Post by Taxigirl on Aug 10, 2005 7:24:34 GMT
www.leedsunited.com/report
Venue
Ninian Park
Kick-Off Time
09 August 2005 7:45pm
Attendance
15,231
Officials
Referee
Steve Tanner
Cardiff City
Starting XI
1Alexander, Neil
5Purse, Darren
6Cox, Neil
3Barker, Chris
2Darlington, Jermaine
7Ardley, Neal
14Boland, Willie
4Whitley, Jeff
17Cooper, Kevin
11Parry, Paul
10Jerome, Cameron
Substitutes
13Warner, Tony
15Loovens, Glenn
8Koumas, Jason
18Mulryne, Phil
9Lee, Alan
Leeds United
Starting XI
1Sullivan, Neil
2Kelly, Gary
6Butler, Paul
21Derry, Shaun
23Harding, Daniel
11Lewis, Eddie
19Bakke, Eirik
8Gregan, Sean
7Wright, Jermaine
9Healy, David
28Blake, Robbie
Substitutes
13Bennett, Ian
15Richardson, Frazer
26Kilgallon, Matthew
16Einarsson, Gylfi
30Ricketts, Michael
The Match
A wonder strike and a controversial penalty sent Leeds to their first defeat of the season at Ninian Park, a place where nightmares seem to be lying in wait for Leeds United.
Pre-Match
Kevin Blackwell has been able to stick with the same side that defeated Millwall at Elland Road just over 48 hours previous, which meant that striker Robbie Blake was able to take part after shaking off a knock he picked up in Sunday's game.
Not only were the starting XI the same, but the bench also featured the same five players.
The Match
A small but vocal travelling support made kept Ninian Park entertained just before kick-off, and they had a few words for former United chairman Peter Ridsdale, now chief-executive at Cardiff, and the man who dared to live the dream with dire consequences two and a half years ago at Elland Road.
The early pressure belonged to the home side and Sullivan was called into action with less than a minute on the clock to save a low drive from Kevin Cooper.
Dan Harding did well to head the ball away from almost under his own crossbar when Paul Parry swung a cross into the six yard box with Cardiff having plenty of men forward to meet it.
Leeds first chance came when Healy put Bakke away on the run and the Norwegian might have got a better position on his shot, but the Cardiff defence certainly had their hands on him, and his attempt to curl the ball into the top right hand corner of the net was deflected wide for a corner.
Midway through the half and Harding played a great ball from deep into the area looking for the head of Robbie Blake, but the ball was just too close to the keeper and the chance was gone.
Harding was in the thick of the action again when he got back to thwart a great chance for the Bluebirds. Cooper was put through by Parry again and Harding was lightening quick as he got back to cover and put the ball behind for a corner.
Having weathered the storm, Leeds then began to play a bit themselves and took control of the game with the opening goal on 22 minutes.
Kelly began the move with a ball down the flank to release Healy, and the striker got to the edge of the area where it looked like he would go for goal, but instead put in a low ball across the face of goal and Robbie Blake met it perfectly, slotting it past the keeper to give United the lead
Cue the chants of"Ridsdale what's the score" and "1-0 in your cup final."
Cardiff's best chance of an equaliser soon after fell to Willie Boland, but the midfielder couldn't get enough power behind his header and Sullivan saved comfortably.
Paul Butler was mysteriously booked for dissent by referee Steve Tanner after Leeds were awarded a free-kick inside their own half. The bookings were evened out when Cardiff skipper Darren Purse dived into David Healy from behind with a late, late challenge.
Defensively, the United back four were superb in the first half. Gregan and Butler sent everything that came their way back with added interest, and Kelly and Harding were keeping the two Cardiff wingers in check.
Leeds made one change at half-time with Matthew Kilgallon coming on for skipper Paul Butler, and it later transpired that the United skipper needed two injections in his foot to play in the game.
United came close to doubling their lead when Lewis sent in a wicked cross from the left that fell nicely for Healy to take the shot, but his effort was blocked and then Jermaine Wright's follow up just went wide. Cardiff though had been given a real let-off.
Cardiff made a change just before the hour mark, bringing on midfielder Jason Koumas, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, for Boland. Koumas was making his debut and the welsh international was cheered to the rafters by a rejuvenated home support.
