The Scratching Shed

Leeds United games don’t come much more crucial than this weekend’s visit of Bristol Rovers. Three points for the Whites and it’s goodbye League One and hello once more to the Championship.

As crucial last games of the season go, Leeds United couldn’t have asked for a much easier ride. Since relegation from the Premier League, Leeds have played Bristol Rovers five times, losing none. Of those five games, Leeds have won three and drawn two, netting 12 goals with just 4 in reply.

Our last meeting on the 27th of October last year resulted in the following 4-0 win, with two goals from soon to be ex-Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford. A similar result on Saturday and Leeds United are Championship-bound.

Final score: Bristol Rovers 0-4 Leeds United
27th October, 2009. Memorial Stadium, Bristol.

Leeds United goals: Beckford (9, 65), Vokes (55), Kandol (87)

Well, if the morning rags are to be believed then I’ve been way off the mark in my thinking that Jermaine Beckford’s move to Newcastle United was simply a case of crossing the i’s and dotting the t’s.

Although it’s hard not to be a little sceptical of these rumours, it’s hard to ignore them when so many teams are being linked. Over the summer there was plenty of teams linked too, but with everything quiet in Newcastle, this would seem an obvious explanation as to why. Ken Bates may have started a bidding war.

The major difference between now and six months ago would be price. In the summer, Leeds had Jermaine tied down for another twelve months so could afford to wait for a good offer. With Jermaine requesting a transfer and Leeds pressed for time, a cut price deal could now be struck by one of these clubs.

You have to also consider the teams current positions. Six months ago, Bolton, Hull and Wolves didn’t know they’d be fighting for survival with a lack of strength upfront. Sunderland meanwhile are probably just in it to annoy Newcastle, but if Jermaine could produce the goods at the highest level, it could make the difference between a top half or bottom half finish for them.

I’m a bit overwhelmed by the amount of links this morning has spawned so I really don’t know what to make of any of them. I remain unconvinced as to whether Jermaine could cut it at the highest level, but if the scouts think so then you have to trust their better judgement.

January is a crazy time when clubs have just 31 days to strengthen their squad for the final push each season. With that in mind, I honestly think anythings possible. Some of these clubs could have only just noticed Beckford from his goal at Old Trafford and figure he could produce that week in, week out in the Prem.

I still think the lads hearts set on Newcastle. Over the last few days it’s seemed like both he and his agent have been trying to engineer the move, so it would seem inevitable. If Bates thinks he could get more money by Jermaine going elsewhere though, he could be in for a battle.

The easiest rumour to dismiss is that of Wolves. It’s claimed that a deal involving Sam Vokes plus cash has already been rejected by Leeds. For me, that’s an easy link and lazy journalism at it’s best. Seems like this is going to run and run either way.

Our 2009-10 Crossbar Challenge attempt (featured on Soccer AM) has found it’s way onto Youtube. Another poor attempt from Leeds United is lightened by Tresor Kandol’s magnificent Michael Jackson tribute, which he follows with a hopelessly poor shot. “TK20 – subs bench!”

The only person to successfully hit the crossbar is Bradley Johnson, who is mobbed by the rest of the team afterwards. Good to see all the lads in good spirits.

Mike Grella also seems to be developing a Yorkshire accent…

When Hogan Ephraim’s shot deflected in after just eight minutes, it looked like it was going to be all too easy for Leeds United, but if the opening goal was lucky, the atrocious defending that went unpunished thereafter was miraculous.

Grayson rung the changes to his side. Richard Naylor returned to the team and partnered Lubomir Michalik at the back, with Crowe and Hughes playing at full-back. On-loan Liverpool goalkeeper, David Martin made his debut and there was also starts for Hogan Ephraim, Tresor Kandol and Mike Grella.

After Ephraim’s fortuitous opening goal, Leeds never applied any real pressure. The best chances we had for the remainder of the first half fell to Kandol, who had a shot blocked by the Accrington keeper’s legs and a hopeful shot from Robert Snodgrass that went wide.

Accrington meanwhile probably had as many chances as Leeds including a free-header from a corner that their striker really should have buried. The lack of man-marking from the set-piece was a sign of things to come as the shaky Leeds defence made the game harder than it should have been.

