Town won their first away game if the season 2-1 with a fantastic display of passing and grit at Leeds despite falling a goal behind in the third minute. Goals from James Scowcroft and Jermaine Wright saw the Blues home as the Elland Road side looked well short of their Champions’ League status.
John McGreal came into the Town side for Mark Venus, but played on the right-hand side of the three man back line with Titus Bramble in the middle and Hermann Hreidarsson on the left. As expected Marcus Stewart replaced David Johnson.
Leeds kicked off attacking the end where the Town supporters were congregated and soon the Yorkshire side were celebrating. Gary Kelly put in a cross from the right and Lee Bowyer sent the ball past Richard Wright into the corner. Although Bowyer didn’t get the truest on contacts there was more than enough to beat the Town keeper. Again questions can be asked about the Town marking.
The Blues, however were playing the better football with Leeds only getting a look in on the counter attack. Town never really tested Nigel Martyn until he was beaten by James Scowcroft. Jamie Clapham sent a cross in where Hermann Hreidarsson headed on to where James Scowcroft sent the ball past the Leeds keeper.
Leeds tried to come back at Town and did well down the flanks, but never really created a clearcut chance. The Blues had periods of possession, but only really gave themselves one good opportunity. Marcus Stewart, difficult for defenders all afternoon, was given a clear header from a deep cross by Jermaine Wright. Stewart should perhaps have done better, but his contribution on the day was as good as anyone’s.
The Leeds fans were unhappy as the whistle blew to end the first half. The Town faithful, however, applauded their men off the pitch.
The second half began with the Blues pushing the ball around neatly with Jermaine Wright particularly impressive. And it was the ex-Crewe player who put Town ahead when he played a stunning one-two with Matt Holland on the edge of the area. Wright, who previously had only scored in last season’s 1-0 win at former club Crewe, received the return pass ten yards out, sized up his opportunity and comfortably beat Nigel Martyn. It was a very composed finish from a player who hasn’t always been the best in front of goal.
The rest of the half was tense for Town fans. As often in the past the Blues spent periods sat back, but Alan Smith, Michael Bridges and Darren Huckerby were mainly restricted to efforts from well out. Town picked up a few bookings as at times tackling became desperate: McGreal and Wilnis were added to Hreidarsson’s appalling first half yellow card (for trying to grab the ball to take a throw in believe it or not).
But overall the Blues held up superbly with Hermann Hreidarsson and Titus Bramble particularly impressive. Bramble put in several of his trademark runs while up front Scowcroft and Stewart worked tirelessly and even eked out some chances. The best of these gave Stewart a clear run on goal in a Martijn Reuser type fashion, but the ball got stuck in a rut, he turned inside and the chance was gone.
Leeds were becoming increasingly desperate and Town were managing to get as much of the ball as them. Finally, after three minutes of injury time, referee Mark Halsey (who had had his usual inconsistent game) blew the whistle which sent the Town fans wild. The players celebrated the win with the fans after a well deserved superb win.
Seven points in the first six games is far more than many had suggested we’d get. We’ve drawn with Manchester United and now beaten Leeds. Relegation fodder? I beg to differ!
MOM: Jermaine Wright; Passed brilliantly, scored the winner and even did an extra cool shimmy thing.