Leeds United Dynasty (also Interactive) - FM2010

[law90026]

So I intend to start a Leeds United Dynasty after their win over Man Utd in the FA Cup recently :)

What I intend to do is to make it an interactive dynasty as well (similar to those I've run before in the past). The rules for creating the players are below.

Sign-ups take place here and the dynasty will start after an arbitrary (!) cut-off date to be determined. The rules for the players are taken from a FM challenge thread so all credit to that thread creator for his rules.

Your player:

Each player has a starting CA of 110 and PA of 200. (CA = Current Ability; PA = Potential Ability)
All players will be 16 years old at the start.
All players will be with Leeds United (!).
You must have a european nation as your first or second nationality.
I will not stand in your way of a move to a bigger club. If a bigger club, i.e a Premier Division/Serie A/La Liga side comes in for you, their bid will be accepted if it is at market value at a minimum. However, as far as possible, I will have the transfer take place at the start of the next season rather than immediately.

What you need to do is to fill in is the following:

Position (see below for options if you are not clear):
First Name:
Surname:
Date Of Birth (day/month):
Nationality:
Second Nationality:
Height (cm):
Weight (kg):
Favoured Foot (R, L or Both): Note that Both means 10 points less to spend
Max of 2 favourite clubs:
Max of 2 disliked clubs:

Now for your attributes. For each section, Technical, Mental and Physical, you have a certain number of points to spend. These can be spread in any way you like.

Technical Stats (60 points):
Mental Stats (60 points):
Physical Stats (40 points):

The stats are split as follows, for those who don't have the game to hand.

Technical (outfield players): Corners, Crossing, Dribbling, Finishing, First Touch, Free Kick Taking, Heading, Long Shots, Long Throws, Marking, Passing,Penalty Taking, Tackling, Technique.
Technical (goalkeepers only): Aerial Ability, Command of Area, Communication, Eccentricity, Handling, Kicking, One on Ones, Reflexes, Rushing Out, Tendency to Punch, Throwing
Mental: Aggression, Anticipation, Bravery, Composure, Concentration, Creativity, Decisions, Determination, Flair, Influence, Off the Ball, Positioning, Teamwork, Work Rate.
Physical: Acceleration, Agility, Balance, Jumping, Natural Fitness, Pace, Stamina, Strength.

You can also choose to sacrifice points to raise your starting CA. You can raise your initial CA by 10 points if you sacrifice 20 points from your starting stats.
So for example, if you only 'spent' 40 points on your mental stats then you would have a starting CA of 120, thus raising all of your random stats. (Note: This means that you have a choice between creating a player with certain ideal stats or a player with higher CA but more randomly distributed stats)

Positions:

GK = Goalkeeper
DR = Rightback
WBR = Right wingback (a more offensive kind of rightback but not used that often in modern formations)
DC = Centreback
DL = Leftback
WBL = Left wingback (a more offensive kind of leftback but not used that often in modern formations)
DM = Defensive midfielder
MC = Central Midfielder
ML = Left sided midfielder
MR = Right sided midfielder
AMC = Attacking Central Midfielder
AMR = Right winger
AML = Left winger
FC = Centre Forward
FL = Right Forward (not recommended)
FR = Left Forward (not recommended)
ST = Striker

I will be posting my own character below as a sample.

Post below if you're interested.

Edit: Please also consider the other sign-ups. If there are 3 GKs for example, not everyone will get playing time for obvious reasons.

Edit2: Please indicate whether you want to be Right or Left Footed. If you want to be good with both feet, that will cost you 10 points.

Edit3: If you want to play more than 1 position, that is possible. However, every additional position will be 5 points. So if you wanted to be a D RLC / M RLC / ST, it would cost you 30 points (6 additional positions).

Edit4: Each player has a 5 year contract with Leeds for 5000 pounds a week.

[law90026]

Position: ST
First Name: Dayne
Surname: Ho
Date Of Birth (day/month): 08/08
Nationality: English
Second Nationality: Singaporean
Height (cm): 170
Weight (kg): 70
Foot: Right only
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Arsenal, Inter
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Man Utd, Chelsea

Technical Stats (60 points): Finishing - 20, Dribbling - 20, Long Shots - 20
Mental Stats (60 points): composure - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): pace - 20, acceleration - 20

I am giving up 40 mental points to raise my starting CA to 130.

[BYU 14]

Position: ST
First Name: Dayne
Surname: Ho
Date Of Birth (day/month): 08/08
Nationality: English
Second Nationality: Singaporean
Height (cm): 170
Weight (kg): 70
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Arsenal, Inter
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Man Utd, Chelsea

Technical Stats (60 points): Finishing - 20, Dribbling - 20, Long Shots - 20
Mental Stats (60 points): composure - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): pace - 20, acceleration - 20

I am giving up 40 mental points to raise my starting CA to 130.

OK, so we pick the attributes we want our stats assigned to and everything else is random.

I'm in, I'll get up a player later today.

[law90026]

Some changes to the first post as I fiddle around with the editor.

See the Edits.

[ntndeacon]

Position: DC
First Name: Deacon
Surname: Songalia
Date Of Birth (day/month): 08/08
Nationality: Lithuanian
Second Nationality: Danish
Height (cm): 174
Weight (kg): 83
Foot: Left only
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Bayern Munich, Liverpool
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea

Technical Stats (60 points): Tackling - 20, Technique - 20, Marking - 20
Mental Stats (60 points): Positioning - 20, Determination -20, Off the Ball - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): Strength - 20

I am giving up 20 physical points to raise my starting CA to 120.

[mrkilla22]

Position: MC
First Name: Frank
Surname: Justice
Date Of Birth (day/month): 25/09
Nationality: English
Second Nationality: Australian
Height (cm): 183
Weight (kg): 83
Favoured Foot (R, L or Both): R
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Arsenal
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Man U
Technical Stats (60 points): Technique - 20, Passing - 20, Dribbling - 20
Mental Stats (60 points): Concentration - 20, Creativity - 20, Decisions - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): Stamina - 20, Balance - 20

[law90026]

Will probably start this up in a day or so.

[cschex]

Position: DL
First Name: Charles
Surname: Schex
Date Of Birth (day/month): 24/4
Nationality: German
Second Nationality: French
Height (cm): 178
Weight (kg): 77
Favoured Foot (R, L or Both): L
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Arsenal, Borussia Monchengladbach
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Tottenham, Manchester United
Technical Stats (60 points): Tackling - 20, Crossing - 20, Marking -20
Mental Stats (40 points): Decisions - 20, Positioning - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): Pace - 20, Acceleration - 20

Sacrifice 20 Mental for 120 starting CA

Lots of future Arsenal players, I see.

[Coffee Warlord]

Position: ST
First Name: Rob
Last Name: Nielsen
DOB: 4/10 (day/month)
Nationality: USA
Second Nationality: Denmark
Height (cm): 190
Weight (kg): 85
Foot: Left
Favourite: Newcastle
Disliked: Man U

Technical:
20 Finishing
20 Technique
20 Heading

Mental
20 Composure
20 Off the Ball
20 Aggression

Physical
20 Acceleration
20 Pace

[Coffee Warlord]

The Danish mercenary is back.

[law90026]

The Danish mercenary is back.

And apparently competing with his own manager's offspring for a starting place!

[Coffee Warlord]

And apparently competing with his own manager's offspring for a starting place!

Best be playing a 2 striker lineup! We're both blazing fast, we just race each other to see who gets the ball and scores.

It'll be me. Bitch. Daddy won't help you on the pitch! Bitch!

[BYU 14]

Position: AML
First Name: Ace
Last Name: Idol
DOB: 3/9 (day/month)
Nationality: England
Second Nationality: USA
Height (cm): 189
Weight (kg): 89
Foot: Left
Favourite: Tottenham, Preston
Disliked: Chelsea, Millwall

Technical:
20 Crossing
20 Technique
20 Passing

Mental
20 Creativity
20 Anticipation
20 Decisions

Physical
20 Natural Fitness
20 Pace

[gi]

Position: GK
First Name: Torin
Surname: Mayhem
Date Of Birth (day/month): 6/6
Nationality: Scottish
Second Nationality: none
Height (cm): 198
Weight (kg): 114
Favoured Foot (R): Right
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Oxford United, Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Manchester United, Swindon Town

Technical Stats (60 points): Communication: 20, Reflexes: 20 Command of Area: 20
Mental Stats (60 points): Bravery: 20, Decisions 20, Influence: 20
Physical Stats (40 points): Agility: 20 Jumping: 20

[Coffee Warlord]

Heh. Looks like there's no worry about any of us being picked up by Manchester.

[gi]

Heh. Looks like there's no worry about any of us being picked up by Manchester.


As it should be :)

[cschex]

This team is going to kick ass in the U18 league

[Coffee Warlord]

As long as Nielsen outscores his competition.

[surlyc]

Position: DC
First Name: Edward
Surname: Woodrow
Date Of Birth (day/month): 30/04
Nationality: English
Second Nationality: N/A
Height (cm): 184
Weight (kg): 84
Foot: Right only
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday
Max of 2 disliked clubs: Gillingham, Charlton

Technical Stats (60 points): Tackling - 20, Heading - 20, Marking - 20
Mental Stats (60 points): Bravery - 20, Influence - 20, Decisions - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): Strength - 20, Jumping - 20

I went to university in Sheffield... bit of rivalry there. :p

[bbgunn]

Position: MR
First Name: B.B.
Surname: Gunn
Date of Birth: 18/05
Nationality: English
Second Nationality: Trinidad and Tobago
Height (cm): 175
Weight (kg): 75
Foot: Right
Max of 2 favourite clubs: Aston Villa
Max of 2 disliked clubs: none

Technical Stats (60 points): Crossing - 20, Corners - 20, Dribbling - 20
Mental Stats (60 points): Positioning - 20, Teamwork - 20, Off the Ball - 20
Physical Stats (40 points): Acceleration - 20, Pace - 20

[law90026]

And done.

Loading up the game now to confirm there are no issues with the database.

[law90026]

The Club

Leeds United was founded in 1919. It currently plays in the English Coca-Cola League One and plays its home games at Elland Road. It's fiercest rivals are Manchester United, Chelsea and Galatasaray.

The club was at its most successful in the 1970s but has not won a trophy for 17 years now. It recently came out of severe financial difficulties and is looking for a return to the top flight as quickly as possible.

[law90026]

Notes:

I will be going pretty fast at the start until the season kicks off. I normally leave the friendlies to my assistant manager.

As far as possible, I will play the youngsters because it looks like they are amongst the best players in the team. However, since they are so young, they will get tired so they might not get that many games.

I'll be starting off with a 4-4-2 formation but we'll see how that goes.

The club's expectation is that we win League 1.

[law90026]

Pre Season Transfers (in):
Brahim Hemdani, 31 year old Algerian DM, Free Transfer
Camel Meriem, 29 year old French AM, Free Transfer
Elliot Omozusi, 20 year old English Defender, Free Transfer
Lubin Salukvadze, 27 year old Georgian Defender, 220k

Pre Season Transfers (out):
Alan Sheehan, 22 year old Welsh DL, Notts County 200k
Andy Robinson, 29 year old English AMRL, Notts County 140k
Enoch Showmuni, 27 year old Nigerian ST, Middlesborough 85k
Lubomir Michalik, 25 year old Slovakian DC, Notts County 120k
Andy Hughes, 31 year old English MRC, QPR 26k
David Prutton, 27 year old English MC, Hearts 45k

Pre-Season Friendlies (only Leeds United scorers listed):

Leeds United 1 - 0 Leeds United Reserves
Beckford 8'

Guiseley 0 - 5 Leeds United
Ho 1'
Whitwell 15'
Ho 20'
Kandol 49'
Snodgras 91'

Easy romp as Ho scores 2 against a non-league side.

Cheltenham Town 0 - 3 Leeds United
Meriem 4'
Niesen 27'
Elliot 52'

Another easy win, this time against a League 2 side.

Farsley 0 - 7 Leeds United
Snodgrass 15'
Ho 17'
Meriem 30'
OG 42'
Johnson 47' Pen
Whitwell 52'
Elliot 76'

Crushing victory over another non-league side.

Lincoln City 1 - 4 Leeds United
Ho 29'
Ho 59'
Beckford 89'
Ho 91' Pen

This is the first time the team has conceded in the pre-season but it was still a comfortable win over a League 2 side, marked by a Ho hattrick.

Northampton Town 0 - 2 Leeds United
Ho 14'
Ho 88'

2 more goals for Ho in a win over another League 2 side.

Leeds United 3 - 0 Glenn Hoddle Academy
Ho 15'
Idol 37'
Elliot 72'

2nd last friendly and another easy win for the team. Ace Idol scores his first goal, albeit non-competitive, for the club.

Leeds United 3 - 2 Liverpool Reserves
Ho 1'
Snodgrass 7'
Meriem 28'

Dang, a game against a Premiership side. Hopefully this doesn't draw too much attention to the youngsters. A hardfought win for us and we were not helped by an own goal by Mayhem!

Last friendly is done. Squad analysis and more info on the youngsters coming up.

[law90026]

Goalkeepers:

The first choice keeper is 16 year old Torin Mayhem. Is it too much to ask of a 16 year old? He's already far better than the backup keepers, 32 year old Shane Higgs and 29 year old Casper Ankergren.

Defenders:

Currently, the first choice right back is 27 year old Georgian international Lasha Salukvadze, a bargain buy at 220k. He is backed up by 20 year old Elliot Omozusi, who will see limited playing time this year.

At left back, the starting spot is held by 16 year old Charles Schex. He is already deemed to be better than most players in the Championship, one level higher than where we are playing this year. No real backup for him except for Lasha, who can also play at the LB position.

The starters are likely to be 28 year old Australian Patrick Kisnorbo and 16 year old Deacon Songalia. The 2 of them are also deemed to be better than most players in the Championship. This is a position of strength for the club as the main backups are Edward Woodrow and 29 year old Englishman Leigh Bromby, both also deemed to be good players at a Championship level.

Midfielders:

The right wing position is likely to go to 16 year old BB Gunn. His main competition is Camel Meriem but it's likely Meriem will slot into central midfield instead. Richard Snodgrass, a 21 year old Scottish youth international, is likely to be the main backup for the right wing and left wing spot.

The left wing position is also likely to go to a 16 year old, Englishman Ace Idol. Besides Snodgrass and Meriem, another backup here is 22 year old Bradley Johnson.

In central midfield, it'll be interesting to see who gets to start. Veteran Behran Hemdani would be the best choice for a defensive midfielder, Camel Meriem brings attacking flair while Frank Justice is a balance between the two. It's likely that the 3 will rotate though, depending on fatigue and the opposition. 2 other players will back up this position, Neil Kilkenny and Michael Doyle, both of whom are well suited to play at this level of competition.

Strikers:

Upfront, the obvious starter is 16 year old Dayne Ho, who has scored many goals during the pre-season. His strike partner will either be 25 year old Jermaine Beckford or fellow 16 year old Rob Nielsen. Again, it seems likely the 3 will be rotating for the 2 starting positions but Ho will likely play the most. The last striker in the rotation is 18 year old Tom Elliot, who may get some games but shouldn't expect too much.

[law90026]

Torim Mayhem Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4249905897_837ce17def_o.pnghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/46238469@N03/4249905897/

[law90026]

Charles Schex Screenshot 09-10 Start


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4249905857_1e67d15ae4_o.png

[law90026]

Deacon Songalia Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4250677908_60a73b2560_o.png

[law90026]

Edward Woodrow Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4250677866_dddb40cb3a_o.png

[law90026]

BB Gunn Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4250677830_f7de5c5d3f_o.png

[law90026]

Frank Justice Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4250677790_a233b065f7_o.png

[law90026]

Ace Idol Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4250677754_73b4d42993_o.png

[law90026]

Richard Nielsen Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4250677708_20cf95f440_o.png

[law90026]

Dayne Ho Screenshot 09-10 Start

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4250677662_fde4642612_o.png

Kek, 10 goals in 8 games to start in friendlies.

[law90026]

8 August 2009: League 1 Match

Leeds United vs Exeter City

Leeds Starting Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kiborno
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Richard Nielsen
Subs: Frank Justice, Jermaine Beckford, Edward Woodrow, Casper Ankergren, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Bradley Johnson

Match Report:

3rd minute: Meriem booked

6th minute: Nielsen with a long range shot, way off target

11th minute: long range shot from Exeter, not close

23rd minute: Gunn cutback for Meriem at the edge of the box, shot is wide

27th minute: Nielsen is put through but his close range attempt is saved, corner

28th minute: goalmouth scramble, Ho sticks it in! <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cdayneho%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id=ieooui></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1016925148; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:556448004 67698705 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-text:"%1\)"; mso-level-tab-stop:.5in; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->1-0 Leeds!

