Record breaking win against Stockport TSS September 7, 2009 Match reviews 3 Comments The team Simon Grayson has built may have missed out on promotion last term, but their achievements so far have broken records which stood for four decades. The greatest start to a season and the most consecutive league wins were records previously held by the great Don Revie’s team of the late sixties and early 70’s, but records are there to be broken and that’s exactly what Mike Grella and Lubomir Michalik did on Saturday. Although Simon Grayson’s Leeds United play two divisions below the one Don Revie’s great side did, his achievement shouldn’t be undermined. The turn around at Elland Road is remarkable. The team look confident, comfortable and capable of beating anyone. Even without Jermaine Beckford, Patrick Kisnorbo and Rui Marques, Grayson proved his squad had the depth to get the results. Mike Grella got his first Leeds United goal in his first start and Lubomir Michalik returned to the first team and gave Grayson something to think about. The buzz around Elland Road remains and is building all the time. The confidence levels of the fans have reached a new high. It’s been a while since we had reason for such optimism and everyone seems to be enjoying it. The pre-match entertainment came courtesy of the other 100% league side, Charlton Athletic, who kicked off before us and won 2-0. Leeds would be looking to match them and remain level on points. I’d decided we could beat Stockport 6-0 and take the top spot, such is my confidence at the minute. There was some area for concern as the teams warmed up. Jermaine Beckford was missing, the defence was unproven and the referee sent two of our players off last season. Mike Grella started in place of Jermaine Beckford and Tresor Kandol was keeping the bench warm. It didn’t take long for any doubts to be forgotten though. Within minutes of the kick-off Leeds took the lead courtesy of New York born Grella. A classy finish by the American and Leeds settled in for an easy game. 1-0. A new stength in the side quickly became evident as Leigh Bromby’s long throw expertees were unveiled. He threw a few into the box which caused Stockport’s defence trouble throughout and gave us an extra attacking option. The second goal came just before half time when Robert Snodgrass shot from a free-kick. The Stockport keeper made a mess of his save and spilled it to Lubomir Michalik who was more than happy to clean up. 2-0 to Leeds and the game was as good as over. On another day we could have gone to town on Stockport and scored a few more but it was a poor match in all honesty. Robert Snodgrass could have made it three in the second half but his feeble attempt at a penalty kick was saved with ease. Still one problem left to sort out then! There’s little more to say about the match as it was a pretty dull affair overall. We could have had more but never seemed to put in too much effort. The stand-in defence did well enough but were never really pushed. Stockport are a poor side that will undoubtedly struggle this season. I know we’ve already had this debate but how this was a Cat A is anyones guess? The fact that only 22,000 could be bothered turning up for the fixture says it all. I’m hoping Jermaine Beckford’s injury isn’t too serious as I remain unconvinced by Mike Grella’s finishing ability despite his goal. He’s a good player that works hard for the team, but he doesn’t have the killer instinct yet. 100% record intact, five points clear of third place and looking comfortable. However dull the game was, you can’t complain while winning! TSS man of the match – Jonny Howson Jonny’s impressed me all season. He’s stepped up to the next level this season and fights hard for the team. He creates chances, passes well and gets stuck in.