The second half brought with it another early goal when Ephraim crossed for Kilkenny who headed home. 2-0 to Leeds and things really should have been wrapped up.

Accrington never put their heads down though and kept fighting. Had it not been for a lucky save from David Martin which flicked on to the post and came back out in to the path of a White shirt, Accrington could have been back in it. More fortune for Leeds as the woodwork came to their rescue again and the Leeds defence continued to scare the life out of the 12,000 inside Elland Road.

Grayson changed the front two with Kandol and Grella making way for Vokes and Gradel. Neither of the departing strikers will have been happy with their shift as they did little to threaten Stanley’s keeper throughout. Gradel forced an impressive save from the Accrington keeper late on, but the substitutes didn’t have much more luck than the two they replaced and Accrington continued to look the more likely to score.

Such was the state of Leeds United at the back, Simon Grayson made the decision to bring on Patrick Kisnorbo in place of Robert Snodgrass, effectively changing the formation to 5-3-2. Probably not something he’d expected to have to do before the fixture, but Naylor and Lubo just weren’t keeping the visitors at bay.

Leeds managed to escape the fixture with a clean sheet, but if todays team was supposed to show the quality of this squads depth then we have problems. I know Doyle is often seen as the weak link in midfield, but the job he does in suring up the defence is invaluable. His absence today was noticable throughout. The partnership of Lubo and Naylor didn’t work and the full-backs didn’t inspire much confidence either.

Elsewhere, Grella and Kandol never really had a chance to shoot. The difference between the two sides was only Leeds taking their chances. There were very few clear cut chances for the Whites as we rarely looked in a hurry to attack, but the ones we did have were converted. Accrington meanwhile will have been disappointed with some of their finishing, most notably the free-headet in the first half. However, they’ll also be cursing their luck with the woodwork coming to our rescue twice.

Regardless of how many changes we made tonight, we have to improve before the weekend. Southampton are a strong side and with Rickie Lambert upfront, they’ll be sure to punish such sloppy defending. The main thing is that we’re through to the final where we’ll meet Carlisle United. Although I’d have preferred to play the Leeds suburb of Bradford, we’re still in the race for Wembley and that’s the main thing.

TSS man of the match
I’m going to give it to the Elland Road woodwork tonight as without it, we’d have probably been knocked out on penalties. Hogan Ephraim deserves a shout too though. Although he did little to help out defensively (like the rest of the team) he got himself a goal and an assist, so an obvious choice.

Leeds and Accrington Stanley will tonight battle it out for a place in the Northern Area JPT final at Elland Road. Leeds come into the game on the back of two draws against Huddersfield Town and Brentford, whilst Accrington are in fine form having won their last four consecutive games.

A win for the Whites tonight could setup an area final against the Leeds suburb of Bradford. Leeds and Bradford last met in this competiton last season, when Leeds knocked the Bantams out with a 2-1 win at Elland Road. That day, Andy Robinson fired Leeds into the lead early on from the penalty spot and Becchio added a second just before half-time. Bradford did pull one back late in the second half, but it was Leeds who progressed.

Whilst Leeds have a glorious history of dominance over our neighbours, we’ve never met Accrington Stanley before in a competitive match, so they’ll be an unkown challenge as they visit Elland Road for the first time tonight.

A couple of current players share a link between the two teams. Young Scottish goalkeeper, Alan Martin was on-loan to Accrington before Shane Higgs’ injury forced Leeds to recall him and another youngster, Tom Lees is also getting some first team experience on loan to Accrington. However, I’m under the impression that there’s some kind of mutual agreement between the two sides meaning Tom Lees will not play at Elland Road tonight.

Accrington Stanley are managed by John Coleman who has been in charge at the club for 10 years. He has a pretty impressive record overall having guided Accrington to three promotions (all as champions) during his 465 games in charge. He also holds the record for the clubs longest serving manager and so far this season, his team sit comfortably in mid-table in League Two, still with an outside chance of reaching the play-offs.

Robert Snodgrass will return to the team tonight after picking up a one-match ban for five bookings so far this term. Simon Grayson has also suggested that Sam Vokes will return to the squad after being left out for the draw away to Brentford. Grayson said that the reason Vokes was missing was because he had already selected five loanees which is the maximum allowed under FA rules.