31st minute: Nielsen shot saved, Ho pounces on the rebound, saved!

38th minute: Idol with a tame shot from the left side of the box

43rd minute: Nielsen booked

44th minute: Schex passes to Nielsen on the edge of the box, he cuts in, shoots, wide

45th minute: Kisnorbo booked

Halftime: We take off Schex because he took a nasty knock. Omozusi on at right back, Lasha switches to leftback.

53rd minute: Omozusi cross for Nielsen, the header is saved, corner

60th minute: Double Substitution: Beckford on for a disappointing Nielsen (5.6 rating) and Frank Justice on for Meriem.

64th minute: Gunn corner swung in, Songalia header is palmed away, Ho blasts in the rebound! 2-0 Leeds United!

68th minute: Gunn cross leads to a Beckford chance, his shot was tame and easily saved.

73rd minute: Exeter long range shot, no real danger

75th minute: Gunn crosses deep, Idol is free in the 6 yard box, he slides it in! 3-0 Leeds United!

76th minute: Yellow card for Hemdani

85th minute: Hemdani lays it off for Justice 20 yards out, Justice smashes it and it flies in! 4-0 Leeds!

Final score: Leeds 4 - 0 Exeter
MOTM: Ho (8.6)
Honorable mention to Idol (8.2)
<o>
</o>

[law90026]

A couple of records were broken after that game:

Frank Justice is now the youngest ever Leeds goalscorer while Richard Nielsen is the youngest ever Leeds player.

[law90026]

11 August: League Cup Round 1

Rochdale (league 2) vs Leeds United

Leeds Starting Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kiborno
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Camel Meriem
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Richard Nielsen
Subs: BB Gunn, Jermaine Beckford, Edward Woodrow, Casper Ankergren, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Richard Snodgrass

Just one change as BB Gunn is rested on the bench and Frank Justice comes into central midfield.

Match report:

8th minute: Rochdale long range shot, not far off

16th minute: Rochdale long range shot, not close

24th minute: Meriem corner, Songalia meets with it with a firm header, it's in! 1-0 Leeds United!

29th minute: Innocuous freekick swung in, Mayhem drops it! Holness gleefully stabs it in! 1-1!

31st minute: Immediate response from Leeds. They pass the ball across midfield and Meriem crosses it but mishits it. It somehow goes into the goal! 2-1 Leeds United!

41st minute: Long range curler well saved by Mayhem. Corner.

44th minute: Corner is cleared by Leeds, Idol plays it for Ho who breaks the offside trap. Ho cuts it back for Nielsen but he takes too long and the defence clears it for a corner.

Halftime: Ho off for Beckford. Ho didn't play well in the first half (5.9) and also picked up a knock.

53rd minute: Long range effort from Justice, way off.

60th minute: Beckford with an angled shot, saved.

67th minute: Idol off for Snodgrass. Idol was tired. Woodrow on for Kisnorbo, who was average today.

68th minute: Break by Leeds, a good ball puts Nielsen through but he opts to shoot from 20 yards out, over the bar.

73rd minute: Rochdale long range shot, way over.

76th minute: Massive clearance by Mayhem which Beckford chases down, unmarked! He shoots from inside the box and scores! 3-1 Leeds United!

82nd minute: Justice booked.

86th minute: Long ball allows Kennedy to break the offside trap and his shot gives Mayhem no chance. 3-2 Leeds.

91st minute: Long ball nearly allows Beckford to score but the keeper collects bravely at his feet.

Fulltime: Rochdale 2 - 3 Leeds United
MOTM: Meriem 8.1
Bad game: Ho (5.9), Idol (4.8)

[law90026]

The win over Rochdale in the League Cup earns us a match at Premier League side Portsmouth!

[law90026]

15 August: League 1 Match #2

Wycombe vs Leeds United

Leeds Starting Lineup
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kiborno
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Richard Nielsen
Subs: Ace Idol, Jermaine Beckford, Edward Woodrow, Casper Ankergren, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Bradley Johnson

BB Gunn in for Ace Idol.

Match Report:

3rd minute: Long range attempt from Ho, not close

14th minute: Wycombe break after a cleared corner, they score! But wait, offside!

32nd minute: Freekick fired in by Meriem, nowhere near the goal.

40th minute: Corner by Gunn, Songalia rises, heads it over.

Halftime: Some tweaks made to our 4-4-2 as it wasn't proving to be effective.

53rd minute: Cross from Meriem, Nielsen chests it down and pushes it into goal from the 6 yard box! 1-0 Leeds!

61st minute: Hemdani booked

73rd minute: Beckford on for Ho, Idol on for Justice, Omozusi on for Schex.

92nd minute: Cross from Wycombe, easily claimed by Mayhem.

Fulltime: Wycombe 0 - 1 Leeds
MOTM: Leon Johnson, Wycombe DC (7.5)
Honorable Mention: Songalia (7.4)

[law90026]

Also, Richard Nielsen is now the youngest ever Leeds goalscorer, replacing Frank Justice.

[law90026]

18 August 2009: League 1 Match #3

Walsall vs Leeds

Leeds Starting Lineup
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kiborno
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermain Beckford
Subs: Ace Idol, Richard Nielsen, Deacon Songalia, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Bradley Johnson

A few changes as Schex, Nielsen and Songalia need a break.

Match Report:

4th minute: Ho robs the Walsall defender but his shot from the edge of the box is saved.

5th minute: Justice passes to Ho, long range curler is well wide.

14th minute: Ho gets the ball at the edge of the box, slots it through for Gunn who shoots under pressure, over the bar.

23rd minute: Meriem plays the ball down the channel for Beckford who tries a shot, easily saved.

24th minute: long range attempt by Walsall, well wide.

26th minute: Corner, header by Woodrow, over the bar.

42nd minute: Ho takes the ball from 40 yards out, accelerates and shoots, saved.

Halftime: 0-0, the team has had some half chances but haven't created much yet.

68th minute: Ho gets the ball 30 yards out, turns his man and shoots... the keeper isn't ready for it and it's in! 1-0 Leeds!

70th minute: Gunn finds some space, crosses but it's too close to the keeper.

71st minute: Nielsen on for Beckford, Songalia on for Lasha and Idol on for Gunn.

74th minute: Corner, Woodrow heads it over the bar

77th minute: Meriem curls a freekick well wide.

79th minute: through ball played but Mayhem saves well and Omozushi hacks it away for a corner.

82nd minute: Corner, floated in dangerously but the keeper punches it to safety.

84th minute: Long ball allows Walsall to break through but the shot is tame and Mayhem saves easily.

92nd minute: Long range shot from Ho, not close.

93rd minute: Long clearance from Omozushi which Nielsen races to but the keeper gets there just before him.

Fulltime: Walsall 0 - 1 Leeds United
MOTM: Woodrow (7.5)
Honorable Mention: Ho (7.5)

[law90026]

22nd August 2009: League 1 Match #4

Leeds vs Tranmere

Leeds Starting Lineup
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kiborno
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Camel Meriem
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Richard Nielsen
Subs: BB Gunn, Jermaine Beckford, Edward Woodrow, Casper Ankergren, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Bradley Johnson

Match Report:

4th minute: Header by Justice but over the bar

10th minute: Hemdani blasts the ball over the bar from outside the box

12th minute: Ball played out by Nielsen to Schex, first time cross into the 6 yard box and Ho arrives to glance it past the keeper! 1-0 Leeds!

17th minute: Tranmere smash the ball against the bar but it bounces way out to safety.

24th minute: Schex deep cross finds Meriem but his first time volley hits the bar and goes out of play!

Halftime: A relatively uneventful first half but the team looks to be in control.

48th minute: Precise throughball from Lasha to Meriem, who lashes it home first time! 2-0 Leeds!

51st minute: Great interplay between Nielsen and Ho as Nielsen feeds the ball to Ho at the edge of the box. Ho shoots and scores! 3-0 Leeds!

54th minute: Defensive mistake by Tranmere, Ho steals the ball and tries a 30 yarder, way over.

66th minute: Meriem passes it to Ho whose shot is parried away for a corner.

68th minute: Meriem breaks free on the right, but he plays a poor cross over the bar.

69th minute: Omozusi on for Schex, Gunn on for Idol and Beckford on for Ho.

72nd minute: A corner is only halfcleared to Justice who volleys it first time from 20 yards out ... it's a screamer and it's in! 4-0 Leeds!

78th minute: defensive miscommunication allows the Tranmere striker to break through but Mayhem saves at his feet!

Fulltime: Leeds 4 - 0 Tranmere
MOTM: Ho (8.5)
Honorable Mention: Justice (8.1)

[law90026]

5 Leeds players were named to the Team of the Week:

Lasha Salukvadze
Torin Mayhem
Patrick Kisnorbo
Edward Woodrow
Camel Meriem

[Coffee Warlord]

...did you name me Richard?

[law90026]

...did you name me Richard?

Apparently I did. I knew there was something wrong there. Sorry!

[Coffee Warlord]

Can you fix me, or am I doomed to be Tricky Dicky Nielsen for all eternity?

[gi]

Can you fix me, or am I doomed to be Tricky Dicky Nielsen for all eternity?

I think it's a good strong name. :)

[surlyc]

18 August 2009: League 1 Match #3

Walsall vs Leeds

Fulltime: Walsall 0 - 1 Leeds United
MOTM: Woodrow (7.5)
Honorable Mention: Ho (7.5)Good first start! :D

Looks like I'm a threat for corners... just a shame I've no finishing skill! :p

[bbgunn]

Good to see Gunn getting the crosses in the box as often as he does! Needs to work on his endurance, though.

[law90026]

Can you fix me, or am I doomed to be Tricky Dicky Nielsen for all eternity?

Let me see if it can be done, no promises though.

[law90026]

ROB Nielsen!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4252218037_3e334a28c9_o.png

[law90026]

26 August 2009: League Cup Round 2

Portsmouth (Premier League) vs Leeds United (League 1)

Leeds Starting Lineup
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kiborno
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Richard Nielsen
Subs: Frank Justice, Jermaine Beckford, Edward Woodrow, Casper Ankergren, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Richard Snodgrass

Justice to the bench as he is tired but is likely to come on as a sub at some point.

Match Report:

9th minute: Header from Portsmouth but its weak and wide. Scary that the Portsmouth left winger found so much space though.

18th minute: Close range shot from Portsmouth, saved by Mayhem. Again, the attack came from the left flank.

28th minute: Belhadj (Portsmouth AML) crosses into the box and Piquonne heads it .. goal! 1-0 Portsmouth.

33rd minute: Ball played down the channel for Ho to chase, he reaches it and cuts it back for Nielsen in the penalty box who shoots first time .. against the crossbar!

42nd minute: Belhadj cross, evades the centrebacks and Smith sneaks in to slot it in! 2-0 Portsmouth.

43rd minute: Nielsen shows some nifty footwork at the edge of the penalty box, turns his man and shoots ... easily saved.

53rd minute: Portsmouth shot hits the crossbar and bounces away to safety.

57th minute: Gunn plays a simple ball to Ho who blasts it from long range, not even close.

61st minute: Beckford on for a disappointing Nielsen, Justice on for Idol, Omozusi on for Lasha.

64th minute: Long ball plays Kanu through on goal, but Mayhem saves the close range attempt. Corner.

66th minute: Great flowing football allows Justice to shoot from the edge of the box, just wide!

89th minute: Meriem attacks down the left flank, cuts it back for Beckford who shoots, hits the side netting.

Fulltime: Portsmouth 2 - 0 Leeds United
MOTM: Tommy Smith (Portsmouth AMR) (7.5)
Honorable Mention: Deacon Songalia (7.3)
Bad games: Dayne Ho and Richard Nielsen (both 5.9)

This was never going to be an easy game and that proved to be the case as we were overrun. We were never really a threat to Portsmouth throughout the entire game.

[Coffee Warlord]

And you still called me Richard in the writeup! :)

[law90026]

29th August 2009: League 1 Match #5

Colchester vs Leeds United

Leeds Line-up
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Richard Nielsen
Subs: Ace Idol, Dayne Ho, Patrick Kisnorbo, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Richard Snodgrass

Some changes as Schex is absolutely destroyed (86% fitness). Ho goes to the bench along with Idol. A young CB pairing today, hopefully that doesn't backfire.

Match Report:

13th minute: A defensive mix-up from a Colchester corner, O'Toole is free and he smashes it home! 1-0 Colchester.

15th minute: Defence was in shambles again and O'Toole is left unmarked to fire home his 2nd goal. 2-0 Colchester.

20th minute: Justice shoots from 20 yards out, well over.

24th minute: Dangerous cross from Meriem is well punched out by the keeper.

27th minute: Defence still hasn't woken up yet as they allow Platt to receive a cross in the box. Luckily he shoots wide.

30th minute: Platt breaks free again and shoots but it's saved by Mayhem.

34th minute: Another shot by Colchester from the left side, saved again.

36th minute: Leeds plays the ball around the Colchester area for a bit then Gunn makes a sudden dash into the box. The ball is passed through to him and he slots it in from close range! 2-1 Colchester.

37th minute: Deep cross from Colchester and their striker gets a header in but it hits the bar. This defence is NOT working out.

48th minute: Gunn corner, Songalia heads it but it goes over.

Halftime: Kisnorbo is on for a disappointing Songalia (5.8) while Ho is on for a terrible Beckford (4.4).

46th minute: Ho shoots from 20 yards out, comfortably held by the keeper.

49th minute: O'Toole shoots from 20 yards out, wide.

59th minute: Colchester crosses but it hits the crossbar!

62nd minute: Meriem crosses, Gunn accelerates to meet it and smashes a volley in! 2-2!!

72nd minute: Colchester cross and their striker has it at his feet but Mayhem saves bravely!

73rd minute: Lasha off for Bromby. Lasha is absolutely knackered.

87th minute: Colchester's striker breaks free but blasts way over the bar from just inside the box.

90th minute: Another long range shot by Colchester but not a danger.

Fulltime: Colchester 2 - 2 Leeds United
MOTM: John-Joe O'Toole (Colchester MC) 8.7
Honorable Mention: BB Gunn (8.7)
Bad games: Songalia (5.9)

We were lucky to escape with a draw for this game as they pretty much dominated us. Gunn saved us today.

[law90026]

And you still called me Richard in the writeup! :)

Damn you cut-and-paste!!!!

[Coffee Warlord]

I promise I will actually score more goals if you fucking use my correct name!

[law90026]

International Call-ups:

France U-21: Charles Schex
Denmark U-21: Deacon Songalia and ROB Nielsen

BB Gunn was also named to the League 1 Team of the Week.

[Coffee Warlord]

God, I ditched the USA and went to Denmark again? Awesome. :)

[law90026]

August Round-up

Results:
vs Exeter: 4-0 win (Ho 2, Idol, Justice)
vs Rochdale: 3-2 win (Songalia, Meriem, Beckford)
vs Wycombe: 1-0 win (Nielsen)
vs Walsall: 1-0 win (Ho)
vs Tranmere: 4-0 win (Ho 2, Meriem, Justice)
vs Portsmouth: 2-0 loss
vs Colchester: 2-2 draw (Gunn 2)

The season definitely started brightly but we seem to have run into some issues the last 2 games. Our defence seems to be tight, especially when Kisnorbo is playing, which is a good thing. In midfield, I'm definitely beginning to feel that Ace Idol isn't quite ready for the starting 11 yet and we look most dangerous with Justice in central midfield and Meriem and Gunn on the wings. Upfront, Nielsen needs to start scoring a bit more while Beckford seems generally disappointing so far.

League table:

1. Leeds United P5 W4 D1 L0 For 12 Against 2 GD +10 Pts 13
2. Southend P5 W4 D1 L0 For 11 Against 4 GD +7 Pts 13
3. Norwich P5 W3 D2 L0 For 10 Against 7 GD +3 Pts 11
4. Leyton Orient P5 W3 D2 L0 For 7 Against 4 GD +3 Pts 11
5. Bristol City P5 W3 D1 L1 For 8 Against 5 GD +3 Pts 10
6. Charlton P5 W3 D1 L1 For 6 Against 3 GD +3 Pts 10

We are at the top but it's early days in the season yet. It's nice to see us having the best offence and defence so far.

