Post by Taxigirl on Feb 3, 2006 10:27:49 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
United manager Kevin Blackwell was grateful for a small slice of luck as Leeds fought for a hard earned point at Portman Road.
Town striker Danny Haynes had given the Tractor Boys the lead right at the start of the second half and Leeds, despite having plenty of the ball, struggled in front of goal and found Ipswich keeper Shane Supple equal to anything they could fire at him.
The Whites got back into the game a few minutes before full time when Jason De Vos jumped with his hand in the air and appeared at first glance to handle the ball.
David Healy put United level from the penalty spot with a well taken spot-kick but the home side were left fuming as replays suggested De Vos had not made contact with the ball.
The Whites boss said De Vos had made it difficult for the referee to give any other decision but a penalty.
"I thought he handled it," said Blackwell, "we called for a penalty straight away and the referee gave it straight away.
"What is disappointing for them is as a manager you keep telling players to keep their hands down, and even if he hasn't touched it he's given the referee the opportunity to give the penalty.
"Maybe that was the break we needed because I didn't think we were going to get anything out of the game with the form the keeper was on."
Blackwell was understandably delighted to see his side earn a point after their hard work, but he had feared the night was going to end in frustration.
"The keeper pulled off two world class saves from Rob Hulse - the second one was absolutely unbelievable and we know goals change games.
"They got the goal and we were on top but it looked as if it just wasn't going to drop for us, it was always half a yard the wrong way, but for tenacity and perseverance I have to give the lads 110% because they kept going and in the end we looked as if we were going to win the game.
"I said before the game that Ipswich are on their best run of the season and they battered Sheffield United here.
"Having said all that, I didn't feel we were right at the top of our game. One or two players have a few niggles, Derry's got flu and we just weren't quite at it but we were still good enough to get the result.
"It's important not to get beaten and I am pleased with how we did."
United manager Kevin Blackwell was grateful for a small slice of luck as Leeds fought for a hard earned point at Portman Road.
Town striker Danny Haynes had given the Tractor Boys the lead right at the start of the second half and Leeds, despite having plenty of the ball, struggled in front of goal and found Ipswich keeper Shane Supple equal to anything they could fire at him.
The Whites got back into the game a few minutes before full time when Jason De Vos jumped with his hand in the air and appeared at first glance to handle the ball.
David Healy put United level from the penalty spot with a well taken spot-kick but the home side were left fuming as replays suggested De Vos had not made contact with the ball.
The Whites boss said De Vos had made it difficult for the referee to give any other decision but a penalty.
"I thought he handled it," said Blackwell, "we called for a penalty straight away and the referee gave it straight away.
"What is disappointing for them is as a manager you keep telling players to keep their hands down, and even if he hasn't touched it he's given the referee the opportunity to give the penalty.
"Maybe that was the break we needed because I didn't think we were going to get anything out of the game with the form the keeper was on."
Blackwell was understandably delighted to see his side earn a point after their hard work, but he had feared the night was going to end in frustration.
"The keeper pulled off two world class saves from Rob Hulse - the second one was absolutely unbelievable and we know goals change games.
"They got the goal and we were on top but it looked as if it just wasn't going to drop for us, it was always half a yard the wrong way, but for tenacity and perseverance I have to give the lads 110% because they kept going and in the end we looked as if we were going to win the game.
"I said before the game that Ipswich are on their best run of the season and they battered Sheffield United here.
"Having said all that, I didn't feel we were right at the top of our game. One or two players have a few niggles, Derry's got flu and we just weren't quite at it but we were still good enough to get the result.
"It's important not to get beaten and I am pleased with how we did."