I’d be disappointed if we failed to progress tonight. Success in the JPT would mean a trip to Wembley, which would be good for the fans and just as good for the clubs finances. The possibility of a derby match against Bradford City too is hard to ignore, and after two draws in the League, we need to get back to winning ways.

Kettering Town take two

On paper, this match is a no-brainer. Leeds have won seven of their last nine matches, drawing the other two whilst Kettering have managed just one win in the last five. Leeds are top of League One whilst Kettering play their games in the conference. The quality and amount of players at Simon Grayson’s disposal should make this game an easy win for the Whites, but as Kettering showed in the first match, they won’t go down without a fight.

Of course, there’s also the added bonus of a trip to Sold Trafford for the victors. For a club like Kettering, such a lucrative fixture could bring a massive boost to their finances. The Manu fans have been making their wishes heard lately with continuous choruses of ‘We all hate Leeds scum’ whilst the prospect of an early return to Old Trafford has dominated talk amongst Leeds fans.

At Elland Road, you’d expect us to beat Kettering. The last time anyone beat us on home soil in the League was last January and we’ve come up against far stronger opposition in that time. That said, we’ll need to guard against complacency. When teams have nothing to lose, they can often throw up a few suprises.

Addicks sense opportunity

After closing the gap to four points this weekend, Charlton’s players are already talking of catching Leeds. Whether they thought it impossible to catch us before the draw to Huddersfield or not, I’m not sure but Lloyd Sam, Charlton’s Leeds-born winger has issued a rallying call to his fellow team-mates.

By all accounts, Charlton’s 1-0 win over Southend United at the weekend was a little lucky. Not the greatest performance of the season from them, but much like Leeds have done, taking points when you’re not at your best is key to promotion.

Personally, I think Huddersfield was a minor blip in an otherwise impressive season for the Whites. Derby games are never easy, and our record over our West Yorkshire counterparts says it all really. I’m sure Leeds will regroup ahead of Brentford this weekend, where I fully expect them to take all three points and maintain the gap on Charlton. However, the title race isn’t going to be easy. Norwich and Charlton will push us all the way and no one will be celebrating ’til May.

Phil Hay’s match ratings v Huddersfield

Is 5/10 the lowest Phil Hay ever gives in his match ratings? Because for me, 5/10 for Tony Capaldi is being massively generous after the mare of a game he had on Saturday.

Tony Capaldi: Having seemed so composed at Oldham, Saturday’s match was a real struggle for the on-loan full-back Capaldi who never looked comfortable and found Pilkington a handful…5/10

The analysis is about right. Pilkington ran Capaldi ragged and he never looked up to the challenge. He looked out of his depth throughout against stronger opposition and really should have been taken off at half-time. I’d have given him 2/10, and even then I feel I’m being generous. Truly, truly woeful display for the Cardiff loanee. Maybe Ridsdale sent him in to mess our season up?

Jason Crowe: Offered less going forward than he can do and was up against a very lively character in Roberts. Failed to cut out the cross which led to the second equaliser…5/10

Offered less going forward than he can do is an understatement. He offered nothing. More to the point, he offered even less defensively. The full-backs remain a problem for the Whites and these two simply aren’t the answer. I’d have generously given him a 3/10.

Elsewhere, Snoddy gets 8/10 which is definitely right. Only man on the pitch that looked a threat for large parts, whilst Vokes is another one of those players in the 5/10 club.

I said before today’s game that I’d be disappointed with anything less than a victory. Huddersfield have been conceding far too easily and whilst they have the best attacking record in the league, I felt Leeds’ impressive defensive record should keep them quiet. Add to this the fact it was at Elland Road where we haven’t lost since January and the fact we’ve won the last five without conceding and all the signs pointed to a home win. However, much like our last three meetings, things didn’t quite go to plan.

Things couldn’t have got off to a better start. Whilst some of the 38,000+ fans were still trying to make their way in to the ground and find their seat, Robert Snodgrass capitalised on an error from the Huddersfield Town goalkeeper and slotted home to give Leeds United an early 1-0 lead. The chance came from a pathetically weak shot from Sam Vokes that their keeper somehow failed to keep hold of giving Snoddy the opportunity to open the scoring.