Awards

Dayne Ho comes in 3rd for the Player of the Month award.
Dayne Ho comes in 2nd for the Young Player of the Month award.

Stats:
Goals (only players with more than 1 goal listed): Ho (5), Gunn (2), Justice (2), Meriem (2)
Assists (only players with more than 1 assist listed): Meriem (4), Gunn (2)
Avg Rating (top 3 only): Meriem (7.46), Gunn (7.32), Mayhem (7.20)

[bbgunn]

Fulltime: Colchester 2 - 2 Leeds United
MOTM: John-Joe O'Toole (Colchester MC) 8.7
Honorable Mention: BB Gunn (8.7)
Bad games: Songalia (5.9)

We were lucky to escape with a draw for this game as they pretty much dominated us. Gunn saved us today.

YES!!!! Wow, my virtual self is a much better player than I was at 16. Of course, I wasn't playing soccer at 16, but I digress...

[law90026]

International Call-ups:

England U-19: Dayne Ho, Edward Woodrow, BB Gunn, Ace Idol
Scotland U-21: Torin Mayhem

Results:

Denmark U-21 4 - 1 Northern Ireland U-21
Deacon Songalia got a 7.0 as well as a booking in this game. Rob Nielsen played one half and got a 6.7 rating.

England U-19 3 - 1 Croatia U-19
BB Gunn had a 7.6 rating and created 1 goal while Ace Idol had a 5.5 rating and was taken off after 72 minutes.

Scotland U-21 2 - 0 Isreal U-21s
A clean sheet for Torin Mayhem along with a 7.0 rating.

Germany U-21 0 - 0 Denmark U-21
Songalia played again and was MOTM with a 7.5 rating as Germany absolutely dominated the match but failed to score. Rob Nielsen did not get off the bench.

[law90026]

11 September 2009: League 1 Match #6

Southend (1st place) vs Leeds United (3rd place)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: Ace Idol, Jermaine Beckford, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Elliot Omozushi, Richard Snodgrass

Deacon Songalia has a thigh strain from the U-21 games and is unavailable.

Match Report:

3rd minute: Shot by Southend, well saved by Mayhem, corner.

29th minute: long range attempt by Southend, well over.

37th minute: Nielsen races on to a long goalkick but the Southend keeper saves bravely at his feet. From the ensuing goalkick, Ho feeds Nielsen but his shot from outside the box is tame.

Halftime: It's been a boring game so far with few chances.

46th minute: Gunn takes the ball and accelerates down the right flank and swings over a deep cross. Meriem arrives and heads it .. it's in! 1-0 Leeds!

50th minute: Gunn corner, Woodrow rises but it goes wide.

51st minute: Freedman breaks for Southend and tries a curling shot but Mayhem tips it wide.

55th minute: A cross swung in and McAlister rises to head home! A goal out of nowhere. 1-1. However, our defence is furious as they think McAlister handled the ball!

59th minute: Gunn corner, Woodrow rises highest again and it's inches wide!

60th minute: Long range attempt is on target but Mayhem tips it over the bar.

66th minute: Beckford on for Nielsen (6.1) and Idol on for Justice (6.9).

73rd minute: Ho swings a cross in, Beckford heads but a Southend defender makes a goalline clearance! From the throw-in, the ball is worked to Hemdani who shoots from the edge of the box and it's just wide.

76th minute: Nice triangle passing between Ho, Meriem and Beckford. As Ho shapes to shoot, he gets tackled but it breaks to Beckford who curls it first time into the top left corner! 2-1 Leeds!

80th minute: Elliot on for a tired Schex.

92nd minute: Long range screamer from Southend but it hits the bar!

We hang on for the win!

Fulltime: Southend 1 - 2 Leeds United
MOTM: Meriem (8.2)

This was an important win over one of our main rivals for promotion. Meriem once again pulled the strings for us and is probably our most important player right now.

[law90026]

16th September 2009: League 1 Match #7

Leeds vs. Stockport County

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: Ace Idol, Jermaine Beckford, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Elliot Omozushi, Richard Snodgrass

No changes to the side as Songalia is still injured.

Match Report:

1st minute: A deep cross from Schex nearly results in an inadvertent goal but the Stockport keeper tips it over. Corner.

14th minute: Stockport head the ball in but it's disallowed for a foul on Mayhem.

22nd minute: Long range effort from Stockport is over the bar.

34th minute: Stockport freekick is blasted wide.

42nd minute: Justice heads it on to Ho in the penalty box but it's just out of his reach to try an attempt at goal.

44th minute: Another long range attempt from Stockport, over.

Halftime: A really boring first half, hoping for the performance to pick up.

47th minute: Justice with a long range shot, well wide.

58th minute: Corner taken by Gunn, players rise in the box and it's in the Stockport goal! It's an own goal by Gyan of Stockport! 1-0 Leeds!

59th minute: Throughball allows Stockport's Johnson to face Mayhem 1 on 1 ... he shoots ... wide!

61st minute: Long range attempt by Stockport is heading in but Mayhem saves! Corner.

66th minute: Johnson with another long range effort, way over.

71st minute: Schex off for Elliot, Nielsen off for Beckford, Gunn off for Idol.

83rd minute: Long range attempt by Stockport, wide.

84th minute: Elliot gets the ball, he plays it down the channel for Ho to chase, Ho drags it into the box and shoots .. goal! 2-0 Leeds.

87th minute: Beckford loses the ball at the edge of the Stockport penalty box but it drops kindly to Ho who shoots first time .. it's in! 3-0 Leeds.

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 0 Stockport
MOTM: Ho (8.5)

We were more clinical than Stockport today. They had more possession and attempts at goal but a combination of bad finishing and good goalkeeping ensured we kept a clean sheet.

[law90026]

19th September 2009: League 1 Match #8

Leeds (1st) vs. Gillingham (14th)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozushi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: Camel Meriem
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: BB Gunn, Jermaine Beckford, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Charles Schex, Richard Snodgrass

Still no Songalia. Schex and Gunn are tired and this allows me to play Snodgrass for a change this season.

Match Report:

6th min: Gillingham score! But wait, their striker is offside .. or was he?

8th minute: Nielsen has the ball played to him in the 6 yard box but the keeper palms it away desperately!

12th minute: Elliot booked.

20th minute: Gillingham with a long range shot, wide.

24th minute: Gillingham striker with a close range header, saved by Mayhem.

29th minute: Ho turns his man in the box, swivels and shoots, hits the bar!

32nd minute: Ho injured! Beckford on for him.

40th minute: Freekick lofted in, Beckford rises to head, hits the bar!

Halftime: Still 0-0 but we started playing better in the latter part of the 2nd half. Ho's injury is a concern.

46th minute: Nielsen crosses for Beckford but his header is off.

51st minute: Idol turns his man and shoots from 20 yards out, just wide!

54th minute: Cross from Meriem to Beckford, he heads it wide!

54th minute: Schex on for Elliot, Snodgrass on for Idol.

89th minute: Corner by Meriem, Woodrow rises and heads it .. it's in! 1-0 Leeds!

Fulltime: Leeds United 1 - 0 Gillingham
MOTM: Woodrow (7.8)

Not a terribly exciting game but we dominated possession and we had 4 good chances to score. Unfortunately, only 1 was finished off. Still, 3 points is always good to have!

[law90026]

After the match, we discover that Dayne Ho broke his wrist and will be out for 3-4 weeks.

[bbgunn]

After the match, we discover that Dayne Ho broke his wrist and will be out for 3-4 weeks.

That stinks. Heal quickly and get back out on the pitch!

[law90026]

26 September 2009: League 1 Match #9

MK Dons (16th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: Elliot Omozushi, Ace Idol, Deacon Songalia, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Richard Snodgrass

Songalia is back but on the bench. Beckford and Nielsen will be the striking partnership for the next month or so.

Match Report

7th minute: Nielsen plays it through for Beckford who has a half yard on the Dons defender. He shoots but it's saved. It falls to Meriem but he elects to pass instead of shoot from inside the box and the keeper catches it. Probably the wrong decision.

18th minute: Schex booked.

27th minute: Meriem plays it through for Beckford, he shoots from just inside the box but it's tipped over by the Dons keeper.

39th minute: Dons freekick goes wide.

41st minute: Kisnorbo booked.

43rd minute: Gunn finds space on the wing, he crosses and Meriem heads it home! 1-0 Leeds!

Halftime: 1-0 up and we're dominating.

53rd minute: Dons break and their striker gets a close range attempt in but Mayhem saves.

56th minute: Dons freekick, over the bar.

64th minute: Long ball from Woodrow played forward for Gunn to race on to, he reaches it first and slots it past the keeper from close range! 2-0 Leeds!

70th minute: Elliot on for Schex, Idol on for Meriem and Bromby on for Kisnorbo.

73rd minute: Beckford with a long range shot, saved by the Dons keeper.

74th minute: Woodrow with a tackle in the box, Dons appeal for a penalty but ref looks away. Commentators think it looked like a legitimate claim!

88th minute: Doumbe, a Dons player, is sent off for his 2nd yellow!

Fulltime: MK Dons 0 - 2 Leeds
MOTM: Gunn 8.2

This was a relatively easy win for us and Gunn was a deserved man of the match.

[law90026]

29th September 2009: League 1 Match #10

Leeds (1st) vs Carlisle (16th)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Deacon Songalia
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: Lasha Salukvadze, Ace Idol, Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Richard Snodgrass, Edward Woodrow

Elliot in for Lasha who needs a break. I'm wondering if this 3 man fullback rotation will bite me in the ass in the future. I need to find someway to utilise Rob Nielsen better, he's simply not playing well.

Match Report:

4th minute: Nielsen shoots from long range, wide.

19th minute: Justice injured! Idol on and Meriem switches to central midfield.

23rd minute: Carlisle long range attempt, weak and wide.

36th minute: Hemdani gets the ball in the Carlisle half and plays it to Nielsen just inside the box. He delays shooting and it's cleared.

37th minute: Meriem with a long range attempt, over the bar.

44th minute: Meriem plays it to Beckford who shoots from just inside the box, way over.

47th minute: Corner for Carlisle, it's headed by Livesey .. it's in! Against the run of play, Carlisle lead!

Halftime: Down 1-0. We're not really creating quality chances right now.

48th minute: Meriem with a 30yard attempt, just over.

66th minute: Hemdani booked.

66th minute: Schex off for Lasha, Gunn off for Snodgrass. Both players are tired.

70th minute: Corner for Leeds, Songalia heads it against the bar! Snodgrass blasts the rebound way over.

84th minute: Beckford gets the ball just inside the Carlisle half, he looks up and slots it forward for Nielsen. Nielsen gets a bit of space and shoots from just outside the box .. it's in! 1-1!

89th minute: Meriem takes a corner, Songalia rises and heads it home! 2-1 Leeds!

Fulltime: Leeds 2 - 1 Carlisle
MOTM: Danny Livesey (Carlisle DC) 7.9
Honorable Mention: Deacon Songalia, 7.9

Somehow, we pull victory out of the bag. We definitely didn't deserve to lose but it really didn't look like we would get a winner.

[law90026]

The injury prognosis for Frank Justice is not good. He has fractured his wrist as well but it's anticipated he will take 6 to 7 weeks to recover.

Also, Rob Nielsen did not train well in the past month.

[law90026]

September Round-up

Results:
vs Southend: 2-1 win (Meriem, Beckford)
vs Stockport: 3-0 win (OG, Ho 2)
vs Gillingham: 1-0 win (Woodrow)
vs MK Dons: 2-0 win (Meriem, Gunn)
vs Carlisle: 2-1 win (Nielsen, Songalia)

A very good month, though it was a bit short due to internationals and 1 postponed fixture. 5 wins out of 5 is a really nice record and only 2 goals conceded. It was good to see Woodrow step up in the absence of Songalia and hopefully the goal will snap Nielsen out of his funk. Idol will also have a chance to impress with Justice's injury.

League table:

1. Leeds United P10 W9 D1 L0 For 22 Against 4 GD +18 Pts 28
2. Bristol Rovers P10 W6 D2 L2 For 16 Against 11 GD +5 Pts 20
3. Southend P10 W6 D1 L3 For 18 Against 9 GD +9 Pts 19
4. Swindon P10 W5 D4 L1 For 18 Against 10 GD +8 Pts 19
5. Norwich P10 W5 D4 L1 For 18 Against 13 GD +5 Pts 19
6. Tranmere P10 W5 D2 L3 For 20 Against 15 GD +5 Pts 17

About a fifth of the way through the season (total of 46 games) and we're clear ahead at the top. With any luck, we can maintain this good run for a bit and not slip up so that we can get breathing room in case of injuries and fatigue.

Awards

Beckford comes in 3rd for Goal of the Month.

Stats:
Goals (only players with more than 1 goal listed): Ho (7), Meriem (4), Gunn (3), Justice (2), Nielsen (2), Songalia (2), Beckford (2)
Assists (only players with more than 1 assist listed): Meriem (7), Gunn (4), Woodrow (2), Beckford (2), Schex (2)
Avg Rating (top 3 only): Meriem (7.47), Woodrow (7.37), Gunn (7.29)

[law90026]

3rd October 2009: League 1 Match #11

Leeds (1st) vs Charlton (7th)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Deacon Songalia
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby, Richard Snodgrass, Edward Woodrow, Charles Schex, Aidan White

Match Report:

2nd minute: Corner by Meriem, Songalia heads it, over!

5th minute: Clever little freekick by Meriem to Gunn ... he shoots but it's saved.

23rd minute: Gunn runs from his own half to the Charlton byline, cuts it back for Meriem who touches it for Nielsen ... Nielsen's shot is saved!

24th minute: Charlton breaks, cross and header .. just wide!

30th minute: Elliot booked.

37th minute: Elliot warned. He'll be coming off at halftime I think.

Halftime: We're the better side but can't break the deadlock yet. Schex on for Elliot to prevent a sending off.

51st minute: Idol cross, cleared by the defence but only as far as Meriem .. he volleys it from 25 yards out, it's in!!! Great goal. 1-0 Leeds!

66th minute: Charlton with a chance in the box but defenders throw themselves in the way of the shot to deflect it clear. Corner.

67th minute: Corner taken, Sodje powers the header in! 1-1! Mayhem to blame there as he came out but failed to claim the ball.

73rd minute: White and Snodgrass on for Gunn and Idol, both very tired.

78th minute: White flicks it on for Beckford but his shot is saved.

78th minute: Meriem booked.

Fulltime: Leeds United 1 - 1 Charlton
MOTM: Sodje, 7.8
Bad Game: Nielsen (5.9)

A disappointing result, considering we had more chances than them.

[law90026]

International Call-ups:

England U-19: Woodrow, Gunn, Idol, White
France U-19: Schex
Denmark U-19: Songalia, Nielsen

Scotland U-21: Mayhem

Other news: Songalia and Meriem named to the League 1 Team of the Week.

[law90026]

International Round-up

Slovenia U19 0 - 3 England U-19
Aidan White (7.3), Idol (6.0) and Woodrow (6.1) played in this game. Woodrow is the England U-19 captain!

Denmark U-19 3 - 0 Azerbaijan U-19
Nielsen (7.8, 1 goal) and Songalia (5.6) played in this game. Nielsen is now also the youngest player ever to score in the Euro U-19 Championship Qualifiers.

Malta U-19 0 - 2 France U-19
Charles Schex was the man of the match (9.1 rating, 2 assists) as he created both French goals.

England U-19 6 - 0 Armenia U-19
Woodrow (6.6, captain), White (6.2), Gunn (8.0, 1 goal) played in this game.

France U-19 4 - 0 Macedonia U-19
Schex (8.1) played well again but he was absolutely exhausted at the end of the game.

Scotland U-21 0 - 2 Spain U-21
Mayhem played decently (7.3) even though he conceded 2 goals.

Latvia U-19 0 - 5 Denmark U-19
Nielsen was named MOTM (9.3 rating, 2 goals) while Songalia played decently (7.6).

Bulgaria U-19 0 - 3 Denmark U-19
Songalia played an average game (6.3) while Nielsen was kept on the bench.

Lithuania U-19 0 - 5 England U-19
Woodrow (6.6, captain), White and Idol (both 5.5) played in this game. Gunn seems to have limited opportunities for the England U-19s.

Montenegro U-21 0 - 2 Scotland U-21
Mayhem played decently (6.8) in keeping a clean sheet. It helped that Montenegro only had 2 long range shots on goal the whole match.

