Leeds had to come back from behind on two occasions to earn a point against Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Before the game I would have taken a point as travelling to Portsmouth is no easy to task for any team.
Problems with Portsmouth's electricity nearly caused the game to be abandoned, the floodlights went off twice when Leeds were on top and dominating the game. Leeds could argue that the stoppages halted their momentum but they will be satisfied with a point. Simon Grayson made three changes to the team that played Arsenal in mid-week with McCartney, Bromby and Becchio replacing Parker, O'Brien and Paynter. Portsmouth dominated the first-half and took the lead through Joel Ward after he drilled home his shot in the 26th minute.
Leeds failed to create much in the first 45 minutes and Portsmouth deserved their lead going into the break. Simon Grayson's team talk worked wonders when the Whites equalised earlier in the second-half. Luciano Becchio scored after he converted Howson's cutback. Just as Leeds looked like they were settling into the game, Portsmouth struck again after some poor defending. John Utaka capitalised on the lapse in concentration from the Leeds defence to make it 2-1.
Davide Somma was then brought on, and made an impact with his first touch of the game. The match was then spoiled with two power cuts, with Portsmouth blaming an external problem.
Although Portsmouth have some problems at the moment this result is still a positive one. To go to Portsmouth away is always difficult for anyone, the last time we went there we got spanked 6-1. Davide Somma surely has to be knocking on the door for some regular starts, the last time he started against Bristol he was poor but he is a predator in the box and seems to have the ability to score at any moment.
Leeds now play a week on Tuesday which gives the players a good rest, one advantage of being knocked out of the FA cup. Simon Grayson will also be looking to bring in a new face or two in order to strengthen the squad to push for promotion come the end of the season.