Less than two minutes gone and Leeds already infront. I was already thinking we may mirror the 4-0 demolition job we did on them back in 2007. Leeds continued to press, but Huddersfield high line of defence was causing problems for Beckford who got caught offside a couple of times. Vokes had a chance to double the lead though but his header from a Beckford cross went wide.

As the half wore on, the dominance changed in Huddersfield’s favour and they started to get more and more of the ball. Leeds did have another chance though in injury time when the Huddersfield Town keeper made a good save to deny Robert Snodgrass his second and keep Town in the game.

The second half started much the same as the first with a goal inside the opening two minutes. This time though, it was Huddersfield’s turn as sloppy defending from Leeds kept an attacking move alive for the visitors. A shot deflected into the path of Lee Novac who headed by Casper Ankergren to level the tie.

Leeds had a couple more chances but Huddersfield looked the better team for much of the game. The crowd had already been calling for Lucciano Becchio long before the substitions came on. Vokes and Kilkenny would make way for Becchio and Leeds United super-sub, Max Gradel.

With our first choice frontline restored and Max Gradel on to run at the Huddersfield defence, it felt like Leeds would get another one yet. It didn’t take long either. Ankergren kicked a long ball upfield which headed towards the opposition goalkeeper. Beckford went up for the ball as well though and the challenge led to another error from the Town goalie. Gradel was on hand to pick up the loose ball and subsequently rounded the keeper and fired home to put Leeds back on top.

Poor marking from setplays, not for the first time in this fixture left Leeds looking fragile at the back. A short corner routine that Huddersfield had pulled off twice was unexpected by the United defence who were perhaps a bit tired from getting up early. Town got another shot away, but this time fired wide.

The poor defending from the corner and play that followed should have served as a warning sign for Leeds to buck their ideas up, but Huddersfield restored parity once more with twelve minutes left on the clock. A cross was fired in from the right and Jordan Rhodes rose above everyone else to beat Casper Ankergren and earn the visitors a point.

The remainder of the match was played on the back foot by Leeds and the final whistle actually came as a relief. For the first time in a while, I can honestly say that poor defending cost us today. We looked weak from crosses, corners and free-kicks and the Huddersfield Town wingers made our full-backs look like they were in the wrong game.

Derby matches are never as simple as they look on paper. Whilst myself and presumably many others would have expected a win today, the occasion often means things aren’t quite as straight forward as one would hope. Huddersfield were unquestionably the better team for large parts of this game. Leeds’ defence was largely weak and the midfield weren’t much better with the exception of Snodgrass. Still no killer instinct from Vokes and a couple of chances wasted by him, whilst Beckford’s attempts to break were too often thwarted by the flag.

One person I refuse to blame today who is often an easy target is Casper Ankergren. Whilst he still flapped at too many crosses and can’t catch a cold, his ball created the second goal and he made a few vital saves that earnt us the point. The two we did concede were more the fault of pathetically poor defending than they were the goalkeeper.

Nice to see Lucciano Becchio on the way back to the starting XI as we look a lot stronger with him than we do Vokes. The impact subs of Grayson once again paid dividends and you can only hope Max Gradel’s stay will become permanent.

I think I’m willing to write today off as one of those derby days where it’ll never be as easy as expected. We need to forget about what was a below par performance and re-group before the next League One tie next Saturday away to Brentford. Before that though, there’s the small matter of an away day at Old Trafford up for grabs against Kettering Town on Tuesday.

TSS man of the match
Was suprised when Robert Snodgrass was substituted late on as he looked like the only player on the park that had caused them problems all day. Always the man for the big occasions and today was no exception. The Scot worked tirelessly and the goal just adds icing to a great performance in an otherwise disappointing display.

Not a week goes by when there isn’t a Jermaine Beckford rumour printed in one of the national rags. This time, it’s the turn of the Sun. Possibly the Holy Grail of tabloid nonsense and unfounded lies. Selling copies became more of a priority than reporting any kind of truth for this poor excuse for a newspaper many, many years ago.

"Wolves? What shirt am I wearing Bruv? Are you being serious?"