[law90026]

14th October 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy

Rotherham (non-league) vs Leeds United

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Casper Ankergren
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Aidan White
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Leigh Bromby
MR: Richard Snodgrass
ML: Bradley Johnson
MC: Neil Kilkenny
MC: Michael Doyle
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Tom Elliot
Subs: Shane Higgs, Brahim Hemdani, Charles Schex, Deacon Songalia, Jonathon Howson

A lot of changes against a lesser side, hopefully it doesn't screw us over. The youngsters get a break today.

No long writeup for this game.

We win comfortably 2-1, our goals coming from Michael Doyle and Beckford in the first half. A penalty in the 2nd half gave them a chance but we always looked like the better side.

[law90026]

19th October 2009: League 1 Match #12

Leeds (1st) vs. Norwich (11th)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Richard Snodgrass
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Rob Nielsen
Subs: Dayne Ho, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Elliot Omozusi, Bradley Johnson, Neil Kilkenny, Ace Idol

Dayne is back but on the bench. Woodrow gets the nod ahead of Songalia and Snodgrass ahead of Idol.

Match Report

7th minute: Gunn takes a corner, drifts it in, Woodrow jumps highest and nods it in! 1-0 Leeds!

17th minute: A freekick drifted in, a Norwich header from pretty far out goes over the bar.

23rd minute: Norwich has a great chance but their midfielder hits it wide from 6 yards out. Woodrow's mistake led to this chance when he gave the ball away needlessly in our own half.

25th minute: Long clearance that Beckford chases down. He holds off the defender and takes a shot, hits the bar and it comes out!

35th minute: Lasha shoves a Norwich player and injures him! He's lucky not to get booked or sent off.

39th minute: Freekick into the Norwich box which Woodrow heads .. but it's saved.

40th minute: Snodgrass plays Beckford through but his shot is saved. Gunn hits the rebound but it's wide!

43rd minute: Good save by Mayhem from a Norwich close range shot.

Halftime: Up 1-0 and we do look good for the lead. I'm concerned they are breaking well though.

48th minute: Meriem hits it just over the bar from 25 yards out.

50th minute: Schex booked.

58th minute: Norwich get a cross into the 6 yard box but Mayhem saves from point blank range!

65th minute: Norwich freekick drifted in, a free header is saved by Mayhem. He plays it out quickly to Schex who plays a great ball up for Beckford. Clear on goal but he blasts it over!

66th minute: Ho on for Beckford, Idol on for Snodgrass, Elliot on for Schex.

69th minute: Norwich break our offside trap again but Mayhem saves bravely!

75th minute: Nielsen with a long range shot and he hits the bar! Pity.

Fulltime: Leeds United 1 - 0 Norwich
MOTM: Woodrow 7.9

Woodrow justifies his selection as he scores the only goal and gets the MOTM award. It was a close match and Norwich actually had better goalscoring chances but Mayhem was great today.

[cschex]

I knew I should have selected Endurance as one of my attributes. OH well, this way it's pretty true to life of my own playing "career".

[law90026]

24th October 2009: League 1 Match #13

Millwall (7th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Jermaine Beckford, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Elliot Omozusi, Bradley Johnson, Neil Kilkenny, Richard Snodgrass

Ho and Idol in for Beckford and Snodgrass respectively.

Match Report

3rd minute: Nielsen shoots from inside the box, saved!

11th minute: Lasha crosses from the right flank, Idol slides in but puts it the wrong side of the post.

29th minute: Gunn with the corner and no surprises, it's Woodrow who heads it in! 1-0 Leeds!

35th minute: Ho played through, he gets into the box and is brought down! Penalty! Meriem steps up confidently and just smashes it into the top of the goal! 2-0 Leeds!

40th minute: Long throw in into the Millwall box, the ball is bouncing around and players are jostling. The referee suddenly blows! Penalty! Meriem steps up and puts it to the right of the keeper this time, 3-0 Leeds!

46th minute: Millwall gets a chance inside the box, a shot but Mayhem saves! The ball is worked out again and Millwall shoot but it hits the bar and goes out of play.

Halftime: Up 3-0 and we should cruise to a comfortable win.

48th minute: Millwall come out aggressively and they work the ball for a shot from just outside the box. Mayhem makes a good save.

49th minute: The corner isn't cleared properly and Millwall get a shot on goal but Mayhem pushes it out.

56th minute: Idol shows some nifty footwork at the edge of the Millwall box to make some space and plays the ball to Nielsen. A first time shot but it's saved!

64th minute: Long range attempt by Millwall, well over.

64th minute: Beckford, Kilkenny and Songalia on for Ho, Meriem and Woodrow.

81st minute: A deep cross by Millwall from the right wing and they get a shot on target when Lasha fails to cut it out. Mayhem saves though!

83rd minute: Shot from inside the box by Millwall but Mayhem gathers comfortably.

90th minute: Songalia makes a bad pass in his own third and Millwall pounce! Dunne is 1 on 1 with Mayhem and scores! 3-1 Leeds.

Fulltime: Millwall 1 - 3 Leeds United
MOTM: Meriem 8.6
Honorable Mention: Woodrow 8.2
Bad Game: Songalia 4.7

A game of 2 halves as we dominated the first and Millwall came out on fire in the 2nd. Mayhem played well again though and only allowed 1 consolation goal.

[law90026]

I knew I should have selected Endurance as one of my attributes. OH well, this way it's pretty true to life of my own playing "career".

Heh it's true. Schex nearly always needs to be subbed off before 90 mins is up.

[law90026]

Woodrow was named to the League 1 Team of the Week, well deserved.

[Coffee Warlord]

Wonder if Rob's just too young at this point to really be an everyday first teamer. He did shine in the U-19's.

[law90026]

Wonder if Rob's just too young at this point to really be an everyday first teamer. He did shine in the U-19's.

Not entirely sure about that. To be fair, he has talent enough to play in League 1 but he can't seem to either a) play on a consistent basis or b) his stats don't really allow him to fit many of the forward roles well (like attacking forward or target man as examples; the best fit seems to be poacher).

I might try him as a sub for a bit and let Beckford start, see how that works out.

[Coffee Warlord]

Well of COURSE he's a poacher! :)

[gi]

I was hoping Mayhem's organize Defense skill would help out, doesn't seem to be the case so far.

[law90026]

I was hoping Mayhem's organize Defense skill would help out, doesn't seem to be the case so far.

Well, Mayhem is actually playing really well and he has kept us in a bunch of games.

Also, he's a bit of a risk taker ... i've seen him dribble the ball out of the box on a few occasions. One time, he went as far as 30-35 yards out before passing it out. I would have been pissed if he had lost the ball :P

[gi]

Well, Mayhem is actually playing really well and he has kept us in a bunch of games.

Also, he's a bit of a risk taker ... i've seen him dribble the ball out of the box on a few occasions. One time, he went as far as 30-35 yards out before passing it out. I would have been pissed if he had lost the ball :P


Ah, good to know. I based my comment on how you described the defense issues we've been having.

[BYU 14]

Ouch Idol is not playing well for the England U19's.

Any chance you can post our average ratings through this point in the season?

[surlyc]

England (U-19) captain, eh? :D

Great couple of weeks for Woodrow, huh? Captaining his country, his first senior goals (headers, of course), his first team of the week nomination and the second highest average rating on the team... man, I wish I'd had that month instead of my last actual month!

[law90026]

Ah, good to know. I based my comment on how you described the defense issues we've been having.

I wouldn't say we have defense issues, considering we have only conceded 4 goals in the league :D

Just that the other teams do create a bunch of chances at times.

[law90026]

Ouch Idol is not playing well for the England U19's.

Any chance you can post our average ratings through this point in the season?

Sure, I'll do that in the next monthly update.

[law90026]

28 October 2009: League 1 Match #14

Bristol Rovers (4th) vs Leeds United (1st)

Leeds Lineup
Leeds Line-up:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Richard Snodgrass
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Richard Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Neil Kilkenny, Ace Idol

Nielsen sits for this match and Beckford takes his place upfront. Woodrow keeps Songalia out of the starting 11 while Snodgrass replaces Idol on the left wing.

Match Report

8th minute: Rovers have a long range attempt, not far off.

27th minute: Lasha booked.

30th minute: Duffy for Rovers shoots from 20 yards out, it curls in! 1-0 Rovers.

35th minute: Meriem wins the ball in midfield, looks up and spots the run of Ho. He plays a long ball forward and it's perfect. Ho brings it down, bursts into the box with no one around him and slots it home! 1-1!

37th minute: Poor marking allows a throw-in on the right flank to be flicked on into the Leeds box. Rovers try a shot but it's well over.

39th minute: Gunn takes a corner and Woodrow rises to head it in again! He's a real threat at set pieces! 2-1 Leeds!

44th minute: Long freekick lofted into the box, Kisnorbo gets his head to the ball but it is well wide.

47th minute: Long range freekick blasted at goal by Rovers, wide.

Halftime: Up 2-1 and we began to establish ourselves in the 2nd part of the 1st half. We will need to keep up this performance because we were terrible in the first 25 minutes or so.

51st minute: We work the ball around the Rovers box but a tackle and a long ball allows them to break! Duffy gets the ball and plays a first time pass to Kuffour, completely unmarked. He takes his time and shoots from 20 yards out ... it's in! 2-2.

57th minute: Gunn wins the ball in his own half and plays it forward to Ho. Ho runs down the right flank, cuts in and crosses for Beckford .. and his header is wide. Wasted chance.

60th minute: Rovers corner and they get a header in ... but it's wide.

62nd minute: A throw in deep in Rovers territory but Lasha loses the ball. It's played long to Kuffour and he turns his man easily! He's through on goal and shoots ... saved!

63rd minute: Rovers header from the corner is just over.

64th minute: Nielsen on for Beckford, Elliot on for Schex. We're going to play a deeper line because Kuffour is finding way too much space behind our defence right now.

68th minute: Duffy gets the ball 30 yards out, he shoots .. it's in?!?! 3-2 Rovers.

75th minute: Snodgrass plays a throughball for Nielsen but, with only the keeper to beat, he shoots tamely and its saved. Idol comes on for Snodgrass.

79th minute: Meriem floats a freekick deep into the Rovers box, Woodrow is there but his header is weak. Another wasted chance.

Fulltime: Bristol Rovers 3 - 2 Leeds United
MOTM: Duffy (Rovers FC), 8.5

A very disappointing loss, considering we were leading at halftime. 2 ridiculous strikes by Duffy won the game for them.

[gi]

I blame Mayhem :)

[ntndeacon]

It is Songalia's absense from the starting lineup.

[law90026]

31 October 2009: League 1 Match #15

Leeds (1st) vs Yeovil Town (23rd)

Leeds Lineup
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Richard Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Lasha Salukvadze, Leigh Bromby, Neil Kilkenny, BB Gunn

Idol in for Gunn, who is tired. Elliot in for a tired Lasha.

Match Report:

1st minute: Interchange of passes by Yeovil and the ball is suddenly played through to their striker. He shoots with time but Mayhem saves well. Bad start!

3rd minute: We work the ball down the left wing and Schex crosses for a late-arriving Snodgrass. His header is weak though and easily clutched by the Yeovil keeper.

8th minute: Lovell takes the ball 30 yards out and shoots. It's a goal! 1-0 Yeovil.

17th minute: Ball played to Beckford in the box who turns and shoots but it's saved.

26th minute: We force 3 corners in succession but nothing comes out of it.

33rd minute: Meriem plays the ball to Beckford just outside the box, his shot is charged down for a corner.

40th minute: Omozusi plays a cross from the right wing into the 6 yard box, Beckford gets his foot to it and it's in! 1-1!

42nd minute: Omozusi gets the ball on the right flank again and he crosses .. Ho reaches it but his toepoke is weak and the shot is saved.

43rd minute: Idol gets the ball on the left wing, accelerates and finds space. He cuts it back for Hemdani who plays a first time pass to Ho. Ho turns his man easily and shoots from just inside the box .. it's in! 2-1 Leeds!

Halftime: Well we managed to turn the game around again with 2 quick goals. We need to not roll over like in the previous game though.

53rd minute: Schex receives a throw in on the left flank and plays a first time cross. Snodgrass dives in and connects ... it's a goal! 3-1 Leeds! Somehow, Schex hurt himself while crossing!

56th minute: Schex and Woodrow off, Songalia and Lasha on.

62nd minute: An attempted shot by Beckford deflects off the defender and it falls kindly for Snodgrass.. he shoots and it's in! 4-1 Leeds!

68th minute: Ho gets close and shoots but it's saved! His last action as Nielsen comes on.

76th minute: Long range attempt by Yeovil, wide.

80th minute: Corner is not cleared by Yeovil, there is a mad scramble ... and Nielsen stabs it in! 5-1 Leeds!

84th minute: Hemdani booked.

85th minute: Long ball into the Leeds box. Mayhem elects to control with his feet and tries to dribble out ... into 2 Yeovil strikers. No surprise when Lovell robs him and scores! 5-2 Leeds.

89th minute: Long ball to Beckford, who controls it well but his shot is saved.

Fulltime: Leeds 5 - 2 Yeovil
MOTM: Snodgrass 8.7

An easy win though it looked iffy at first. True enough, Mayhem's penchant for taking risks causes him to look silly today ... luckily it wasn't a close game.

[Coffee Warlord]

*cough*

[law90026]

October Round-up

Results:
vs Charlton: 1-1 draw (Meriem)
vs Rotherham: 2-1 win (Doyle, Beckford)
vs Norwch: 1-0 win (Woodrow)
vs Millwall: 3-1 win (Woodrow, Meriem 2)
vs Bristol Rovers: 3-2 loss (Ho, Woodrow)
vs Yeovil Town: 5-2 win (Beckford, Ho, Snodgrass 2, Nielsen)

5 league games, 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. Ordinarily, this would be a decent string of results but the loss hurts a lot. It ended a 14 game unbeaten streak.

League table:

1. Leeds United P15 W12 D2 L1 For 34 Against 11 GD +23 Pts 38
2. Southend P15 W10 D2 L3 For 27 Against 11 GD +16 Pts 32
3. Swindon P15 W8 D5 L2 For 29 Against 18 GD +11 Pts 29
4. Bristol Rovers P15 W9 D2 L4 For 24 Against 18 GD +6 Pts 29
5. Brighton P15 W8 D4 L3 For 22 Against 12 GD +10 Pts 28
6. Charlton P15 W7 D7 L1 For 20 Against 11 GD +9 Pts 28

About a third of the way through the season (total of 46 games) and our lead at the top has been cut to 6 point. Hopefully it's not a sign of complacency or our form dipping too much. Southend had a good month though, hence the lead being cut as they won 4 and drew 1 in October.

Awards

No awards this month.

Stats:
Goals (only players with more than 1 goal listed): Ho (9), Meriem (7), Woodrow (4), Beckford (4), Gunn (3), Nielsen (3), Justice (2), Songalia (2), Snodgrass (2)
Assists (only players with more than 1 assist listed): Meriem (8), Gunn (7), Schex (3), Hemdani (3), Woodrow (2), Beckford (2), Ho (2), Omozusi (2)
Avg Rating (top 3 only): Woodrow (7.52), Meriem (7.48), Gunn (7.24)

FOFC Stats:

1) DC Edward Woodrow, 11 games (1 as sub), 4 goals, 2 assists, 3 MOTM, 7.52 rating

2) MR BB Gunn, 14 games (1 as sub), 3 goals, 7 assists, 1 MOTM, 7.24 rating

3) ST Dayne Ho, 14 games (2 as sub), 9 goals, 2 assists, 3 MOTM, 7.19 rating

4) GK Torin Mayhem, 17 games, 7.08 rating

5) MC Frank Justice, 12 games (2 as sub), 2 goals, 1 assist, 7.05 rating

6) DL Charles Schex, 16 games (3 as sub), 3 assists, 7.00 rating

7) DC Deacon Songalia, 12 games (4 as sub), 2 goals, 6.91 rating

8) AML Ace Idol, 16 games (8 as sub), 1 goal, 6.75 rating

9) ST Rob Nielsen, 17 games (3 as sub), 3 goals, 1 assist, 6.51 rating

[surlyc]

Who's the Club Captain, by the way?

[law90026]

It's currently a DC called Richard Naylor but he never plays. The vicecaptain is Hemdani.

