By Matt Smith
July 12 2015

Uwe Rosler's first game in charge ended 1-1 against non-league minnows Harrogate Town in front of 3,500 fans at a packed out CNG Stadium.

Rosler decided to use two completely different sides for each half, barring the ever present Marco Silvestri in goal, and gave starts to new signings Chris Wood and Lee Erwin. This was nota weak United side, with Mowatt, Byram, Antenucci, Sharp and Bamba all featuring at some point.

In what was an entertaining, free-flowing match up as both sides looked to kick off pre-season with a win. It was Town who made the better start, forcing two fine saves out of Leeds 'keeper Silvestri in the opening exchanges. Mirco Antenucci had Leeds' best chance of the opening encounters, forcing a sharp save low down from Town 'keeper Crook while Wood flashed a shot past the post.

Harrogate opened the scoring through a deflected free-kick on 32 minutes which fell to the feet of Cecil Nyoni who was able to slot in from close range. Harrogate managed to go into the break 1-0 up after Crook produced another two excellent saves from Antenucci who was looking threatening.

However Harrogate's advantage did not last long after the restart, with Steve Morison latching on to the end of Casper Sloth's near perfect cross to guide his header past Crook in the Harrogate goal.

The game continued to be end-to-end but Leeds were gaining in control and somehow failed to take the lead after manic pinball in the box led to a rebound off Ross Killock resulting in a goal kick.

Both sides had chances from late free-kicks but neither could convert, and Leeds opener ended in a 1-1 draw that most will be content with following Harrogate's 3-1 drubbing of a Brian McDermott side in January 2014. 

Rosler says he is "still finding out about his players after two weeks of conditioning" but said there were "one or two performances" that stood out, naming Sol Bamba and Lee Erwin as key figures.

The new boss will be hoping to find out more about his side when they match up against York (A) on the 15th.

Leeds held by Minnows in Pre-Season Friendly

Discussion started by The Mighty Whites (IP Logged), 12/07/2015 12:16

The Mighty Whites
12/07/2015 12:16

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