You can just imagine the thought process that went in to this story. Free-scoring Leeds have one of the most prolific goalscorers outside the Premiership on their books, whilst Wolves are struggling for goals. Already there’s a link between the two sides in Sam Vokes, who is currently on loan to Leeds and alas, we have a swap deal involving the youngster. Clever stuff, isn’t it?

No. Quite simply, it’s not. It’s lazy journalism at it’s best and the kind of nonsense that means I’d never, ever buy a copy of this pointless daily collection of lies. Of course, the story is backed up by no actual sources whatsoever, but what do you need them for when you have millions of gullible readers that will decide it’s gospel by the time they’ve finished their cornflakes.

The fact of the matter is, that Vokes has largely disappointed whilst at Leeds. In such a free-scoring team, he’s managed just one. Whilst his first touch and control have been impressive, he’s looked lazy at times and missed more chances than I could possibly count. Meanwhile, whilst Beckford is good, he isn’t Premier League good. He misses his fair share of chances too, and you just don’t get as many in the Premiership, so I doubt he’d ever succeed.

The only way this story could have any feasibility to it at all, is if Wolves are intent on relegation and think Beckford could do a job in the Championship for them next season. If that’s the case, then it shows a total lack of ambition from Wolves and I can’t help but feel sorry for their supporters. Beckford quite simply isn’t the man to keep you in the Premier League. Fact.

Leaving the stadium tonight whilst passing comment to friends about the atrocious weather we always seem to face at Oldham, one of their fans told us that we’d actually come on a good night. It was two degrees when we got in the car for the journey back down the M62 and the rain had barely let up all night. I’d have said I’d hate to see it on a bad night, but I’d been there for worse.

The same Oldham fan seemed extremely pessimistic about his team’s chances, telling us he wouldn’t be surprised to see the team relegated at the end of the season. It wasn’t hard to see why as Simon Grayson’s reserve team strolled to victory and our march towards the League One title continued.

Only Jonny Howson could be considered first team from the starting XI. Jason Crowe and Leigh Bromby would be the next closest although the defence has been reshuffled so many times this season, I aren’t entirely sure what I’d consider our best back four. Loan-signing Hogan Ephraim made his debut, David Prutton made a rare start and Max Gradel partnered Sam Vokes in an unusual Leeds United front-line.

For a stadium in such desperate need of redevelopment, the irony of our stand being sponsored by Leesfield Development didn’t escape me. Oldham actually only have three stands as one was torn down a while back for reconstruction that clearly isn’t happening. I think they’re hoping to build a new stadium, but how they’re going to pay for this when they can’t manage a decent attendance is anyone’s guess.

Oldham’s support is so low that Leeds United’s 4,000+ travelling fans outnumbered the home fans. The atmosphere in the home stands was almost non-existent, aside from an annoying drum that was repeatedly beaten throughout much of the first half. The only audible noise in the ground came from the ever-vocal Leeds United fans who did all they could to keep themselves warm throughout.

A few chances fell either way early on, with Leeds’ best attack being thwarted by the linesman when Neil Kilkenny released David Prutton. Oldham looked a bit better than the team that we beat in the FA Cup a few weeks back, but you could see why they’re struggling throughout.

Sam Vokes wasted an opportunity to send the Whites into the lead ten minutes before half-time as Leeds started to dominate. After beating the offside trap and finding himself one on one with the keeper, he failed to take his chance and fired straight at summer target, Darryl Flahavan. Vokes continues to disappoint me with each passing game. He isn’t a natural goal scorer and exerts very little effort throughout. He just doesn’t look like he wants to be at Leeds and I’ll be glad to see Becchio back in the starting line-up.

The opening goal didn’t take much longer though. Max Gradel fired a nice cross across goal and Neil Kilkenny touched it home to send Leeds 1-0 up. Gradel tried his luck from range shortly after with a curling shot, but his effort failed to trouble Flahavan. Leeds finished the half strongly though and deserved their lead.