[surlyc]

It's currently a DC called Richard Naylor but he never plays. The vicecaptain is Hemdani.Wow, Naylor actually left Ipswich? Bet he's regretting that, warming the Leeds bench!:banghead:

I hope Woodrow gets a shot at the Leeds captaincy in the future. He's an old school English centre-back by the looks of it! :D

[law90026]

7 November 2009: FA Cup 1st Round

Leeds United (L1) vs Brighton (L1)

Leeds Line-up
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Robert Snodgrass
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Richard Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Lasha Salukvadze, Leigh Bromby, Neil Kilkenny, Ace Idol

Just one change as Idol goes to the bench and Gunn comes in.

Match Report

15th minute: Woodrow fouls a Brighton striker .. lucky not to get a booking because he was nearly the last man. The freekick is not a danger though.

17th minute: Ho shoots but it's deflected .. Snodgrass hits the rebound, saved!

24th minute: Ho with a 35 yard attempt, not that far off.

32nd minute: Beckford gets the ball in the box but is tackled as he turns.. corner.

36th minute: Beckford steals the ball and finds himself in space. He gets into the box and crosses for Ho but he shoots straight at the keeper!

43rd minute: Omozusi with a cross, Beckford gets to it but heads it wide.

Halftime: 1-1 but we're the better side. Need to keep plugging away.

53rd minute: Beckford with a curling long range shot but it's tipped over for a corner.

54th minute: Snodgrass booked.

70th minute: Songalia on for Kisnorbo, Lasha on for Schex and Idol on for Snodgrass.

73rd minute: Idol booked.

74th minute: Freekick lofted into the Leeds box, ref blows for a penalty?!? Omozusi judged to have pushed a Brighton player over. Forster scores. 1-0 Brighton.

79th minute: Brighton shot, just wide.

83rd minute: Deep cross in by Omozusi, Beckford's header but keeper saves from pointblank range!

86th minute: Meriem shot from 20 yards is tame. But it looked like a penalty in the leadup before that.

89th minute: Brighton long range shot clips the bar.

91st minute: Leeds corner, goalmouth scramble, their keeper smothers the ball.

92nd minute: Beckford gets the ball and plays it through to Ho who shoots from outside the box .. it's in! 1-1! Leeds score on the break.

Fulltime: Leeds 1 - 1 Brighton
MOTM: Virgo (Brighton DC), 7.5

A very frustrating result and I blame the ref for that. 2 penalty calls turned the game on its head and we barely escaped with a draw. We had 61% possession and 11 shots (3 clearcut chances). They had 39% possession and just 1 clearcut chance.

[law90026]

In other news, Reading sacked their manager and apparently I'm the favourite to have the job if I want it.

I issue a press statement to insist I'm not interested

Also, Ho is the youngest ever goal scorer in the FA Cup.

[law90026]

International Call-ups:

Denmark U-21s: Songalia and Nielsen
France U-21s: Schex

Also, that draw against Brighton means that 5 fixtures need to be rescheduled. That could hurt us if the team gets tired.

[law90026]

Mayhem is called up to the Scotland U-21 squad.

[law90026]

International Round-up

Denmark U-21 3 - 0 Luxemborg U-21
Songalia (6.9) and Nielsen (6.5) both played one half in this game.

N. Ireland U-21 1 - 0 Denmark U-21
Songalia (7.1) and Nielsen (6.0) both played exactly 1 half again. Very odd choices by the Danish coach.

Scotland U-21 3 - 0 Armenia U-21
Mayhem with a cleansheet (7.0) although Armenia only had 5 long range shots for him to deal with.

[law90026]

21 November 2009: League 1 Match #16

Brighton (6th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Line-up
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Robert Snodgrass
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Richard Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Neil Kilkenny, Ace Idol

Lasha in for Elliot.

Match Report

6th minute: Beckford flicks the ball on for Ho who shoots and scores! 1-0 Leeds!

8th minute: We get a freekick on the right flank. It's played quickly to Gunn who crosses and Beckford volleys it in from inside the 6 yard box! 2-0 Leeds!

18th minute: Very long range shot by Brighton well over.

23rd minute: Clever ball allows Brighton to sneak in ... but the shot is saved by Mayhem.

24th minute: Corner isn't dealt with cleanly and it's headed towards goal but it's off the line by Kisnorbo!

25th minute: Mayhem plays the ball quickly to Schex but he's robbed and Brighton cross ... easy chance ... over the bar!

27th minute: Great skill by Snodgrass as he beats his man on the left flank and cuts in. Beckford with the volley but it's wide!

27th minute: Quick goalkick played behind our defence and Davies only has Mayhem to beat. He scores! 2-1 Leeds. We're losing focus.

33rd minute: Schex booked.

34th minute: Poor marking again gives Dickinson room to shoot but he puts it wide.

35th minute: Gunn crosses and Beckford is bundled over in the box! Penalty! He steps up and puts it away! 3-1 Leeds.

Halftime: Up 3-1 but I'm not feeling confident. They have exposed us at the back way too easily.

49th minute: Corner and we don't clear. Davies with the header and it's in! 3-2 Leeds.

57th minute: Snodgrass booked.

58th minute: Corner by Brighton and Davies heads it just over. Elliot on for Schex.

59th minute: Nielsen on for Ho, Idol on for Snodgrass.

69th minute: Nielsen booked.

70th minute: Long clearance and Nielsen is away! But his shot is saved .. rebound falls to Gunn, saved again!

72nd minute: Nielsen gets a long talking to from the ref but not booked. He needs to not get sent off!

86th minute: Davies breaks down the right, crosses but the header is wide.

89th minute: Long range shot from Brighton is wide.

90th minute: Long ball in, Woodrow jumps for it but is adjudged to have fouled a Brighton player! Penalty! That looked harsh! Idol booked for protesting too much. Forster scores, 3-3.

Fulltime: Brighton 3 - 3 Leeds
MOTM: Davies (8.4)

Like I said, I wasn't comfortable even with a 2 goal lead. I think it was another BS penalty call against the same team and that's really frustrating.

[Coffee Warlord]

Subs: Richard Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Deacon Songalia, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Neil Kilkenny, Ace Idol

I want a transfer. :) My damn coach doesn't even know my name.

[law90026]

LOL i wonder why that keeps happening.

I blame my wife because she was watching Legend of the Seeker when I was setting this up and the name "Richard" stuck for some reason :P

[law90026]

25th November 2009: FA Cup 1st round Replay

Brighton (L1) vs Leeds (L1)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Rob Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Edward Woodrow, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Robert Snodgrass, Ace Idol

Justice is back from his injury and will start in midfield and Meriem moves to the left flank. Songalia is on for Woodrow.

Match Report:

1st minute: Ho with a shot from outside the box, saved.

3rd minute: Gunn crosses, Beckford gets a header in, it's palmed away but only as far as Ho who slams in the rebound! 1-0 Leeds!

4th minute: Brighton attack down the left flank and squeeze off a shot from a tight angle .. saved for a corner. They get a header in from the corner but it's wide.

9th minute: Nice ball played through for Dickinson and he volleys it home! 1-1.

16th minute: Ho with a shot from outside the box but it's parried and cleared to safety.

19th minute: Ho breaks away! But his shot is saved and Beckford is unable to find time for a shot on the rebound.

25th minute: Ho with a 30 yard attempt, well wide.

33rd minute: Clever ball by Lasha to Meriem who turns his man and shoots .. but it is weak and easily held by the keeper.

44th minute: Gunn corner which Songalia rises highest for but it's saved!

45th minute: Beckford with a curling shot from outside the box .. it's saved brilliantly for a corner!

Halftime: 1-1 but we're the stronger side I think. We need to be careful not to be caught on the break but we can win this.

63rd minute: Gunn corner, headed over by Songalia!

66th minute: Schex plays a nice ball for Justice at the edge of the box, first time shot, just wide!

66th minute: Idol on for Justice, Elliot on for Schex.

75th minute: Gunn corner, headed over by Songalia!

80th minute: Hemdani booked .. he'll miss the next match after picking up 5 yellows.

81st minute: Long ball by Lasha to Ho .. he bursts into the box .. turns .. and is brought down! Penalty! Beckford steps up and blasts it in! 2-1 Leeds!

83rd minute: Woodrow on for an exhausted Lasha. Some reshuffling at the back as he plays in the centre with Songalia and Kisnorbo plays at leftback, not his preferred position.

89th minute: Brighton's Forster is sent through .. he has time to shoot! He blasts it over the bar!

Fulltime: Brighton 1 - 2 Leeds
MOTM: Ho, 7.7

We deserved to win this game, what with our 20 attempts at goal and 4 clearcut chances. The penalty might have been a bit soft but I think it's fair considering the 2 soft penalties Brighton got against us in our 2 previous games.

[law90026]

28th November 2009: FA Cup 2nd Round

Leeds (L1) vs Colchester (L1)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozushi
DL: Aidan White
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Camel Meriem
MC: Michael Doyle
ST: Jermaine Beckford
ST: Dayne Ho
Subs: Rob Nielsen, Casper Ankergren, Edward Woodrow, Lasha Salukvadze, Leigh Bromby, Robert Snodgrass, Jonathon Howson

A scheduling quirk as we play our 2nd round game just 3 days after our 1st round replay win. Tricky though as we have Hemdani suspended and a few players really tired. Schex and Justice are both too tired to contribute to this game.

Match Report:

21st minute: Omozusi with a nice cross into the box, Beckford rises to knock it down for Ho .. he shoots first time but it's saved somehow for a corner!

26th minute: Long range shot from Colchester but it's just over!

33rd minute: Meriem plays a freekick into the 6 yard box .. Songalia heads but it's saved.

35th minute: Beckford booked.

42nd minute: Colchester break and Lisbie holds off Kisnorbo .... he shoots .. he scores! 1-0 Colchester.

43rd minute: Deep cross from Idol, Gunn arrives but his header is straight at the keeper.

50th minute: Gunn fakes a cross but cuts it back to Meriem .. Meriem plays a difficult ball through to Beckford who turns and shoots .. goal! 1-1!!

61st minute: Lisbie gets through again and is 1 on 1 with Mayhem .. He shoots but Mayhem saves! Good job! Quick throw out and Idol plays the ball down the channel for Beckford but his touch is too heavy! Pity.

62nd minute: Gunn is tired and is off. Snodgrass is on.

63rd minute: Ho with a shot from outside the box, just wide.

66th minute: Ho gets the ball 30 yards out, he plays it through for Beckford but his shot is saved!

69th minute: Goalmouth scramble but it's cleared by Colchester!

71st minute: Nielsen on for Beckford.

86th minute: Colchester get past our defence but the shot is saved

Fulltime: Leeds 1 - 1 Colchester
MOTM: Lisbie (Colchester ST), 7.9

Should have won this game. We had 59% possession and 3 clearcut chances .. they had 1 only. This is going to get our fixture list further congested, not a good thing.

[law90026]

November Roundup

Results:
vs Brighton: 1-1 draw (Ho)
vs Brighton: 3-3 draw (Ho, Beckford 2)
vs Brighton: 2-1 win (Ho, Beckford)
vs Colchester: 1-1 draw (Beckford)

A month where we only played 1 league game and 3 cup games and 3 of those against Brighton! Not a great month to be honest although the Beckford-Ho partnership is starting to click really well.

League table:

|Pos| Team | |Pld| Won| Drn| Lst| For| Ag| G.D.| Pts |
|1st| Leeds | |16 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 37 | 14| +23 | 39 |
|2nd| Southend | |18 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 31 | 13| +18 | 37 |
|3rd| Bristol Rovers | |18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 28 | 19| +9 | 34 |
|4th| Huddersfield | |18 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 35 | 22| +13 | 32 |
|5th| Charlton | |18 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 22 | 15| +7 | 32 |
|6th| Swindon | |17 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 31 | 21| +10 | 30 |


Our lead at the top is down to 2 points. It's not all bad though because we have 2 games in hand over Southend.

Awards

No awards this month.

Stats:
Goals (only players with more than 1 goal listed): Ho (12), Beckford (8), Meriem (7), Woodrow (4), Gunn (3), Nielsen (3), Justice (2), Songalia (2), Snodgrass (2)
Assists (only players with more than 1 assist listed): Meriem (9), Gunn (8), Beckford (5), Schex (3), Hemdani (3), Ho (3), Woodrow (2), Omozusi (2)
Avg Rating (top 3 only): Meriem (7.39), Woodrow (7.35), Gunn (7.17)

FOFC Stats:

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1) Edward Woodrow | 12(2)| 4 | 2 | 3 | - | - | 7.35

2) B.B. Gunn | 17(1)| 3 | 8 | 1 | - | - | 7.17

3) Dayne Ho | 16(2)| 12 | 3 | 4 | - | - | 7.16

4) Torin Mayhem | 21 | - | - | - | - | - | 7.03

5) Frank Justice | 11(2)| 2 | 1 | - | 1 | - | 7.01

6) Charles Schex | 16(3)| - | 3 | - | 4 | - | 6.97

7) Deacon Songalia| 10(5)| 2 | - | - | - | - | 6.92

8) Ace Idol | 9(11)| 1 | - | - | 2 | - | 6.73

9) Rob Nielsen | 14(5)| 3 | 1 | - | 2 | - | 6.50

[law90026]

2nd December 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy Quarter Finals

Crewe (L2) vs Leeds (L1)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Casper Ankergren
DR: Elliot Omozushi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Leigh Bromby
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Torim Mayhem, Dayne Ho, Camel Meriem, BB Gunn, Deacon Songalia

A bunch of changes made against a lesser side. Again, hoping it doesn't come back to screw us.

No detailed report for this. We open the scoring when Beckford find some space to shoot. Crewe equalise against the run of play. However, their keeper makes a mistake near the end of the first half and drops the ball at Snodgrass' feet and he makes no mistake. In the 2nd half, Beckford runs through on a nice ball and heads it over their stranded keeper.

Fulltime: Crewe 1 - 3 Leeds
MOTM: Beckford 8.5

Easy win today over a League 2 side and allows some of our players to take a little break.

[law90026]

5th December 2009: League 1 League Match #17

Leeds (2nd) vs Huddersfield (4th)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Jonathan Howson
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Rob Nielsen, Elliot Omozusi, Leigh Bromby, Edward Woodrow, Robert Snodgrass, Ace Idol

Justice is too tired to play today so Howson gets a rare start.

10th minute: Backpass played to the Huddersfield keeper .. he controls it but he's slow .. Ho nips in and robs him and scores! 1-0 Leeds!

11th minute: Great cross from Gunn into the 6 yard box ... Beckford arrives but his effort is straight at the keeper! Wasted!

17th minute: Gunn corner which Songalia heads .. it hits the bar and goes over!

27th minute: Beckford plays it to Ho, who shoots ... saved.

39th minute: Ho gets the ball on the right flank and accelerates .. Gunn makes a good run into the box to draw a defender away. Ho cuts it back for Howson .. he shoots... goal! 2-0 Leeds!

41st minute: First attempt for Huddersfield but it's a long range shot over the bar.

46th minute: Beckford booked. Such a BS call when they have fouled us a lot in the first half but the ref refused to take out his cards.

Halftime: 2-0 and we're cruising in front of a capacity crowd (nearly 40,000) at home.

54th minute: Schex with an early cross in, Beckford nips in and glances it past the keeper! 3-0 Leeds!

54th minute: Early subs as Nielsen, Woodrow and Elliot come on for Beckford, Kisnorbo and Lasha.

60th minute: Huddersfield break through but the shot is wide! Close.

61st minute: Nielsen plays a nice ball for Ho and he takes a shot but it's tame! Should have done better.

72nd minute: Schex gets a quick throw from Mayhem .. he spots Nielsen's good run.. Nielsen finds some space and crosses for Ho .. but his shot is saved. Great play.

79th minute: Gunn corner and Songalia heads it against the bar! Elliot picks up the long clearance, plays it into the box and Ho shoots but saved! Gunn reaches the rebound but saved again! Corner!

82nd minute: Hemdani booked.

86th minute: Huddersfield attempt from a tight angle but hits the side netting.

91st minute: Howson booked.

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 0 Huddersfield
MOTM: Ho

Dominating performance as we had multiple chances to score. We had slightly less possession but we really carved them up.

[law90026]

9 December 2009: FA Cup 2nd Round Replay

Colchester (L1) vs Leeds (L1)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Rob Nielsen, Aidan White, Jonathan Howson, Edward Woodrow, Robert Snodgrass, Ace Idol

Justice back into the starting lineup today. Schex is too tired to play any part in the fixture.

Match Report:

4th minute: Long range attempt by Colchester is over.

7th minute: Songalia booked.

