed. A Defensive QPR sat behind the ball and whilst Leeds dominated possesion, chances were at a premium. Eddie Lewis excited the crowd with several twists and turns through the defence but each time, failed to clear the last man to get a shot on goal. Leeds poked and prodded for the opening goal and their patience was rewarded on 39 minutes. A high free kick into the area eluded stand-in keeper Barness and Richard Cresswell added to his tally with his head. The goal was fortunate and a perfect example of the lack of quality from the first half, but was deserved nonetheless for the attitude leeds were showing to the game.

The second half saw an improvement from both sides. QPR pushed forward on the break - about 13 minutes into the second half and a free kick bobbled through the Leeds defence and onto the head of Keith Lowe - Sullivan, despite having virtually nothing to do all match produced a good save that spared the Leeds blushes. This seemed to spark Leeds into life and the game lifted a tempo as Leeds took firm hold again. Kelly went close and Miller produced a stunning shoot that needed a good save to keep it out. Lewis and Cresswell were linking up well and both went close.

With around 20 minutes remaining, Healy was substituted in favour of Blake. Healy failed to make an impression on the game and questions are still being asked if he is being played in the correct position although the Elland Road faithful are quick to express concern at his work-rate.

QPR pushed forward in the last twenty but never threatened the goal. Crainey and Gregan should be singled out for the roles they played in defence, at a time when both are being asked to stand up to the challenge by many people associated with Leeds United - in this match, they stood up well. Kelly had another excellent game and seems to be becoming the hidden gem in the leeds side this season.

Leeds found further opportunities as QPR pushed forward - and Hulse, on for Cresswell for the last ten was keen to show the manager why he needs to be on the pitch. Within moments of joioning, he found himself through and was only denied by the woodwork.

Leeds finally got the comfort they were seeking and for the second succesive home game, the captain, Paul Butler, took control of the situation and fored a powerful header into the QPR goal - 2-0 Leeds and another three points that keeps them in touch with that illusive second place and automatic promotion.

Attendance - 21,807