By Andy Baggott
October 3 2011
At last – at long flaming last, Leeds have kept a clean sheet. After some woeful defending during the course of this season, and much of last, Leeds’ 1-0 win over Portsmouth on Saturday was celebrated more than a 9-1 victory would be. It wasn’t a classic win – there wasn’t too much free flowing football, but it could be as vital a 3 points as we get all season. Will this be the turning point? Has Grayson got a combination of defenders who can do just that…defend?
He made a change at the back – Paul Connolly recalled at the expense of Leigh Bromby. This allowed young Tom Lees to slot in at his natural position of centre back – and he’s fast becoming the first name in the back four at the moment.
Leeds started brightly enough, and the inform Ross McCormack went close. Leeds were not to be denied though, and from the resulting corner, Danny Pugh headed home for his first goal since arriving back at the club. Leeds pushed the visitors back, but couldn’t find the second goal to kill the game.
The second half saw Pompey come out with a bit more purpose. Leeds, nervous in defending a lead sat back more allowing Portsmouth to grow into the game, but in truth, they never looked like a side confident of doing so.
Leeds deservedly hung on, and sit comfortably in mid table with a game in hand.
Besides the clean sheet, the other big plus was the return to form of Robert Snodgrass. The Scot has been disappointing so far this season, but Saturday gave us a glimpse of the Snoddy of old – more of the same will be a huge lift for the Whites.