21st minute: Meriem crosses from the left flank, Beckford can't quite reach it as the defender heads it but it falls to Ho at pointblank range! He can't miss! 1-0 Leeds!

36-37th minute: Ho gets off a long range shot but it's saved .. the ball flies around the field as both teams probe for an opening ... a through ball to Beckford and he is through .. he shoots from 20 yards out but it's saved!

38th minute: Meriem cross, Beckford heads .. but it's off-target.

39th minute: Long range Colchester shot, off target

Hafltime: We are the better side again and we need to just keep playing this way to win. Snodgrass comes on for BB Gunn, who took up a slight knock.

46th minute: A Colchester cross leads to a pointblank header but it's just over! Close.

49th minute: Platt gets a long ball and he's through on goal! He shoots! Goal!!! Wait, disallowed! Offside!

58th minute: Colchester get another dangerous cross in and another shot from close range .. but it's weak and Mayhem gathers easily.

61st minute: Justice gets the ball just inside the box and he shoots! Just over. Lasha off as he picked up a knock. Aidan White on.

65th minute: Elliot plays a long ball forward for Meriem who is onside! He cuts in and lays it off for Ho .. it's a golden opportunity and he scores! 2-0 Leeds!

70th minute: Nielsen on for Ho.

79th minute: Long ball forward for Platt and he holds off Songalia. He shoots and he scores! 2-1 Leeds.

85th minute: Another Colchester cross leads to a header within the penalty box but Mayhem saves.

Fulltime: Colchester 1 - 2 Leeds
MOTM: Ho 8.5

The pressure nearly got too much for us near the end but we held on to win. On to the 3rd round!

[law90026]

12 December 2009: League 1 Match #18

Brentford (13th) vs Leeds (2nd)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: Camel Meriem
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Rob Nielsen, Jonathan Howson, Deacon Songalia, Leigh Bromby, BB Gunn

Some changes as players are getting tired with the tight fixture list.

Match Report:

27seconds: Beckford gets the ball and spots a lovely run forward by Idol. He plays it through and Idol has time to square it for Ho to tap in! Brilliant start! 1-0 Leeds.

11th minute: Beckford receives the ball outside the penalty box and squares it for Ho .. a shot but well saved.

25th minute: Meriem with a direct freekick from 20 yards out. It's wide.

37th minute: Idol makes another clever run into the box and gets the ball on the byline! He cuts it back for Beckford who has no angle to shoot but he spots Justice making a run! He squares it and Justice slots it home! 2-0 Leeds!

40th minute: Cross for Brentford but their striker's diving header is off target.

Halftime: We are dominating this game in terms of chances though possession is close.

47th minute: Freekick floated in for Kisnorbo to head but it's over.

49th minute: Brentford corner but the header is wide.

53rd minute: Brentford breakaway but their striker hurries a 20 yard shot instead of bringing it closer to goal. Saved easily by Mayhem.

69th minute: Bromby, Lasha and Nielsen on for Schex, Elliot and Ho.

84th minute: Meriem takes a corner and floats it in. Woodrow arrives but his header is just over!

Fulltime: Brentford 0 - 2 Leeds
MOTM: Justice 7.8

An easy enough win today as we eased up in the 2nd half.

[law90026]

15 December 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy Semi-Finals

Leeds (L1) vs Notts County (L2)

Leeds Lineup:
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DR: Jason Crowe (first appearance)
DL: Aidan White
DC: Leigh Bromby
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Bradley Johnson
MC: Michael Doyle
MC: Jonathon Howson
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Tom Elliot
Subs: Torin Mayhem, Lasha, Richard Naylor, Neil Kilkenny, Jermaine Beckford

The games come fast and furious and we have to make changes again.

No long match report for the competition I prioritise the least.

They take a 1-0 lead through a Doyle own goal from a corner. We dominate the first half though but cannot find the breakthrough. Beckford and Lasha come on in the 2nd half. Near the end of the game though Nielsen smashes home a Beckford flick-on for the equaliser! This leads to a penalty shootout!

We go first:

Beckford scores .. 1-0 Leeds
Rodgers scores ... 1-1
Doyle misses ... 1-1
Thomson scores ... 2-1 Notts County
Snodgrass scores .. 2-2
Davies' penalty is saved ... 2-2
Nielsen scores ... 3-2 Leeds
Akinbiyi scores ... 3-3
Kilkenny scores ... 4-3 Leeds
Harsanyi scores .. 4-4 .. sudden death now.
Howson scores ... 5-4 Leeds
Clarke scores ... 5-5
Lasha's penalty saved ... 5-5
Smith's penalty saved .. 5-5
Bromby scores .. 6-5 Leeds
Mobney scores .. 6-6
White scores .. 7-6 Leeds
Sheehan misses .. 7-6 Leeds! Leeds wins!

FT: Leeds 1 - 1 Notts County (7-6 on penalties)
MOTM: Rob Nielsen 7.5

We win a nail-biter today to reach the finals of the JPT. Rob really stepped up today as he scored a dramatic late equaliser and held his nerve to score his own penalty in the shootout.

[law90026]

19th December 2009: League 1 Match #19

Leeds (2nd) vs Southampton (5th)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Edward Woodrow, Elliot Omozusi, Jonathan Howson, Rob Nielsen, Ace Idol

Pretty much the first team is back in for a clash between former top flight teams!

Match Report:

5th minute: Meriem receives a ball on the edge of the Southampton box and sweeps it across for Beckford or Ho .. Ho gets to it and takes a shot but it's saved! Corner.

9th minute: Corner for Southampton and the header is over the bar.

17th minute: Ball played over the defence for Ho to chase and he reaches it .. shoots and scores! But offside!

19th minute: Gunn gets the ball in his own half and surges forward on his own ... reaches the Southampton box and takes a shot ... saved for a corner! Great play.

30th minute: Justice plays a pinpoint ball forward into the box for Beckford but he's tackled just as he's about to shoot .. corner.

36th minute: Cross and Beckford heads it .. saved!

39th minute: Hemdani wins the ball in the centre circle .. plays it forward to Beckford who plays a simple pass to Ho .. 35 yards out .. he shoots and it's in! 1-0 Leeds!

46th minute: Southampton's striker dribbles into the box and shoots .. but Mayhem saves!

Halftime: We are 1-0 up and we look comfortable. One more goal should seal the win.

59th minute: Ho receives the ball just outside the box .. he turns and shoots but it's straight at the keeper.

60th minute: Beckford gets the ball and plays it through for Ho .. he shoots from just outside the box but it's saved.

61st minute: Elliot on for Lasha.

62nd minute: Hemdani plays a nice ball forward for Gunn in the box .. he controls it well and gets off a shot .. saved! But Meriem is there to slam home the rebound! 2-0 Leeds!

63rd minute: Both scorers are off as Nielsen and Idol come on to replace Meriem and Ho.

67th minute: Long range attempt by Southampton which clips the bar.

69th minute: Long ball forward leads to a header by Southampton but it's wide.

82nd minute: Southampton defender plays it back to his teammate but it's overhit .. Nielsen races on to it and is through on goal ... he shoots and it's in! 3-0 Leeds!

91st minute: Freekick lofted into the box but the Southampton header is wide.

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 0 Southampton
MOTM: Meriem 7.7

A good win over promotion rivals and it's good to see Nielsen continue his little scoring run.

[Coffee Warlord]

See what happens when you call Rob by his proper name? YOU SEE!?!?

[flere-imsaho]

So sad I missed being a part of this. I'm going to have to subscribe to law's posts.... :D

[law90026]

See what happens when you call Rob by his proper name? YOU SEE!?!?

Coincidence or not? We'll see :D

[Coffee Warlord]

Coincidence or not? We'll see :D

Of course it's not. Now that ROB Nielsen is playing, ROB Nielsen wants a raise. :)

[law90026]

23rd December 2009: League 1 Match #20

Leeds (1st) vs Leyton Orient (12th)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Edward Woodrow, Elliot Omozusi, Jonathan Howson, Rob Nielsen, Ace Idol

No change in the line-up today.

Match Report:

1st minute: Long range Leyton Orient shot but it's not close.

5th minute: Long range shot by Ho but well wide.

8th minute: Meriem plays the ball down the flank for Beckford. He has space to run but he stops and looks up before playing a pin-point cross for Ho. Ho controls it on his chest and manages to hold off 1 man while firing home! 1-0 Leeds!

11th minute: Corner by Gunn that Songalia heads ... it's palmed away!

12th minute: Freekick by Meriem into the box .. Songalia heads but it's parried .. rebound for Songalia but he blasts it over the bar! That's why he's a defender!

24th minute: Shot from outside the box by Ho but it's weak.

33rd minute: Long range shot by Leyton Orient that Mayhem saves acrobatically!

42nd minute: Gunn corner to Songalia but he gets his header all wrong

Halftime: 1-0 up and we are clearly the better side. Schex will come off at some point because he's getting really tired.

50th minute: Leyton's striker gets the ball and is through on goal .. he shoots but Mayhem saves brilliantly! The ball is punted out of the box and it falls to Ho and the break is on! He gets into the box and has Beckford screaming for the ball in the middle but he opts to shoot... it's saved for a corner. Selfish play.

52nd minute: Justice with a long range shot but it's wide.

53rd minute: Deep cross by Schex but it's dipping towards goal! Saved by the keeper .. nearly a lucky goal.

65th minute: Long range shot from Leyton Orient .. over the bar.

66th minute: Elliot, Nielsen and Idol on for Schex, Beckford and Gunn.

68th minute: Long ball from Justice to Meriem gives Meriem a chance .. but his shot is saved for a corner!

74th minute: Leyton's right winger beats Lasha on the left wing .. plays a brilliant ball in for Snowcroft and he shoots first time .. goal! 1-1.

92nd minute: Nielsen finds a bit of space on the edge of the box and he shoots ... saved.

Fulltime: Leeds 1 - 1 Leyton Orient
MOTM: Ho 7.5

Disappointing result that we were unable to score more and that we conceded a goal in 1 moment of brilliance by Leyton Orient. This is 2 dropped points.

[law90026]

26th December 2009: League 1 Match #21

Leeds (1st) vs Hartlepool (15th)

Leeds Lineup
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: Camel Meriem
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Deacon Songalia, Michael Doyle, Jonathan Howson, Rob Nielsen, Robert Snodgrass

Gunn and Schex are both too tired to contribute today. Songalia is also on the bench due to tiredness and Woodrow takes his spot in the starting 11.

Match Report

5th minute: Humphreys gets the ball 25 yards out and he turns and shoots ... Mayhem is surprised by the shot and it's in! 1-0 Hartlepool.

8th minute: Ho with a powerful shot from outside the box but it's saved. From the goalie's kick, Ho gets the ball and he feeds Beckford who has a chance but he shoots weakly from outside the box.

10th minute: A corner and the ball isn't cleared by Hartlepool well .. Ho strikes it on the halfvolley but it hits the bar and goes out of play!

26th minute: Omozushi gets the ball on the right flank .. he looks up and spots Ho's run and plays a nice ball over the top for him ... Ho controls it and shoots for the far corner .. it's in! 1-1!

30th minute: Corner taken by Meriem and Woodrow is there! But his header goes over!

36th minute: Corner by Meriem again and Kisnorbo gets the header in .. but it's over as well!

41st minute: Meriem with a direct freekick but his attempt is well wide.

45th minute: Hartlepool with a direct freekick but it was also well wide.

Halftime: The score is 1-1 but we are clearly the better side. We just need to find that winning goal.

47th minute: Humphreys gets the ball outside the box and he tries his luck again but it's over the bar this time!

49th minute: Ho gets the ball in midfield and he spots Meriem making a run. He plays it through for Meriem who looks up and sees Beckford in a good position. A simple pass and Beckford finds himself in some space .. he bursts into the box, fakes a shot and jinks past the keeper for a simple tap-in! 2-1 Leeds!

50th minute: Throughball finds its way past our defence and Hartlepool get a chance but Mayhem saves!

53rd minute: Justice with a nice ball for Ho in the box and he shoots! Hits the bar!

58th minute: Long range effort by Hartlepool but Mayhem saves brilliantly!

68th minute: Nielsen, Songalia and Doyle on for Beckford (picked up a knock), Lasha and Hemdani.

76th minute: Corner for Leeds and Woodrow gets his head to the ball but it's wide.

81st minute: Meriem with a great ball into the box for Nielsen but his shot is brilliantly saved!

83rd minute: Nielsen gets the ball just outside the box .. no space to turn so he lays it off for Meriem who shoots from 25 yards out ... it's in! 3-1 Leeds!

87th minute: Nielsen gets the ball outside the box again and he plays a beautiful reverse ball for Ho to run on to .. but his close range shot is parried for a corner! Nielsen playing well as a facilitator right now.

89th minute: Long freekick by Hartlepool into the box and Clark heads the ball well over.

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 1 Hartlepool
MOTM: Meriem 8.1

A good win today after going 1-0 down early. Meriem was outstanding and Lille is sniffing around for his services already.

[law90026]

28 December 2009: League 1 Match #22

Stockport (16th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Jonathan Howson
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Edward Woodrow, Michael Doyle, Aidan White, Dayne Ho, Robert Snodgrass

The changes keep coming as we play another game just 2 days after the last.

Match Report:

2nd minute: Gunn takes a corner and Songalia heads it wide.

15th minute: Beckford finds Idol on the left flank and he shoots first time but it's well wide.

26th minute: Gunn corner and again Songalia heads wide.

30th minute: Freekick lofted in for Songalia who has time .. but he hits it tamely .. wasted chance.

34th minute: Gunn booked.

36th minute: Nielsen gets a nice ball from Howson .. finds a yard of space but he shoots over!

44th minute: Stockport long range effort is very wide.

Halftime: 0-0 and we are dominating the game but we are not converting our chances. Nielsen has to come off as he picked up a knock and has been struggling.

48th minute: Cross from the left flank and the Stockport striker has a pointblank header on target! Saved by Mayhem!

59th minute: Ho takes a long range shot but it's over.

63rd minute: Gunn takes a corner and Kisnorbo heads it .. it's in! 1-0 Leeds!

68th minute: Ho with a long range shot that is wide. Gunn and Schex are coming off with White and Snodgrass as their replacements.

71st minute: Songalia loses the ball in his own half and Bignall has a chance ... he shoots .. but it's just wide!

72nd minute: Snodgrass rakes a long ball forward for Beckford .. he's pushed over in the box! Penalty and a booking for the Stockport defender. Beckford steps up and puts it away! 2-0 Leeds.

77th minute: Ho gets the ball just inside the Stockport half ... he accelerates forward and takes a shot from just inside the box ... it's saved but Beckford is there to slam home the rebound! 3-0 Leeds!

85th minute: Long range shot from Stockport is wide.

86th minute: Howson plays a long ball forward for Ho and he gets it at the right side of the Stockport goal, practically on the outline. He takes a shot from a narrow angle and somehow it sneaks in! 4-0 Leeds!

92nd minute: Mayhem gets a backpass ... a striker is bearing down on him but he coolly dribbles past .. looks up and plays a long ball for Ho who then takes a shot from just outside the box ... saved and cleared!

Fulltime: Stockport 0 - 4 Leeds
MOTM: Beckford 8.4

A really good win as we were clinical in front of goal today.

[law90026]

Nielsen damaged his elbow in the game against Stockport and will be out for 10-12 days.

[law90026]

As the transfer window is about to open, it's time to consider whether I need to strengthen the squad a little more.

Right now, the only areas where I think we are a little weak are at fullback, defensive midfield and maybe striker. We are essentially rotating 3 fullbacks for the 2 fullback spots with Aidan White as the occasional 4th, while we only have 1 DM in the entire squad. Upfront, it's basically Ho and Beckford with Nielsen as the sub and Nielsen is injured for a couple of weeks.

Let's see what bargains we can find (I have about 1 million for transfers).

[law90026]

December Roundup

Results:
vs Crewe: 3-1 win (Beckford 2, Snodgrass)
vs Huddersfield: 3-0 win (Ho, Beckford, Howson)
vs Colchester: 2-1 win (Ho 2)
vs Brentford: 2-0 win (Ho, Justice)
vs Notts County: 1-1 draw, 7-6 on penalties (Nielsen)
vs Southampton: 3-0 win (Ho, Meriem, Nielsen)
vs Leyton Orient: 1-1 draw (Ho)
vs Hartlepool: 3-1 win (Ho, Beckford, Meriem)
vs Stockport: 4-0 win (Kisnorbo, Beckford 2, Ho)

A really congested fixture list in December as we play 9 games in the space of 26 days. Glad to come out of it relatively unscathed and it was a solid month overall with 7 wins and 2 draws.

