There were three debuts for Leeds, as Robinson, Snodgrass and Showunmi took their places in the starting eleven.  It was a change of captaincy too as McAllister turned to Leeds stallwart, Frazer Richardson lead the charge for promotion.

Despite the season kicking off in the middle of August, you could have been forgiven in thinking this was a game being played in mid-Autumn. Driving rain and swirling winds made the conditions difficult for both teams but it was Scunthorpe that seemed to get to grips with them quicker.

Playing into the wind in the first half, Scunthorpe enjoyed more of the possession and created the better chances.

Ankergren was called upon to make a couple of good saves, and Leeds had the offside flag to thank as Izzy Iriekpen header home on the half-hour mark.  Leeds were failing to ontrol things in the middle and the wide play that seemed to be developing in pre-season did not materialise on the relatively narrow Glanford Park pitch.

Leeds did have a claim for a goal when Illis, covering for injury in the Scunthorpe net appear to drop the ball behind his own goal line.  It was a fumble from nothing and the offcials and most of the players had alredy turned away from goal.

Whislt neither side were dominating in the first half, Leeds were probably more appreciative of the break - and it certainley did them a world of good.

Second Half

Straight from the second half kick off, The Whites stepped up a gear and took the game to the home side. Long range efforts forced a num ber of corners but Leeds were unable to capitalise.

Against the run of play, Scunthorpe broke and a slip by the normally composed Marques allowed Hoper through to slot the ball past a helpless Ankergren. With the distant fears of a 'Final Defeat Hangover' in the back of most fans minds, it seemed the worst nightmares could come true.

Not from this Leeds team though.  The fight and determination that carried them through for much of last year was still there, and witin five minutes, Leeds drew level.  A powerful header by league debutant Showunmi managed to force its' way through the keepers hands.

From that point on, Leeds were the only real team in it. Howson, Prutton and Robinson all threatening the goal.  Some excellent corners and free-kicks kept the pressure on Scunthorpe and on 80 minutes, Beckford bundled the ball over the line following a rebounded shot from Prutton.

The goal saw the introduction of Becchio who gave a glimpse of what he may bring to the team with a cracking shot with his first touch.

As the game played out, Leeds had several more chances to add to the tally but it finished 1-2, a result no Leeds fan would grumble about.

Leeds: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Marques, Sheehan, Snodgrass, Prutton, Howson, Robinson (90), Showunmi (81), Beckford Subs: Douglas, Becchio (81), Lucas, Hughes (90), Telfer

 Match Stats:

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