In a match just concluding Leeds United defeated Scunthorpe United 2-1. It was a very tough, hard-fought match that certainly establishes the common belief that Scunthorpe will make a strong challenge towards promotion.
With Frazer Richardson wearing the captain's armband, the match marked the debut of Andy Robinson, Enoch Showunmi, Robert Snodgrass, Luciano Becchio and Paul Telfer. The match had a very fast pace to it with as I noted previously, Scunthorpe looking to make a statement to their fans and the rest of League One.
Both squads might raise an eyebrow on a few calls, Scunthorpe had a goal mid first-half off a set-piece brought back and near the close of the half Leeds felt Scunthorpe 'keeper Lillis bungled a Snodgrass shot, allowing the ball to drop over the line before pulling it back. That aside, the teams went into the break tied at nil.
Leeds came out fast with the young Scot, Robert Snodgrass leading the charge and based upon todays stellar performance, we can expect this throughout the campaign. At the fifty-seventh minute, crafty veteran Gary Hooper, who was consistently a scoring threat, scored the first goal of the season to give Scunthorpe a 1-0 lead. However just a few minutes later, Robert Snodgrass set a free kick which Enoch Showunmi headed home to level the score. As we'd learn, his free kicks were particularly problematic for the hosts and Leeds nearly added a second only a few minutes later in a similar fashion. Then at the eightieth minute, David Prutton struck a laser shot off the post for far out and Jermaine Beckford showed his predatory skills and drove the ball to the back of the net.
At that time Argentine maestro Luciano Becchio was then called-into duty for his first action with Leeds and almost immediately threatened with a long range effort however he continued to show a good level of communication with Jonny Howson and David Prutton. This is something every Leeds supporter should watch intently as the squads formation evolves this campaign.
It was a fine start with three points earned although there will be some work needed on the defensive side. Leeds now face Oldham at Elland Road next week. I will follow-up with photos and other post match commentary when available.
A fine start to the campaign with three points earne