League table:

| Pos | Team |Pld |Won |Drn |Lst |For |Ag |G.D. | Pts |
| 1st | Leeds | 22 | 17 | 4 | 1 |53 |16 |+37 | 55 |
| 2nd | Southend | 24 | 16 | 4 | 4 |43 |17 |+26 | 52 |
| 3rd | Huddersfield | 24 | 13 | 6 | 5 |49 |31 |+18 | 45 |
| 4th | Swindon | 23 | 11 | 9 | 3 |40 |27 |+13 | 42 |
| 5th | Bristol Rovers | 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 |36 |28 |+8 | 40 |
| 6th | Millwall | 24 | 11 | 6 | 7 |42 |27 |+15 | 39 |



We're back at the top by 3 points with 2 games in hand over Southend, who are pushing us pretty hard. We should be able to get automatically promoted easily unless we really collapse in the 2nd half of the year because we have a 10 point lead over 3rd place Huddersfield.

Awards

Elliot Omozusi comes in 3rd for the League 1 Young Player of the Month award.

Stats:
Goals (only players with more than 1 goal listed): Ho (20), Beckford (14), Meriem (9), Nielsen (5), Woodrow (4), Gunn (3), Justice (3), Snodgrass (3), Songalia (2)
Assists (only players with more than 1 assist listed): Meriem (11), Gunn (10), Beckford (9), Ho (5), Schex (4), Woodrow (3), Hemdani (3), Omozusi (3), Nielsen (2), Howson (2), Salukvadze (2)
Avg Rating (top 3 only): Woodrow (7.34), Meriem (7.32), Ho (7.29)

FOFC Stats:

| Name | Apps | Gls | Ast | MoM | Yel | Red | Av Rat |
| Edward Woodrow | 15(3)| 4 | 3 | 3 | - | - | 7.34
| Dayne Ho | 22(4)| 20 | 5 | 7 | - | - | 7.29
| B.B. Gunn | 22(1)| 3 | 10 | 1 | 1 | - | 7.13
| Charles Schex | 21(3)| - | 4 | - | 4 | - | 7.05
| Frank Justice | 17(2)| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 7.03
| Torin Mayhem | 28 | - | - | - | - | - | 7.02
| Deacon Songalia | 16(7)| 2 | - | - | 1 | - | 6.95
| Ace Idol |13(13)| 1 | 1 | - | 2 | - | 6.74
| Rob Nielsen |17(11)| 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | - | 6.59

[law90026]

2nd January 2010: FA Cup 3rd Round

Leeds (L1) vs Carlisle (L1)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Edward Woodrow, Michael Doyle, Charles Schex, Jonathan Howson, Robert Snodgrass, Ace Idol

A winnable game against a 19th placed L1 team.

Match Report:

5th minute: Ho with a powerful shot from outside the box that is parried .. The rebound falls to Beckford on the edge of the area but his shot is also saved.

7th minute: Meriem crosses and Beckford gets to it ... his header is just over.

17th minute: Beckford chases down a long clearance and cuts into the box ... he shoots .. but it's saved!

26th minute: Beckford plays a nice ball through for Ho .. he's under pressure and is tackled as he shapes to shoot.

31st minute: Ho gets the ball in midfield and plays it forward for Gunn, who just accelerates and leaves his man behind. He looks up and spots players charging into the box and delivers an inch-perfect cross for Beckford to head home! 1-0 Leeds!

36th minute: Ho plays a nice ball forward for Beckford but his shot is saved.

42nd minute: The ball ding-dongs around in the Carlise penalty box and Meriem eventually crosses it .. Gunn controls it and shoots from pointblank range.. somehow it's saved for a corner!

43rd minute: Super counterattack as a cross is headed clear to Meriem on the edge of the Leeds box. He plays it forward for Beckford who then slots it through for Ho and puts him clean through on goal.. a shot and he makes no mistake! 2-0 Leeds!

Halftime: 2-0 and we are cruising right now. Beckford has been unbelievable as he has been involved in nearly all our attacks.

64th minute: Ho gets a shot on target but it's parried away.

69th minute: Gunn corner ... Songalia heads but it's saved.

82nd minute: Justice with a long range shot, over.

84th minute: Long range shot by Carlisle but it's wide.

84th minute: Woodrow, Schex and Idol come on for Elliot, Lasha and Gunn (I got distracted by a phonecall and forgot to make my substitutions earlier!)

88th minute: Meriem plays it forward for Ho who tries a snapshot ... but it's saved.

Fulltime: Leeds 2 - 0 Carlisle
MOTM: Beckford 7.8

A match we never really looked like losing and we're through to the 4th round!

[law90026]

Patrick Kisnorbo and Jermaine Beckford were named to the League 1 Team of the Week.

In other news, Ace Idol is being linked with a move to Liverpool! While we issue a press release that he is not for sale, internally we know that we will not stand in his way if a reasonable offer comes along (or unless BYU14 tells me otherwise).

We also draw Hull City in the 4th Round of the FA Cup.

[law90026]

Going to change the match reporting to a simpler method because the current one is taking a little too long for me to move this dynasty forward with speed (bearing in mind that part of the dynasty is about the careers of the created players).

[law90026]

6th January 2010: League 1 Match #23

Swindon (4th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Lasha Salukvadze
DL: Charles Schex
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leight Bromby, Michael Doyle, Elliot Omozusi, Jonathan Howson, BB Gunn, Ace Idol

Kisnorbo is away on international duty with Australia so Woodrow partners Songalia in defence.

Match Report:

The first half is a defensive struggle as both sides fail to mount any real chances and are restricted to long range shots. Snodgrass comes closest with a long range shot that just grazes the bar on its way over but the half end 0-0. Swindon are playing very physically though and some of our players are picking up knocks. Elliot and Idol both come on for Lasha and Meriem as a result.

In the 2nd half, more problems as Schex is injured and has to go off. Bromby comes on as a result and we are out of subs. Disaster strikes in the 74th minute when McGovern slams home a rebound to give Swindon a 1 goal lead. They also hit the bar later in the game. We never really got going and didn't threaten the goal much. Disappointing performance.

Fulltime: Swindon 1 - 0 Leeds
MOTM: McGovern 7.7

[law90026]

After the game, we get news that Schex is out for 6 to 7 weeks with strained knee ligaments.

Also, Liverpool is interested in BB Gunn now after dropping their interest in Idol.

[BYU 14]

Patrick Kisnorbo and Jermaine Beckford were named to the League 1 Team of the Week.

In other news, Ace Idol is being linked with a move to Liverpool! While we issue a press release that he is not for sale, internally we know that we will not stand in his way if a reasonable offer comes along (or unless BYU14 tells me otherwise).

We also draw Hull City in the 4th Round of the FA Cup.

I would go to Tottenham, but Liverpool can kiss my ass :)

[law90026]

9th January 2010: League 1 Match #24

Wycombe (24th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Michael Doyle
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Shane Higgs, Leigh Bromby, Deacon Songalia, Jonathan Howson, Richard Snodgrass, Camel Meriem, Brahim Hemdani

Schex is out so that's going to be a concern. Hemdani and Meriem given a break today.

Match Report:

The first half starts slowly before we come to life in the 25th minute, forcing a series of saves and corners from the Wycombe keeper. We continue to press and eventually get our reward in the 35th minute when Gunn plays a nice throughball for Ho to race on to and slot home.

2nd half and the referee pretty much screws us over. They get an equaliser when their winger gets through and crosses for a tap in but he looked offside. We are then denied a penalty soon after. We had chances to win but we definitely didn't take them and this will be 2 dropped points. A bad run right now. They had 1 shot on target and that was their goal. Ugh.

Fulltime: Wycome 1 - 1 Leeds
MOTM: Leon Johnson (Wycombe DC) 7.5

[law90026]

I would go to Tottenham, but Liverpool can kiss my ass :)

Done! Rejected an inquiry for your services :P

Aston Villa indicates interest in Torin Mayhem now.

[gi]

If there is a choice, I'd like to Aston Villa no

[law90026]

If there is a choice, I'd like to Aston Villa no

Ok we'll see if they come in with a firm bid at a reasonable price.

[law90026]

12th January 2010: League 1 Match #25

Tranmere (9th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Torin Mayhem
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Aidan White
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Richard Snodgrass
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Jonathan Howson
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Dayne Ho
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Shane Higgs, Leigh Bromby, Patrick Kisnorbo, Frank Justice, BB Gunn, Ace Idol, Lasha Salukvadze

Changes have to be made as players are rotated for freshness.

Match Report:

It's a bad start when your leading goalscorer has to go off after just 15 minutes! And it gets worse when your goalkeeper comes off after 24 minutes! We do pile a lot of pressure on their goal in the first half but their keeper is playing an absolute blinder, saving everything we throw at him.

We continue to dominate the game in the 2nd half but still cannot find a breakthrough until the 83rd minute when Meriem explodes into the box but is held back! A penalty is awarded and Beckford steps up to blast it home for a 1-0 lead! That's enough and we get the win to end our little mini-slump.

Fulltime: Tranmere 0 - 1 Leeds
MOTM: Songalia 7.5 (Woodrow also got 7.5)

Mayhem is out 5 to 6 weeks with fractured ribs and Ho is out 6 to 7 weeks with strained knee ligaments. It looks like Ho might be a little injury prone? It's his 2nd serious injury of the season.

[gi]

Ok we'll see if they come in with a firm bid at a reasonable price.

Must of missed a couple keys there, I'd like to say no to them :)

[law90026]

Must of missed a couple keys there, I'd like to say no to them :)

LOL! Well, injured for now so any transfer looks unlikely.

[law90026]

16th January 2010: League 1 Match #26

Exeter (17th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Edward Woodrow, Aidan White, Jonathan Howson, Ace Idol, Robert Snodgrass

Rob Nielsen is back just in time to take a starting 11 spot!

Match Report:
We start well in the pouring rain when Gunn plays a nice ball forward for Nielsen to race on to. He's brought down in the box for a penalty and Beckford scores for a 1-0 lead. Both teams attack after that and both keepers have to work hard to keep the ball out on various occasions. Then, 38th minute, it's a Gunn corner that Songalia heads in for a 2-0 lead! The first half ends in that fashion and we should be able to win though Exeter have looked dangerous at times.

The 2nd half starts with Exeter threatening on a couple of attacks but we hold firm. Then, 69th minute, another Gunn corner and this time it's Kisnorbo who heads it in! 3-0 and that should be 3 points in the bag. Gunn comes off along with Elliot and Beckford and on come Snodgrass, Idol and White. We lose focus though and allow them a simple tap-in from a cross in the 71st minute, goal scored by Grimes. However, we restore our 3 goal cushion when Nielsen smashes it home from 25 yards out! Another defensive mistake by Kisnorbo then allows Exeter to claw another goal back, this time scored by Porter. That's all the goals though and we come away with a 4-2 win!

Fulltime: Exeter 2 - 4 Leeds
MOTM: Kisnorbo 8.0
Honorable Mentions: Songalia 8.0, Gunn 7.9, Nielsen 7.8

[law90026]

In transfer news, we sign 28 year old former Belgian international Thomas Buffel for 55k from Genk. He'll be good backup for the team in the 2nd half of the year.

We also sign Davide Lanzafame, a 22 year old winger, from Parma for 375k for next season. This is a signing with an eye towards Championship football next year.

[bbgunn]

Did BB Gunn really help create three of the four goals against Exeter? Wow...

[law90026]

Did BB Gunn really help create three of the four goals against Exeter? Wow...

Gunn is really awesome at corners. Also, when he breaks, he's a real threat the way he can bomb into the opposition box quickly or deliver a quality cross.

[Coffee Warlord]

Looks like Rob the Almighty is developing a rather impressive long shot.

[law90026]

We sign 25 year old rightback Sepp De Roover from FC Gronigen for 375k. He is a former Belgian international with 3 caps but was transfer-listed.

He will allow us to move Lasha to leftback on a long term basis until Schex is back.

[law90026]

19th January 2010: Johnstone's Paint Trophy North Final Leg 1

Walsall (L1) vs Leeds (L1)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp De Roover
DL: Aidan White
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Leigh Bromby
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Jonathan Howson
MC: Michael Doyle
ST: Thomas Buffel
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Rob Nielsen, Lasha Salukvadze, Brahim Hemdani, Camel Meriem

A lot of first team players rested for the minor cup competition again.

Match Report:

Walsall start brightly as their lone striker finds space behind our defence on a couple of occasions. We drop our defensive line slightly so as to stop that and we begin to dominate the game, with Beckford coming close a few times. However, things take a turn for the worse when Doyle is sent off for what the referee deems a reckless challenge. Unbelievable! However, we get the last laugh in the first half as we continue to press and Beckford glances home a header for a 1-0 lead.

In the 2nd half, we continue to dominate despite being 1 man down. Snodgrass scores an absolute beauty of a goal from 25 yards out to give us a 2 goal cushion. Nielsen, Lasha and Meriem come on for Beckford, White and Idol for the last 20 mins or so. However, the tiring legs tell as they get 1 goal back in the 86th minute via a strike from Nicholls. This sets up a thrilling finish as they begin to press for an equaliser and we have to hack the ball off the line on the 92nd minute. We do hold on though for a first leg win.

Fulltime: Walsall 1 - 2 Leeds
MOTM: Beckford 7.8

[law90026]

In more bad news, Lasha is out for 2 weeks after suffering a training injury. This is made worse because the next game is our FA Cup 4th round tie against Hull.

We also transfer list Neil Kilkenny, who has been unhappy for a while now, because there is little chance he will get playing time this season or next year if we get promoted. American (Mex) has already made a bid for him.

The next player to go might be Bradley Johnson, who also has found playing time hard to get.

[law90026]

More Transfer News!

Rumours abound that Barcelona want to buy Nielsen. As always, the club issued a press release that they would not sell but it might be hard to stop the transfer from happening.

[law90026]

23rd January 2010: FA Cup 4th Round

Leeds (L1) vs Hull City (Premiership)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp De Roover
DL: Aidan White
DC: Deacon Songalia
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Elliot Omozusi, Edward Woodrow, Ace Idol, Robert Snodgrass, Thomas Buffel, Jonathan Howson

So we field the best team we can for this game. It's a pity that we are missing a few of the youngsters.

Match Report:

In the first half, it is pretty even with not that many chances being created. However, a long ball from Hull allows Jozy Altidore to break free and he slots home to give Hull a 1-0 lead. The score remains this way until halftime.

In the 2nd half, we actually have a few decent chances but fail to convert and Hull defend strongly. In the 86th minute, they break our spirit when Vannegoor of Hasselink scores a long range effort to give them a 2-0 lead. That's how the match ends. Credit to the team for making it a hard fight though and the scoreline is a little deceptive.

Fulltime: Leeds 0 - 2 Hull City
MOTM: Bullard 7.8

[Coffee Warlord]

Nielsen is not terribly interested in Barcelona. Unless there's a fleet of cars, a palace on the beach, and my own personal harem in the equation.

[law90026]

Nielsen is not terribly interested in Barcelona. Unless there's a fleet of cars, a palace on the beach, and my own personal harem in the equation.

I'll ask when/if they make a bid!

[law90026]

Neil Kilkenny will be joining America (Mex) next season as he has agreed to terms with them. The transfer will be for 675k pounds.

[law90026]

27 January 2010: League 1 Match #27

Oldham (22nd) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Elliot Omozusi
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Frank Justice
MC: Brahim Hemdani
ST: Thomas Buffel
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Deacon Songalia, Rob Nielsen, Jonathan Howson, Ace Idol, Robert Snodgrass

Match Report:

We start the match brightly when a Gunn corner is headed in by Woodrow in the 10th minute for a 1-0 lead. Oldham's day takes a turn for the worse when Joe Jacobson gets sent off in the 35th minute for his 2nd yellow card. We double our lead in the 42nd minute when Buffel picks up a pass from Meriem on the edge of the box and curls a shot home. Buffel then scores his 2nd and our third when he receives a quick freekick from Kisnorbo just outside the box and just slams in a powerful shot. At half time, it's 3-0 to Leeds!

In the 2nd half, we start sloppily and we fail to deal with a cross in the 48th minute, allowing Smalley to tap home. 3-1 at this stage. We do restore our 3 goal cushion in the 57th minute when Gunn flicks on a long ball for Beckford, who holds off a defender before slotting it in. We bring on Nielsen, Idol and Snodgrass for Beckford, Gunn and Meriem as we are cruising to victory at this stage. That's how the game ends, 4-1 to Leeds.

