Shining Lights in the doom and gloom Zak Lewis August 12, 2011 Leeds United 13 Comments After the debacle that was Leeds’ performance against Southampton, fans were looking for a response against Bradford. But when Bradford struck on the 30 minute mark, even the most optimistic whites fan must have sunk into their seat. To be fair to Leeds, they had been passing it around better than Saturday but they still lacked that cutting edge. Luckily, Leeds turned it around after twice being behind and secured a second round tie against Doncaster. Personally I think the reason we’re in the next round comes down to a few factors. Ramon Nunez was a breath of fresh air on the night. He looked dangerous, he gets into the right positions and you can sense the excitement in the crowd when he’s on the ball. Ideally he needs a run in the team, but I can see Simon Grayson dropping him to the bench on Saturday, to make way for the return of Max Gradel and Robert Snodgrass. However I would argue that Nunez should play instead of Snodgrass after his lacklustre performance against the Saints, but it’s not up to me. Bringing Leigh Bromby and Tom Lees on for Andy O’Brien and Paul Connolly was a decision that was welcomed with cheers from the Elland Road crowd. All pre-season I’ve wanted Lees to start against the Saints and with O’Brien picking up an injury, I thought he was certain to get his debut for the club. However Grayson stuck with O’Brien and we all saw how that ended up. He was at fault again on Tuesday and to be honest he looks unfit and off the pace. After Grayson had made the substitution I can only remember the Bantams getting one more chance, which was superbly dealt with by Tom Lees. It was a bold decision by Grayson’s standards, but one that paid off. Lees also supplied a perfect cross for the equaliser that supplied Ross McCormack with a chance to get off the mark. Now Lees is predominantly a centre back but he did play right back for Accrington Stanley when he was on loan with them a couple of seasons ago, so he’s certainly capable there. I believe he should be given another chance on Saturday in the right back spot and hopefully he can provide some more assists whilst staying solid at the back. Lloyd Sam looked lively too and his jinking run into the box supplied Nunez with the first equaliser. He is a great asset to the squad and a more than capable back up to either Max or Snodgrass. Adam Clayton looked the part once again. His crunching tackle in the first half embodied the true never-say-die attitude that the Whites faithful expect. He is quickly becoming a fan favourite and if he continues this form he will soon become a vital part of the team. Overall Leeds will have to step up a gear against Boro on Saturday. We need to keep the ball better and pass it around teams, it’s no use hoofing it up to Ross, because it’s just coming right back to us. If we can match the intensity and performance levels of some of the matches last season, (QPR and Millwall spring to mind) most teams in this division will struggle to match us. Let’s hope Leeds can kick start the season with a performance that the Leeds faithful deserve.