The second half continued much the same as the first ended as Leeds looked to kill Oldham off. Flahavan proved to be quicker than Vokes and denied the striker a chance before Prutton headed over. As we approached the hour, Vokes showed once more why he’ll never make it as a striker, firing over the crossbar with an excellent opportunity that he should have been able to keep down. Hate to be too critical of anyone in a Leeds shirt, but I really don’t like the lad. He doesn’t look like he wants to be at Leeds, he didn’t chase much all night (whilst Gradel chased everything and drove the Oldham defence mental) and quite simply, he isn’t good enough.

Oldham’s best chance of the night came shortly after. Some poor defending from Leeds left Paul Heffernan with the goal at his mercy, but he failed to take his chance and fired into the side netting, much to the relief of the Leeds defence and 4,000 travelling Whites.

Two changes for Leeds saw Snodgrass and Becchio come on in place of Vokes and Ephraim. It’s hard to say how well Ephraim played as the opposition were poor and he never did anything really groundbreaking. That said, he didn’t do anything wrong either so it’ll be interesting to see what he does in the next game.

Snodgrass almost got lucky immediately but was beaten to the ball by Flahavan. Another half chance for Oldham followed, but Simon Grayson’s other substitution made the real difference. Max Gradel once again the provider for Becchio to put the game beyond doubt. A skilful finish from the returning striker was celebrated in style with the management and players on the bench.

The Leeds fans went wild and a large portion of the away fans headed for the exits. Interesting thing about Oldham is that the players in the stand running along the pitch have to exit up a set of stairs straight in front of the away fans, which predictably led to chants of ‘Time to go…’ as the Leeds fans celebrated another win waving the Oldham fans goodbye.

Grayson substituted Gradel shortly after and the player received a standing ovation from the travelling Whites. Chants of ‘sign him up’ were once again aimed towards Simon Grayson who would no doubt love to do nothing less.

For Leeds United to be able to beat Oldham with their second team is incredible. Twelve months ago, that was unthinkable, but Grayson continues to impress. The march towards the League One title continues at Elland Road on Saturday when Leeds host Huddersfield in the Yorkshire derby.

TSS man of the match
For his tireless work ethic, skill, flair and of course, the two assists, it couldn’t be anyone other than Max Gradel. It’s like watching an over-enthusiastic kid in the park, who never gives in, chases everything and just seems to love playing. ‘Sign him up!’

Becchio strikes back

Lucciano Becchio made his return to action for the Leeds United reserves last night as they beat Lincoln City 2-1. Becchio opened the scoring on 27 minutes with a lobbed goal, but Lincoln equalised from the penalty spot soon after. The final goal came from Davide Somma four minutes before the break who has now scored in his last two reserve outings.

Great to have Becchio back in action. Wouldn’t be suprised to see him play a part in the FA Cup tie against Kettering Town on Sunday as he looks to regain match fitness. Davide Somma seems to be coming on nicely too. What this means for on-loan striker Sam Vokes is anyones guess, but I doubt Simon Grayson will be looking to extend his loan period in January. For me, he hasn’t been worth it.

Loan swoop for Cardiff City left-back?

The loan deadline expires this evening meaning Simon Grayson won’t be able to make any further additions to his squad until the January transfer window opens. However, the Yorkshire Evening Post (amongst others) are reporting a possible move for Cardiff City left-back, Tony Capaldi.

Not sure this is totally necessary as Jason Crowe played in the reserves last night so is close to a return. Aidy White also gave an excellent performance after coming on as a sub early in the second half on Tuesday. However, I can’t fault Grayson for covering his bases. It seems Hughes has picked up an injury so it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.

Another milestone for TSS

Back in August, it looked like TSS had come to an end after just a few months. The previous host cancelled the account for no clear reason, although I believe this was because they couldn’t cope with the traffic. The site continually experienced problems under them whenever demand was high.

Anyway, back then I lost all the posts I’d made, all the comments users had contributed and all the other site content. It was a frustrating day and I seriously considered giving it up for good. However, my stubborn ways wouldn’t let the unreliable host defeat me, so I found a new one (Hostgator, who have been brilliant!) and set about re-launching the site.

Since that day, there’s been 112 posts on TSS which have received a combined total of over 125,000 visits, many of these returning visits from users that now frequent the site daily, and the latest milestone is entirely down to the sites users. Yesterday TSS passed the 1,000 comment mark, so thanks to everyone that’s participated and helped make the site a success. MOT.