Actually right on the hour, the Baggies man made his mark on the game, hitting an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area to level the scores. Sullivan was well beaten by the shot but few keepers would have got anywhere near it.
The goal brought Leeds out of their shell and it was clear they hadn't travelled all this way just to settle for a point.
Healy came off on the hour mark and Michael Ricketts came on as Blackwell looked to change the focus of United's attack. Straightaway the big striker was winning balls in the air.
But within six minutes of conceding the equaliser, Leeds found themselves behind in the game after a dubious penalty decision.
Kilgallon was judged to have handballed a shot across the face of the area, but there were few appeals from the Cardiff players or a packed Ninian Park, yet the referee barely hesitated in awarding the spot-kick.
City skipper Darren Purse was on target from the spot, Sullivan had guessed the right way but again could do little to stop it.
There were concerns for Leeds when Neil Sullivan went down inside his own area after he was clattered into by Cameron Jerome, but fortunately the United No.1 was able to continue after treatment.
Blackwell's final substitution saw Frazer Richardson replace Jermaine Wright with 15 minutes left to play, just as he had done in the first game against Millwall.
Leeds were still looking dangerous and ten minutes before time felt hard done by when a good spell of pressure failed to produce an equaliser.
Blake bore down on goal and found Bakke making the run with his low ball into the area, but the home defence read the danger well and the Norwegian's shot was closed down. The loose ball fell for Ricketts and his backheel was cleared, but amidst the action Leeds appealed for handball and when nothing was given their way, Bakke was booked for his reaction.
Leeds were determined not to lose the game and when Eddie Lewis was tripped it gave them a chance to have a go from 25-yards, and Blake was tantalisingly close with the curling free kick but not quite near enough.
Just before full-time United's temper boiled over when Derry caught Jerome with a late tackle, and the aftermath saw Derry berate Harding for the pass that led to the tackle and the two went head to head for a brief but unsavoury moment. Derry was booked for the tackle.
As United scrambled for an equaliser, Jerome was booked for knocking the ball away as Leeds attempted to get the ball upfield from a throw in.
Time caught up with the Whites and Ninian Park proved once again to be an unhappy hunting ground. Leeds had battled hard, stood their ground and played some good football but still ended up on the losing side.
This was one defeat they didn't deserve, and hopefully the last hard luck story this season.
Venue
Ninian Park
Kick-Off Time
09 August 2005 7:45pm
Attendance
15,231
Officials
Referee
Steve Tanner
Cardiff City
Starting XI
1Alexander, Neil
5Purse, Darren
6Cox, Neil
3Barker, Chris
2Darlington, Jermaine
7Ardley, Neal
14Boland, Willie
4Whitley, Jeff
17Cooper, Kevin
11Parry, Paul
10Jerome, Cameron
Substitutes
13Warner, Tony
15Loovens, Glenn
8Koumas, Jason
18Mulryne, Phil
9Lee, Alan
Leeds United
Starting XI
1Sullivan, Neil
2Kelly, Gary
6Butler, Paul
21Derry, Shaun
23Harding, Daniel
11Lewis, Eddie
19Bakke, Eirik
8Gregan, Sean
7Wright, Jermaine
9Healy, David
28Blake, Robbie
Substitutes
13Bennett, Ian
15Richardson, Frazer
26Kilgallon, Matthew
16Einarsson, Gylfi
30Ricketts, Michael
Cardiff City
Darren Purse, 42, Unsporting behaviour
Cameron Jerome, 90, Unsporting behaviour
Leeds United
Paul Butler, 32, Dissent
Shaun Derry, 90, Unsporting behaviour
Cardiff City
Willie Boland, 56
Jason Koumas, 56
Paul Parry, 86
Alan Lee, 86
Kevin Cooper, 90
Phil Mulryne, 90
Leeds United
Paul Butler, 45
Matthew Kilgallon, 45
David Healy, 63
Michael Ricketts, 63
Jermaine Wright, 76
Frazer Richardson, 76
The online vote
30% Michael Ricketts
19% Eirik Bakke
17% Robbie Blake
7% Eddie Lewis
5% Daniel Harding
5% David Healy
3% Gary Kelly
3% Sean Gregan
3% Neil Sullivan
2% Gylfi Einarsson
2% Matthew Kilgallon
1% Shaun Derry
1% Ian Bennett
1% Frazer Richardson
0% Paul Butler
0% Jermaine Wright
Venue
Ninian Park
Kick-Off Time
09 August 2005 7:45pm
Attendance
15,231
Officials
Referee
Steve Tanner
Cardiff City
Starting XI
1Alexander, Neil
5Purse, Darren
6Cox, Neil
3Barker, Chris
2Darlington, Jermaine
7Ardley, Neal
14Boland, Willie
4Whitley, Jeff
17Cooper, Kevin
11Parry, Paul
10Jerome, Cameron
Substitutes
13Warner, Tony
15Loovens, Glenn
8Koumas, Jason
18Mulryne, Phil
9Lee, Alan
Leeds United
Starting XI
1Sullivan, Neil
2Kelly, Gary
6Butler, Paul
21Derry, Shaun
23Harding, Daniel
11Lewis, Eddie
19Bakke, Eirik
8Gregan, Sean
7Wright, Jermaine
9Healy, David
28Blake, Robbie
Substitutes
13Bennett, Ian
15Richardson, Frazer
26Kilgallon, Matthew
16Einarsson, Gylfi
30Ricketts, Michael
The Match
A wonder strike and a controversial penalty sent Leeds to their first defeat of the season at Ninian Park, a place where nightmares seem to be lying in wait for Leeds United.
