Leicester City 0-0 Leeds UnitedSunday 11th August 2013. The day had come at last, the first away day of the season was here. Leeds had been drawn away at Leicester City, last years play off semi final losers, the powers of Sky had deemed it so blockbuster that the fixture must kick off at 4:30pm, on a Sunday, God’s day.

Arriving into Leicester I was greeted by some more than helpful policemen aiding me and my travelling companions in where to get the best pint, there seemed to be quite a high presence, probably ensuring that the ‘3,000’ travelling ‘vile animals’ did not step out of line so early on in the season.

Leicester, as a multicultural city seemed to have a lot to offer, pleasant surroundings, plenty of ale houses, period buildings and a good infrastructure in general and a Greggs, can’t forget the Greggs.

After a couple of beverages and some light pastry covered belly fillers I arrived at The King Power station, a modern yet seemingly homely ground, not quite having the history of say Elland Road, but not the generic, unused feeling of your Pride Park or Reebok. The Leeds fans were, as ever, heard before seen. upon entry, hundreds of the vile animals were topless, singing and dancing in large, Neanderthal like circles, chanting like they belonged to the ancient Kingdom of Sparta. The catering staff even temporarily suspended sales to video the madness that ensued in the underbelly of the stand. Once more the fans ensuring that Leeds United are the best supported club in the world.

As the fans slowly filtered into their seats, team news filtered through and the news was surprising and unsurprising both at the same time, the same team was named that had beaten Brighton 2-1 eight days earlier, but with one notable addition, Rudy Austin. Leeds United captain and cult hero in the making. Arise, Sir Rudy. The game started with the notable chorus of ‘MOT’ drowning out the pathetic attempts of the drum backed Leicester minority, it’s like the few vs the thousands at some clubs, Leeds are always the thousands. The fans backed the team and manager with renewed optimism, hardly surprising, McDermott seems like the kind of man that, even with little backing will do his best to get everything from the team he has, starting with building team morale back up.

The first real chance of the game took some time to materialise, both sides were finding it hard to break the other down, but early on Jason Pearce headed narrowly wide following some good build up play by Leeds. At the other end Leicester looked to threaten the Leeds defence, but could not find a way to test Paddy Kenny, a keeper that is looking a leaner, meaner version of what he was under Colin. The real entertainment was of course happening off the pitch, the Leeds fans were in full voice as ‘We all love Leeds’ echoed around the King Power. A flare was loosed as a fitting gesture to ensure that the world knew we’re still in existence.

Back on the pitch, the first real chance of the game nearly came to fruition as Leicester found space down the flank, only for the inspired captain Austin to find himself, as he did most of the day, in the right place at the right time. Moments later Leeds called upon another unlikely hero in Kevin Stroud, the man in black, as he cooly intercepted a Leicester cut back and calmly flicked a pass to captain fantastic to move the ball away from danger.

Half time came and went pretty quickly, the half time entertainment inside the ground was as fun as ever, toilet seats and counter tops adding to the chaos below the stands.

The second half started and the optimism was restored, Leeds looked solid at back and had some threat going forward, it was a rare and welcome surprise in comparison to last seasons shambolic away day performances. Leicester however were finding their feet, and using ‘home’ advantage worked the best opportunity of the game, James Vardy testing Kenny who could only parry his shot before recovering safely. With substitutions used, both sides were hoping for a miracle moment to break the other and this was nearly gifted as the January transfer Chris Woods turned the exposed Pearce to thunder a strike that beat the Leeds number one, only to rattle the post. Lady luck finally shining on Leeds!

The game seemed to fizzle out quite rapidly after that, the fans had fun, the Leeds fans at least, chanting evermore, and the positive movement of substitutes Matt Smith and Dom Poleon could have been more of a threat against a less resilient defence. but all in all, a point against Leicester away is a point well gained, and two lost for a promotion rival. Hats off to Brian McDermott, he’s taken the same team Warnock had and has turned them into potential winners.

See you at Ipswich! Marching On Together.

— Adam Geary (@adamgeary1)