On the way to the ground tonight I was telling a friend how Snodgrass had disappointed me so far this season. I said that his form had been nothing compared to last season and he looked nowhere near his best. So it was with some inevitability that he went and scored two against Watford to send us into the third round of the League Cup. Maybe I’ll start complaining about players more often.

Just over fourteen and a half thousand had turned out for the second round League Cup tie to see the Whites maintain their 100% start to the season. Six wins from six and fourteen we remain undefeated at Elland Road since the 10th of January and although we looked nowhere near as good as we did against Tranmere Rovers tonight, our record remains intact and the momentum keeps going.

The only change from the weekend was Mike Grella in for Lucciano Becchio, who made a late cameo appearence to run down the clock. Jermaine Beckford started the game which effectively quashes the rumour he was being left out to prevent him getting cup tied. The Sun’s rumour from this morning was a key talking point though and few believe he’ll be here by the close of the transfer window.

The game was predictably our toughest test so far. Early on the chances were split 50/50. Watford should have done better with their first real chance as a close range header was fired wide of goal. Leeds responded and in-form Bradley Johnson had a go from range, but saw his effort fly over the bar.

Shane Higgs put in an impressive shift making a couple of good saves in the first half, whilst at the other end we were starting to see Robert Snograss’ reincarnation who had a shot blocked by the Watford keeper before firing over the bar.

Soon after though, Snoddy made no mistake. He found himself in space 10-15 yards from goal and curled it into the bottom corner to give Leeds a 1-0 lead. Watford tried to respond but Leeds kept them at bay.

Jermaine Beckford had his first real effort saved by the Watford keeper just before half time. Not the greatest of displays for him tonight and did appear to be limping at one point. His attitude showed no signs of improvement either as he made his feelings clear when brought down later in game.

A tighter game than what we’re perhaps used to and it looked like Leeds would hold out for a clean sheet as we neared the end of the match. Both sides had, had there chances to score, with Watford striking the post and Leeds creating a few chances in the second period. However, with three minutes remaining, Watford got their equaliser. A close range shot from Watford gave Higgs no chance, after the original effort was blocked by our defence only for it to rebound back to Sordell who made no mistake.

Extra-time was required and the feeling that Leeds had blown their chance seemed to have silenced the Elland Road faithful. Robert Snodgrass however, had other ideas and a flick from Enoch Showumni put him through to score the winner and give Leeds the victory. The Leeds fans were back in full voice. Showumni should have finished things off twice after that but failed to convert two good chances. It’s all irrelevant though and Leeds go through to the third round.

It wasn’t the prettiest, nor was it the most entertaining game of football you’re ever likely to see at Elland Road, but we got the job done. We seem to have learnt to grind out results where we’d have failed before. When Watford equalised, Leeds kept their heads up and deserved the winner. Our 100% run continues and we look in good shape ahead of the Colchester game on Saturday. The draw for the third round will be made this weekend.

Throughout the match I was getting texts telling me about the events at Upton Park this evening. Much will be said about this and in the grand scheme of things, my opinion will count for very little, but I really had hoped that in this day and age we’d got passed all this nonsense. If people want to batter each other because they wear a different shirt, then so be it. But do it away from the stadium and away from the streets nearby where innocent supporters, families and children are making their way to the ground.

TSS man of the match
Happy to eat my words and give it to Robert Snodgrass. Let’s hope tonight was the start of his season and he continues to chip in with some goals.

Final Score
Leeds United 2-1 Watford