Retribution (Leed United 3 Millwall 1)

[revieboy]

Saturday, 21st August 2010, Elland Road

We had been told by the ever-reliable experts at the MET Office that summer had drawn its last breath. Despite this, there was not a dark cloud in sight, at least until the undesirables from London arrived on their coach to the welcome of a hot August day. The early kick off had bred a lazy atmosphere as the legions of white milled around outside the Drysalters, drinking cool pints in the blinding sun. Further down, on Elland Road a sizeable queue braved the heat, patiently waiting for a tray of Graveleys while a gathering crowd basked on the grass behind the Old Peacock.

The masses that made their way into the sunlit stadium experienced a cocktail of anticipation and nerves. Thankfully, the beauty of the day influenced an upbeat and vocal support who were thirsty for a passionate display. As 12.30pm approached, the tunnel was extended onto the pitch and the opposition boss Kenny Jackett was greeted by a Cup Final atmosphere and a fair amount of flak from Leeds' voracious support. Despite the Lions fruitful start to the season their numbers were poor and they barely made a whimper as they were drowned out by a resounding chorus of Marching on Together.

The whistle blew and within minutes there was an immediate appreciation that this Leeds side had stepped up a level in terms of energy as they took the game to Millwall. There had been a slight tinkering of formation with young Sanchez Watt supporting Luciano Becchio at the spearhead of the attack. At this early stage, Graysons tactical approach almost paid dividends when Watt attempted an intelligent chip that just cleared the crossbar. As the lush grass shone beneath a blue sky, the white shirts of Leeds United emitted a certain majesty that was reflected by domination of the team on the pitch. The ugly team from a distance down the A1 had not even troubled the Great Dane who patrolled the penalty area in front of an excited Kop. Yet, on fifteen minutes an hopeful cross from Morrison fell to a sluggish Richard Naylor whose misdirected header to Schmeichel was far too powerful and left the man in orange rooted to the spot. The unambitious Millwall were a goal up without even having a single shot on goal. Hearts sunk in the Revie Stand and around the ground as murmurs of disapproval questioned the managers continued preference for the ageing captain. This despondency was not reflected on the pitch as the team picked themselves up and stuck to their original gameplan with Jonny Howson showing increasing maturity as he pulled the strings in midfield. His ambitious surge forward into the box led to confusion in the Millwall ranks and a blocked attempt on goal fell to a lurking Becchio who somehow managed to hit it high over the bar. Leeds continued to play some electric passing football with Becchio running himself ragged as a target man, ably supported by the magical duo of Watt and Sam. At this moment the players in white were exhibiting the best attacking football seen at Elland Road for almost ten years. Despite looking particularly fragile at the back, our energy and pace up front had created a period of complete dominance as a number of chances came our way; And finally, there was delight on the Kop when Leeds born Lloyd Sam finished off a composed passing move to equalise with a calm finish. Leeds were now rampant, stringing together excellent moves and moments of skill. There was an unbelievable buzz in the Kop as the crowd willed the team forward and a certain frustration because the ball just wouldn't cross the line. As the whistle blew for halftime, it was inevitable if the team continued in this vein that the game was ours to win.

Halftime passed quickly, much discussion centred around the jittery performances of Bessone and Naylor, thinking ourselves lucky that we have a potentially world class goalkeeper. There was a realisation that if Grayson could get the defence into shape then we have got a real side on our hands. It was the first time in a long while that Leeds had played with this sort of style and the crowd were desperate for more in the second half.

Grayson had made no changes for the second half, showing faith in our dominant attacking display. The players were forced to wait for the disheartened opposition who came out of the tunnel intentionally late in an attempt to unsettle our momentum. I am sure there was a questioning amongst the crowd, wondering whether the players could continue in such style but they did not disappoint us. Only seconds in and Leeds continued to attack at will, Howson providing even more willpower than in his first half display and showing real composure in possession. Kilkenny was in his element as he kept the ball ticking like a modern day Strachan, all pointing fingers and an eye for a pass. Watt and Sam continued their endless running and quality in possession, and a particular moment of grace from the Arsenal prospect near the centre circle reminded the crowd of bygone Champions League encounters. Millwall provided a sterner defensive unit in this half and a couple of enterprising forays were outwitted by the sheer quality of Kasper Schmeichel. There were further numerous chances for the home side, particularly when Forde spilled a speculative attempt and only just denied Becchio taking advantage of his error. As the final quarter of the game approached, the crowd sensed a change had to be made, that we needed a goalscorer who could take advantage of all these opportunities. But the question was, Who did we have on the bench? Who could guarantee us goals?. On 75 minutes, the South African, Davide Somma was brought on to replace Federico Bessone with Bradley Johnson moving to left back. Many in the crowd were willing to be patient with Somma, aware that this was his debut and that he had only played competitively for Lincoln City in League Two (anyone can score goals in that league). Thankfully for Leeds, Somma had more belief in his ability and within minutes and with what would be his first touch he converted Watts low cross with a deadly finish to put Leeds 2-1 up and send the crowd wild. Leeds were now dominant once again and hungry for a third, with Jonny Howson running his socks off to change defence into attack and really inspiring his team forward. Becchio continued to throw his body into everything, never allowing the opposition to settle and summoning every drop of energy from within himself into ninety minutes and beyond. As the game drew to a close, the crowd favourite Andy Hughes was introduced to replace the fantastic Lloyd Sam who received a standing ovation for his unrelenting performance. The electronic board had been held up, indicating 4 minutes added time and so the crowd were nervous that a victory could be snatched by a late and lucky Millwall goal but the players showed no nerves. As the stadium sensed the final whistle was moments away, the ever improving Howson provided echoes of Old Trafford with a fantastic long range pass to Somma. Many in the crowd had the feeling Somma wouldn't capitalise but he showed top class control to bring the ball down, now one on one with the last defender on the left he had the opportunity to square it for a simple tap in. 'Balls to that' thought the confident debutant as he cut inside and with the quality of a top class player powered a drive into the far right hand corner of the net. This strike sent the crowd delerious, the fans had witnessed a brilliant attacking display and Sommas two goals were just reward for the sheer effort put in by the team.

On this hot August afternoon, the crowd witnessed a display that signalled the intention of where the club want to go in terms of being a footballing side. The energy and class of Leeds United provided complete dominance over a side who had comprehensively won their first two games. As Graysons boys show signs of increasing momentum, it was satisfying to see the Lions return home with their tails between their legs. As for Jackett and his cup final comment, i guess its just a case of sour grapes.

[joluafc4eva]

Absolutely brilliant post - love it. :scarf1: :scarf2:

[Royalwhite79]

nice report bro!

[revieboy]