please log in to view this image Well, I’m certainly glad that the circus has ceased at Leeds with the appointment of Javi Gracia as our new manager. On hearing of his appointment earlier this week I was at rock bottom after our defeat at Everton last week. I felt like all the hope had been extinguished and they would have to reignite it again. I was very underwhelmed at first with the appointment, but it was on listening to young Mollie’s interview on BBC Radio Leeds that made me feel a little better and more optimistic. Once I had slept on things then it was very easy to put everything to the back of my mind and look forward to the game today. As someone said to me earlier, I hope you are right Heidi. As I was using a mobility scooter again today, sadly I wasn’t able to take photos of the ones I spoke to but it was nice that they were asking about my progress since my hip operation just under two weeks ago. Things are going better than I dared hope and even though it hurt to do the exercises, I’ve done them religiously. For those asking about my husband, he has just had his second immunotherapy treatment and is very fatigued at the moment but under the circumstances, is doing very well too. Long may it continue. As I am unable to drive at the moment, I have to rely on the goodwill of my family so a big thank you to my daughter Michelle for getting me to the game today. Team: Meslier, Ayling, Bamford, Firpo, Koch, Gnonto, McKennie, Adams, Harrison, Aaronson and Wöber. Subs not used: Robles, Greenwood, Kristensen, Gyabi, Joseph, Monteiro. Subs: Somerville for Gnonto (60), Rutter for Aaronson (75), Roca for Bamford (85). Leeds won the game 1-0 with a goal from Firpo (77). Attendance: 36,641 with approx. 1,000 Southampton fans. Referee: Peter Bankes. Booked: Gnonto, Bamford. There was a good buzz around the ground as we got in just at kick off with everyone looking for a turn around in our fortunes. There was plenty of action on the pitch but not many chances on goal during the game. Southampton showing very early on though that they were happy to time waste when their player stayed down, and their keeper refused to take the goal kick. The referee had the chance to clamp down on this at an early stage of the game but just let them dictate how long they wasted as the boos from the Leeds fans echoed around the ground. Here’s one for you referees, the first time they ignore instructions, book them. If they still refuse to adhere to getting on with things, then send them off. That will soon put a stop to it. Funnily enough though, once they went a goal down, they couldn’t wait to get on with things. Having a go at Bamford as he clapped the fans when leaving the pitch when he didn’t do anything wrong and then they wanted a corner taken quickly. They got their just desserts in the end so tough luck. What goes around, comes around! Gnonto kept getting the ball down the wing in front of us and always seemed in space as Leeds had most of the play in the first half. There was always the threat of that sucker punch attack for the first time getting a goal that was always at the back of my mind but we battled well without looking like scoring. McKennie got in a great position but instead of shooting, passed the ball and we lost the chance. Having seen videos this last week of the many goals we scored under Bielsa, I couldn’t help but notice how many were long range shots. Our team should look at scoring from outside the box more and not try to walk the ball into the net. Catch the opposition out with the unexpected may work in our favour going forward. The first half saw us remain level at the break. The second half saw Bamford see his shot saved again but it was straightforward for their keeper. Although he went down under pressure in the penalty area, we played on. As we started to come under pressure, I felt we had to change things but it wasn’t until Gnonto was fouled once again that the change was made. He takes a battering does the young lad but seems to be a tough cookie. Our best chance so far saw Leeds haring towards the Kop with Harrison free on the left of Summerville, but the latter kept hold of the ball and had a go but saw his shot go just wide. It was a good attempt though. Just after Rutter came on, we saw Leeds once again attacking the Kop end. Some great play between Harrison and Summerville saw Firpo hit the ball into the net for Leeds to take the lead as Elland Road erupted. What a relief but also great to see us score a goal to get the upper hand. With still 13 minutes of the game left and then five minutes of injury time on top of that, we had been the better team on the day with so much possession, but we had to be careful not to let them have a break away. It was great to see the game out and as the final whistle blew the cheers from fans and the exuberance from the team, showed how much the win was needed and how much it meant to everyone. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