Pre-Match
Kevin Blackwell has been able to stick with the same side that defeated Millwall at Elland Road just over 48 hours previous, which meant that striker Robbie Blake was able to take part after shaking off a knock he picked up in Sunday's game.
Not only were the starting XI the same, but the bench also featured the same five players.
The Match
A small but vocal travelling support made kept Ninian Park entertained just before kick-off, and they had a few words for former United chairman Peter Ridsdale, now chief-executive at Cardiff, and the man who dared to live the dream with dire consequences two and a half years ago at Elland Road.
The early pressure belonged to the home side and Sullivan was called into action with less than a minute on the clock to save a low drive from Kevin Cooper.
Dan Harding did well to head the ball away from almost under his own crossbar when Paul Parry swung a cross into the six yard box with Cardiff having plenty of men forward to meet it.
Leeds first chance came when Healy put Bakke away on the run and the Norwegian might have got a better position on his shot, but the Cardiff defence certainly had their hands on him, and his attempt to curl the ball into the top right hand corner of the net was deflected wide for a corner.
Midway through the half and Harding played a great ball from deep into the area looking for the head of Robbie Blake, but the ball was just too close to the keeper and the chance was gone.
Harding was in the thick of the action again when he got back to thwart a great chance for the Bluebirds. Cooper was put through by Parry again and Harding was lightening quick as he got back to cover and put the ball behind for a corner.
Having weathered the storm, Leeds then began to play a bit themselves and took control of the game with the opening goal on 22 minutes.
Kelly began the move with a ball down the flank to release Healy, and the striker got to the edge of the area where it looked like he would go for goal, but instead put in a low ball across the face of goal and Robbie Blake met it perfectly, slotting it past the keeper to give United the lead
Cue the chants of"Ridsdale what's the score" and "1-0 in your cup final."
Cardiff's best chance of an equaliser soon after fell to Willie Boland, but the midfielder couldn't get enough power behind his header and Sullivan saved comfortably.
Paul Butler was mysteriously booked for dissent by referee Steve Tanner after Leeds were awarded a free-kick inside their own half. The bookings were evened out when Cardiff skipper Darren Purse dived into David Healy from behind with a late, late challenge.
Defensively, the United back four were superb in the first half. Gregan and Butler sent everything that came their way back with added interest, and Kelly and Harding were keeping the two Cardiff wingers in check.
Leeds made one change at half-time with Matthew Kilgallon coming on for skipper Paul Butler, and it later transpired that the United skipper needed two injections in his foot to play in the game.
United came close to doubling their lead when Lewis sent in a wicked cross from the left that fell nicely for Healy to take the shot, but his effort was blocked and then Jermaine Wright's follow up just went wide. Cardiff though had been given a real let-off.
Cardiff made a change just before the hour mark, bringing on midfielder Jason Koumas, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, for Boland. Koumas was making his debut and the welsh international was cheered to the rafters by a rejuvenated home support.
Actually right on the hour, the Baggies man made his mark on the game, hitting an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area to level the scores. Sullivan was well beaten by the shot but few keepers would have got anywhere near it.
