Countdown to Cardiff

By Andy Baggott
May 9 2006

The countdown to Cardiff can now begin. After last nights superb victory, Kevin Blackwells men are just one game away from the Holy Grail of the Premiership, and the riches that it will bring.

Already the boss has selection problems, with both Crainey and Cresswell likely to miss out through suspension, unless Leeds somehow can get one of the bookings overturned. It would have been nice to see the referee last night show a bit of common sense last night, but that seems to have disappeared from the game. IF there was a goal in it, or 20 minutes left, applying the letter of the law would have made more sense. With 20 seconds to go, surely a quiet word in his ear would have been a better option. Unfortunately, the ref nearly gave himself a friction burn his hand went to his pocket so quickly. It shows that Blackie was right all along – big games need top referees, not frightened little men, desperate to make a name for themselves (did Leeds really deserve 10 yellow cards???)

But what of the players last night? After a relatively poor first half, they came oyut and played in the second half. Special mentions must got to the defence who were awesome last night. Sulli commanded his area, but was brilliantly protected by Gregan and Kilgallon, to such a degree that if Butler does get fit for the final, he will have a hell of a job dislodging these two.

Keep checking in for the next 12 days as the countdown to Cardiff continues with Unofficial Leeds United – join in the debates on the message board