Leeds United 3 - 0 Tranmere Rovers - Match Snippets
By Deadly Submarine
August 22 2009
Deadly Submarine takes a brief look at the very few highs and plenty of lows from this afternoon's abysmal 3-0 defeat away at Leeds United in Coca-Cola League One thanks to goals from Bradley Johnson, Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio after the home side hit the woodwork ten times in the game.
Leeds Utd 3 - 0 Tranmere R
Weather Report
A warm and sunny day both on the Wirral as we left for the game and in Yorkshire upon arrival although as the dismal game itself drew to a close there was a distinct chill in the Yorkshire air.
Crowd
21,692 fans were inside a half-empty Elland Road as Leeds went on the hunt for a 13th consecutive home win in the League and with the Rovers support this time only numbering around 600, it was down considerably on that of the past two seasons.
Referee Watch
Eddie Ilderton - Although the result and performance was all of Rovers own doing, this referee seemed to be a bit of a homer with all the picky decisions going the way of the home side and little seemingly going in Tranmere's favour.
Best Moment
There is usually some kind of best moment from a game but today I really am struggling to find one. Seeing the new Lime Green away kit in all it's glory is probably about the best thing I can think of.
Worst Moment
The worst moment was realising after just two minutes following a mistake at the back that our defence just wasn't going to be good enough to keep us in the game - as was later proved.
Funniest Moment
What can I say? It has to be Michael Ricketts's appearance for Rovers at half-time as a sub for Craig Curran. The former Bolton and England man showed some decent touches at times but looks a long way from match fitness and when he fell over it was a comedy moment which was later described on the radio by Stuart Hall as "like seeing Blackpool Tower fall over"!!
Tranmere Man of the Match
Luke Daniels - In almost every game at the moment it seems to be Daniels getting the Man of the Match award but once again the young goalkeeper kept a respectable scoreline and deserves the plaudits.
Connections
Former Rovers player Andy Robinson was a late substitute for Leeds whilst Ian Thomas-Moore has of course played in the past for the Yorkshiremen as has Michael Ricketts who was a half-time sub for Rovers.
Rovers Fans
Despite the number of fans being almost half that of the past two seasons at Elland Road, the Superwhite Army made lots of noise in what can be a difficult place to go and outsing the home fans. Well done to everyone who went - we deserved better.
Leeds Fans
The Leeds fans made themselves heard from the off and being stuck right between the two sides of Leeds fans made it quite intimidating, particularly on three occasions they scored.
They got behind their team and had lots of fun at 2 and 3 nil up trying to make a Mexican Wave stretch all around the Stadium - which they failed to do.
Summary
This game was my 69th consecutive League and Cup game watching Rovers, a run which comes to an end on Tuesday as I go on my travels but in all that time this has to be the worst Rovers performance I've seen.
Bristol Rovers away last season was not good at all but this was far worse and John Barnes and Rovers have much to do as the season continues.
Entertainment Value
From a Rovers point of view there was no real entertainment bar Michael Rickett's second half appearance but as a neutral or Leeds Fan and with Leeds hitting the bar or post ten times, I imagine it was good to watch.
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Leeds fan here... I am not coming on here to take the mickey.
I have to admit Tranmere were terrible today and surely it can only get better.?
On another day we could have had 10 but your keeper was excellent.
All of your defenders were shocking they looked nervous on the ball as if they didn't want it.. Your number 6 had a shocker.
Barring the result, hope you had a good day...
Hopefully, you will only have to play us once more.. :@).
Ps... Ricketts is terrible.....
He'll be sacked before Christmas. If he isn't you'll be in trouble.
but if were gonna play like that everyweek then barnes should be sacked nw and give the job to paul jewell or back to ronnie mooreYes, we were shocking yesterday, awful, but give Barnes more than 4 league games.
Just got to forget last two games and look forward to Bolton and then Charlton on sat. If we get anything from these 2 games it will look alot better.