The goal brought Leeds out of their shell and it was clear they hadn't travelled all this way just to settle for a point.
Healy came off on the hour mark and Michael Ricketts came on as Blackwell looked to change the focus of United's attack. Straightaway the big striker was winning balls in the air.
But within six minutes of conceding the equaliser, Leeds found themselves behind in the game after a dubious penalty decision.
Kilgallon was judged to have handballed a shot across the face of the area, but there were few appeals from the Cardiff players or a packed Ninian Park, yet the referee barely hesitated in awarding the spot-kick.
City skipper Darren Purse was on target from the spot, Sullivan had guessed the right way but again could do little to stop it.
There were concerns for Leeds when Neil Sullivan went down inside his own area after he was clattered into by Cameron Jerome, but fortunately the United No.1 was able to continue after treatment.
Blackwell's final substitution saw Frazer Richardson replace Jermaine Wright with 15 minutes left to play, just as he had done in the first game against Millwall.
Leeds were still looking dangerous and ten minutes before time felt hard done by when a good spell of pressure failed to produce an equaliser.
Blake bore down on goal and found Bakke making the run with his low ball into the area, but the home defence read the danger well and the Norwegian's shot was closed down. The loose ball fell for Ricketts and his backheel was cleared, but amidst the action Leeds appealed for handball and when nothing was given their way, Bakke was booked for his reaction.
Leeds were determined not to lose the game and when Eddie Lewis was tripped it gave them a chance to have a go from 25-yards, and Blake was tantalisingly close with the curling free kick but not quite near enough.
Just before full-time United's temper boiled over when Derry caught Jerome with a late tackle, and the aftermath saw Derry berate Harding for the pass that led to the tackle and the two went head to head for a brief but unsavoury moment. Derry was booked for the tackle.
As United scrambled for an equaliser, Jerome was booked for knocking the ball away as Leeds attempted to get the ball upfield from a throw in.
Time caught up with the Whites and Ninian Park proved once again to be an unhappy hunting ground. Leeds had battled hard, stood their ground and played some good football but still ended up on the losing side.
This was one defeat they didn't deserve, and hopefully the last hard luck story this season.
Venue
Ninian Park
Kick-Off Time
09 August 2005 7:45pm
Attendance
15,231
Officials
Referee
Steve Tanner
Cardiff City
Starting XI
1Alexander, Neil
5Purse, Darren
6Cox, Neil
3Barker, Chris
2Darlington, Jermaine
7Ardley, Neal
14Boland, Willie
4Whitley, Jeff
17Cooper, Kevin
11Parry, Paul
10Jerome, Cameron
Substitutes
13Warner, Tony
15Loovens, Glenn
8Koumas, Jason
18Mulryne, Phil
9Lee, Alan
Leeds United
Starting XI
1Sullivan, Neil
2Kelly, Gary
6Butler, Paul
21Derry, Shaun
23Harding, Daniel
11Lewis, Eddie
19Bakke, Eirik
8Gregan, Sean
7Wright, Jermaine
9Healy, David
28Blake, Robbie
Substitutes
13Bennett, Ian
15Richardson, Frazer
26Kilgallon, Matthew
16Einarsson, Gylfi
30Ricketts, Michael
Cardiff City
Darren Purse, 42, Unsporting behaviour
Cameron Jerome, 90, Unsporting behaviour
Leeds United
Paul Butler, 32, Dissent
Shaun Derry, 90, Unsporting behaviour
Cardiff City
Willie Boland, 56
Jason Koumas, 56
Paul Parry, 86
Alan Lee, 86
Kevin Cooper, 90
Phil Mulryne, 90
Leeds United
Paul Butler, 45
Matthew Kilgallon, 45
David Healy, 63
Michael Ricketts, 63
Jermaine Wright, 76
Frazer Richardson, 76
The online vote
30% Michael Ricketts
19% Eirik Bakke
17% Robbie Blake
7% Eddie Lewis
5% Daniel Harding
5% David Healy
3% Gary Kelly
3% Sean Gregan
3% Neil Sullivan
2% Gylfi Einarsson
2% Matthew Kilgallon
1% Shaun Derry
1% Ian Bennett
1% Frazer Richardson
0% Paul Butler
0% Jermaine Wright