Fulltime: Oldham 1 - 4 Leeds
MOTM: Buffel 8.5

[law90026]

30 January 2010: League 1 Match #28

Leeds (1st) vs Colchester (21st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Elliot Omozusi
DC: Edward Woodrow
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Bradley Johnson
MC: Jonathan Howson
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Thomas Buffel, Aidan White, BB Gunn, Ace Idol, Brahim Hemdani

Some changes to let the tired players have a breather.

Match Report:

A very early scare for us as they hit the woodwork then blast the rebound over from close range. However, we take the lead when a Meriem corner is headed home by Woodrow for a 1-0 lead! We nearly double the lead when a superb throughball puts Beckford through but his shot rebounds off the post and is cleared. However, Bradley Johnson gets sent off in the 30th minute and now we have a fight on our hands. We barely hold on to our lead as they come close on a few occasions but halftime comes for us to take stock of our situation. Beckford is coming off and Hemdani is coming on and it'll be up to Nielsen to lead the line up front.

They equalise in the 57th minute though when a cross is headed home by Lisbie. However, the team really steps up their performance and come close to winning it, with Nielsen, Idol and Woodrow all coming close to scoring but denied by a combination of poor finishing and great goalkeeping. It ends 1-1 but I'm glad not to lose because we played 60 minutes with 10 men.

Fulltime: Leeds 1 - 1 Colchester
MOTM: Woodrow 7.9

Bradley Johnson is likely going to be sold after this game. There was some interest for him but I was holding off on actually offering him out but this performance means he's gone.

[law90026]

Barcelona come in with a 170k bid for Nielsen and it's just flat out rejected for being too low.

[Coffee Warlord]

170k? PISS OFF!

I spend 170k a month on booze alone.

[vex]

So sad I missed being a part of this. I'm going to have to subscribe to law's posts.... :D

+1

[law90026]

January Roundup

Results:
vs Carlisle: 2-0 win (Beckford, Ho)
vs Swindon: 1-0 loss
vs Wycombe: 1-1 draw (Ho)
vs Tranmere: 1-0 win (Beckford)
vs Exeter: 4-2 win (Beckford, Nielsen, Songalia, Kisnorbo)
vs Walsall: 2-1 win (Beckford, Snodgrass)
vs Hull: 2-0 loss
vs Oldham: 4-1 win (Woodrow, Buffel 2, Beckford)
vs Colchester: 1-1 draw (Woodrow)

Another congested month as we play 9 games in the space of 28 days. It's been a mixed bag of results as we manage 5 wins but lose in the FA Cup to Premier League side Hull City and drop points against League 1 opponents in other games. Beckford has been pretty great during this period with 5 goals in 9 games.

League table:



| Pos | Team |Pld |Won |Drn |Lst |For |Ag |G.D. | Pts |
| 1st | Leeds | 28 | 20 | 6 | 2 |64 |22 |+42 | 66 |
| 2nd | Southend | 29 | 18 | 6 | 5 |54 |29 |+25 | 60 |
| 3rd | Huddersfield | 29 | 15 | 8 | 6 |60 |40 |+20 | 53 |
| 4th | Bristol Rovers | 29 | 14 | 9 | 6 |47 |32 |+15 | 51 |
| 5th | Swindon | 29 | 13 | 11 | 5 |47 |34 |+13 | 50 |
| 6th | Southampton | 24 | 17 | 8 | 4 |54 |31 |+23 | 49 |


At the end of December, we were 3 points clear at the top with 2 games in hand. We're now 6 points clear with 1 game in hand so we haven't gained or lost any ground in that respect. One of the more interesting stories is Southampton, who are 6th in the table with 49 points. However, they had 10 points deducted at the start of the season, which means they would have 59 points otherwise and just behind Southend.

Awards

Elliot Omozusi came in 1st for the Young Player of the Month award while Frank Justice was 2nd.

Stats:
Goals (only players with more than 1 goal listed): Ho (22), Beckford (19), Meriem (9), Nielsen (6), Woodrow (6), Snodgrass (4), Gunn (3), Justice (3), Songalia (3), Kisnorbo (2), Buffel (2)
Assists (only players with more than 1 assist listed): Gunn (16),Meriem (14), Beckford (11), Ho (5), Schex (4), Hemdani (4), Woodrow (3), Omozusi (3), Nielsen (3), Howson (2), Salukvadze (2), Kisnorbo (2)
Avg Rating (top 3 only): Woodrow (7.37), Ho (7.25), Kisnorbo (7.22)

FOFC Stats:



| Name | Apps | Gls | Ast | MoM | Yel | Red | Av Rat |
| Edward Woodrow | 21(4)| 6 | 3 | 4 | - | - | 7.37
| Dayne Ho | 26(4)| 22 | 5 | 7 | - | - | 7.25
| B.B. Gunn | 27(2)| 3 | 16 | 1 | 1 | - | 7.16
| Charles Schex | 22(4)| - | 4 | - | 4 | - | 7.04
| Frank Justice | 23(3)| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 7.02
| Deacon Songalia | 22(8)| 3 | - | 1 | 1 | - | 7.00
| Torin Mayhem | 32 | - | - | - | - | - | 7.00
| Ace Idol |15(18)| 1 | 1 | - | 2 | - | 6.69
| Rob Nielsen |20(13)| 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | - | 6.61

[law90026]

Sorry for the slow updates, been busy with RL stuff lately.

[bbgunn]

Sorry for the slow updates, been busy with RL stuff lately.

No problem. Take your time, and when you're up for it give us some more quality posts! :)

[law90026]

3 February 2010: League 1 Match #29

Leeds (1st) vs Walsall (14th)

Leeds Line-up:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Elliot Omozusi
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Thomas Buffel
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Rob Nielsen, Ace Idol, Edward Woodrow, Robert Snodgrass, Jonathan Howson

Match Report
The game starts slowly though there are a couple of heavy challenges on our players, including Frank Justice. We take the lead in the 16th minute when Gunn whips in a cross and their goalkeeper is caught in 2 minds whether to come out or not. As a result, Buffel has a simple tap-in while their keeper is stranded. 1-0 Leeds. In the 37th minute, Justice plays the ball to Beckford on the edge of their box and he turns his man neatly before slotting past the keeper for a 2-0 lead. However, they pull 1 goal back in the 40th minute when Noble picks up the ball and scores with a beautiful curler from 25 yards out. Beckford continues his impressive form though when Hemdani spots his run and curls it forward for him. Beckford controls it well and just lashes it home from outside the box to restore a 2 goal cushion, 3-1.

At halftime, we lead 3-1 and we do look the better side for sure. However, it's been a very physical game (despite no bookings yet) and Meriem and Buffel are both carrying slight knocks. They will probably be coming off soon in the 2nd half.

We start the 2nd half badly when a cross is not cleared properly and it allows Davies to find some space to slam the ball home. 3-2 Leeds. They nearly equalise when they hit the crossbar seconds later. Soon after, Davies comes close when his shot just skims the bar and goes over. This was within the first 5 minutes of the restart. In danger of being overrun, we bring Nielsen, Idol and Woodrow on for Buffel, Meriem and a disappointing Kisnorbo. In the 60th minute, we win a corner and Gunn swings it in for Songalia to head home! 4-2 Leeds. 10 minutes later, Gunn just accelerates to the byline and crosses it perfectly for Beckford to head home ... hattrick and a 5-2 lead! Immediately from the restart, a throughball is played through for Deeney and he finds space to slot home, 5-3. Defence is not a priority today it seems.

The game ends this way as both teams had a few more half chances but no more real opportunities.

Fulltime: Leeds 5 - 4 Walsall
MOTM: Beckford 9.3

Interestingly, despite 3 assists, Gunn only has a 7.9 rating.

[law90026]

After the match, we find out that Meriem and Buffel will both be out for 8 to 10 days with slight knocks.

[law90026]

6 February 2010: League 1 Match #30

Hartlepool (15th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Elliot Omozusi
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby, Aidan White, Michael Doyle, Edward Woodrow, Robert Snodgrass, Jonathan Howson

3 changes today as Idol and Nielsen come in for the injured Meriem and Buffel. White comes on for a tired Omozusi.

Match Report

It's not an exciting first half as both teams fail to create many chances. We came close when Beckford glanced an Idol cross just wide. However, they score just on the stroke of halftime when Behan blasted home from 25 yards out.

In the 2nd half though, we equalise through Nielsen on the break. Beckford received the ball in his own half and spotted Nielsen's run. A perfect ball and Nielsen had the task of slotting it past the keeper, which he duly did. Nielsen goes close again near the end of the game but his close range shot was somehow saved by their keeper.

Fulltime: Hartlepool 1 - 1 Leeds
MOTM: Bjornssen (Hartlepool RB) 7.5

[law90026]

13 February 2010: League 1 Match #31

Leyton Orient (13th) vs Leeds (1st)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Robert Snodgrass
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Casper Ankergren, Michael Doyle, Deacon Songalia, Ace Idol, Jonathan Howson, Thomas Buffel, Elliot Omozusi

Buffel is back on the bench after his injury and Sondgrass takes Idol's place today.

Match Report:

In the first half, it's all Leeds as we attack their goal repeatedly. However, we simply were not able to find a way through until the 42nd minute when Beckford lost his man in the box and volleyed home a Hemdani cross from close range. Prior to that we had easily 4 to 6 chances to score.

In the 2nd half, they finally get their first shot on target but it's easily dealt with. We then double our lead when Gunn accelerates down the right flank and plays it into the box for Nielsen. With his back to goal, Nielsen had the presence of mind to look up for options and laid it off to Justice, who had made a late run into the box. A first time shot and it was 2-0! Just 1 minute later, we counter attack in classic fashion as Gunn breaks out of the box with the ball and plays a perfect throughball for Beckford who is yards ahead of his marker. He slots home easily for 3-0. Orient do threaten after that as they hit our bar once and had a few other shots on goal. However, we held firm for the clean sheet and a win.

Fulltime: Leyton Orient 0 - 3 Leeds
MOTM: Beckford 8.5

[law90026]

In other news, Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup in the 5th round by Middlesborough by a score of 2-0. Hull City, the team that knocked us out, progressed to the next round with a 2-0 win over Birmingham.

[law90026]

Mayhem is back in full training but it'll probably be a few games before he can start.

Schex and Ho are also close to full training as well.

[bbgunn]

Good work with this dynasty. I'm really enjoying it!

[gi]

Glad Mayhem is getting back into reserve games...

[law90026]

16 February 2010: Johnstone Paint Trophy North Finals Leg 2

Leeds (L1) vs Walsall (L1) [Leeds leads 2-1 on aggregate)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Elliot Omozusi
DL: Aidan White
DC: Leigh Bromby
DC: Deacon Songalia
MR: Robert Snodgrass
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Michael Doyle
MC: Jonathan Howson
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Thomas Buffel
Subs: Torin Mayhem, Lasha Salukvadze, Frank Justice, Camel Meriem, Jermaine Beckford

A bunch of reserves start the 2nd leg as I let the regulars rest in preparation for the final third of the League 1 campaign.

Match Report

We start the match brightly and force a couple of saves from their keeper early on. In the 15th minute, we take the lead via a Leigh Bromby header from a corner and this puts us in a great position to win the finals. However, in the 39th minute, Buffel gets hurt and Beckford comes on to replace him. That's how the first half ends, Leeds up 1-0.

Bromby nearly scores again in the 2nd half when his header hits the bar and goes over. Howson then somehow manages to shoot wide from 3 yards out and only the keeper to beat! It's Walsall's turn to come close after that when Noble nearly floats a cross into goal and then heads against the bar from the ensuing corner. We do make sure of the win though when Bromby heads home his 2nd goal of the game from a Howson corner. In the 77th minute, Meriem (who came on as a sub) scores from 30 yards out as he just slams home a bullet freekick. The match ends 3-0 to Leeds!

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 0 Walsall
MOTM: Bromby 9.0

[law90026]

We will be facing Millwall, another League 1 side, in the Finals.

Buffel is out for 2 weeks after the last injury he picked up. He's had an injury prone start to his Leeds career.

[surlyc]

I know there's a cear rotation policy in action, but what's the fitness of Songalia and Woodrow like after games? Would they be able to play multiple consecutive games?

As mentioned above, this dynasty rocks. :popcorn:

[law90026]

They're around 95% or so after games so they definitely could play 2-3 games in a row if necessary.

I'm trying very hard not to play both Songalia and Woodrow together though because it doesn't seem like a good fit yet. Kisnorbo provides the experience at the back I feel.

Updates in about a week or so, bunch of RL stuff right now.

[surlyc]

It makes perfect sense to rotate them, since they are both still 16! Was just curious, since I know that full backs and wingers tend to get much more tired. I don't recall playing many 16 year old centrebacks...

Good luck with whatever RL stuff you have. You can rest assured there are plenty of us hoping it goes your way (even if it's just so you can continue the dynasty)! ;)

[law90026]

20 February 2010: League 1 Match #32

Leeds (1st) vs Brighton (5th)

Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Patrick Kisnorbo
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: BB Gunn
ML: Camel Meriem
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Rob Nielsen
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Torin Mayhem, Deacon Songalia, Ace Idol, Jonathan Howson, Leigh Bromby, Elliot Omozusi, Robert Snodgrass

Match Report:

We start the game brightly and we have a bunch of chances, including an open header by Nielsen inside the 6 yard box (which he misses!). We do take the lead though when Beckford breaks free in the 24th minute and crosses for Meriem to blast home. Meriem then returns the favour when he crosses for Beckford to head home, 2-0!

In the 2nd half, the game starts slowly and we eventually bring Idol, Snodgrass and Elliot on for Lasha, Nielsen and Beckford. We ensure we win the game when Snodgrass charges down a backpass and tackles the keeper in the 70th minute and slots home into an empty net. Brighton pull one back when Forster heads home a cross but merely a consolation goal.

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 1 Brighton
MOTM: Meriem 8.1

A comfortable win over the 5th placed team in the league.

[Coffee Warlord]

Yay! More updates!

I need to stop missing open nets!

[law90026]

23 February 2010: League 1 Match #33

Leeds (1st) vs Oldham (22nd)

Leeds Lineup:
Leeds Lineup:
GK: Shane Higgs
DR: Sepp de Roover
DL: Lasha Salukvadze
DC: Deacon Songalia
DC: Edward Woodrow
MR: Camel Meriem
ML: Ace Idol
MC: Brahim Hemdani
MC: Frank Justice
ST: Robert Snodgrass
ST: Jermaine Beckford
Subs: Torin Mayhem, Aidan White, BB Gunn, Jonathan Howson, Leigh Bromby, Elliot Omozusi, Rob Nielsen

A few changes as Kisnorbo picked up a knock after the last game and both Nielsen and Gunn are tired.

Match Report

We start the game slowly although we have a really good chance early on but Justice's close ranged shot was somehow saved by the Oldham keeper. In the 18th minute, we win a penalty when Beckford is brought down in the box. He steps up, shoots .. and it's saved but he smashes in his own rebound! 1-0. In the 23rd minute, Snodgrass puts Beckford through but his shot hits the bar! We start to really dominate and Justice dribbles through the Oldham defence, rounds the keeper and somehow shoots wide?!?! 40th minute is when we double our lead as Woodrow heads home a Meriem corner.

Bromby comes on for Woodrow in the 2nd half because Woodrow picked up a nasty knock. In the 56th minute, it's great play in midfield as we string passes across the width of the pitch before Meriem breaks down the right flank. His cross is perfect and Beckford has the simple job of tapping in his 2nd goal. 3-0! We let them pull one back though through terrible defending. We clear a corner to the halfway line and Meriem decides to volley it back into his own box ... and Brooke gleefully pounces on it to score. 3-1. That's how the game ends.

Fulltime: Leeds 3 - 1 Oldham
MOTM: Woodrow 7.8

We cruise to another win and we should have scored more today.

[law90026]

After the game, Bradley Johnson puts in a transfer request and we agree to let him go if a club comes in with a decent offer.

[law90026]

In other news: Dayne Ho was the MOTM in a Leeds United reserve match. He created 3 goals and scored 2 in a 5-0 win.

[law90026]

Beckford won the League 1 Player of the Month award.

[surlyc]

Bromby comes on for Woodrow in the 2nd half because Woodrow picked up a nasty knock....how nasty is nasty?:confused:

[surlyc]

*bump*

:confused: