Snodgrass inspires win at Coventry City TSS November 7, 2010 Match reviews 38 Comments Robert Snodgrass is taking all the plaudits after Leeds recorded their first consecutive wins since August. After missing the start of the season through injury, it’s taken Snoddy a few games to get back to his former self, but everything came together for him at the Ricoh as he led Leeds to an important three points against high-flying Coventry. Kasper Schmeichel was given leave to attend the birth of his son, so Jason Brown was in goal. The only other change from the team that beat Scunthorpe last week was Neill Collins, who played in place of Alex Bruce. Over six thousand Leeds fans had helped to give Coventry their biggest attendance of the season so far, and it took less than four minutes until the travelling army had something to shout about when Jonny Howson put Leeds in front with his fourth goal in two. Robert Snodgrass got the assist, pulling the ball back to set Howson up for a headed goal. A couple of chances fell at either end, but it was Jonny Howson who came closest, once again provided for by Robest Snodgrass, but this time the captain couldn’t get his header on target. Leeds doubled their advantage five minutes before the break in spectacular style as Robert Snodgrass picked the ball at the edge of the area and cut inside his man to create space before firing a beautifully curled shot beyond Coventry’s keeper. Leeds were deservedly in front at half time and Coventry could have no complaints about the scoreline. Both teams had their chances in the first period, but Leeds always looked more threatening going forward and it was clear from the body language of former Leeds loanee Gary McSheffrey that he wasn’t impressed with the service he’d received so far. Seven minutes into the second half and Coventry were back in the game as Jutkiewicz headed home to lessen Leeds’ lead – I guess a clean sheet was beyond the realms of possibility? Gary McSheffrey thought he’d levelled it for City, but was clearly offside and the linesman was quick to react. The frustration was clearly building for McSheffrey who had spent the week leading up to the match whining about Leeds not signing him permanently in the summer – the fact he impressed no one whilst on loan at Elland Road seems to have escaped him! Leeds restored their two goal advantage courtesy of Richard Keogh who brought Max Gradel down in the box. Some dispute over who would take the penalty followed as it became apparent Leeds still didn’t have a first choice option, but it was Gradel who eventually stepped up and converted his second goal in two games. The two goal cushion was short-lived though with Ben Turner making it 3-2 just minutes later. Leeds’ woeful defensive record continues, making us the only team in the top half of the Championship with a negative goal difference. Just over 25 minutes remained and both teams were still going for it. Luciano Becchio thought he’d finished it after beating the home keeper, only to see his shot scuppered off the line by a defender. McSheffrey was a particular nuisance in the closing stages, but neither team could add another and Leeds left the Ricoh with all three points. Ups and downs v Coventry City Once again deployed as a lone striker, Luciano Becchio never posed much of a threat. Ultimately, he was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet after his shot was cleared from the line at 3-2, but that’s the only shot I can recall him having in the last two games – and he really should have scored! Davide Somma must be considering his options after Grayson left our top goalscorer on the bench for the second game running? Minute for minute on the pitch, Somma has a vastly superior record to Becchio’s but Grayson keeps him out of the team for what I can only assume is the poor display v Cardiff – A game no one left with any real creditability! Captain fantastic, Jonny Howson is a player transformed in this 4-5-1 formation. Simon Grayson finally took the captain off his leash before Scunthorpe and the result has been incredible. The defence perhaps suffered from the absence of Kasper Schmeichel and yet another change from Simon Grayson, but the amount of goals we’re leaking continues to worry. Only two teams have conceded more than Leeds so far this season – one of them are at the bottom of the table and the other not far off. It’s a good job we’re scoring for fun. Despite the inconsistencies and lousy defensive record so far this season, the win takes Leeds up to eighth in the table with Hull City the visitors to Elland Road on Tuesday. Hull are really struggling at the minute and have managed just 10 goals in 15, so even our defence has a chance TSS man of the match Has to be Snodgrass. Gradel was once again lively and Howson had another good game, but Snoddy stole the show. A goal and an assist for the Scotsman signals a welcomed return to top form.