Leeds 4 Peterborough 1: Billy Paynter answers critics as United run riot

Posted on April 14, 2012 by adminsports

Leeds 4 Peterborough 1: Paynter answers critics as United run riot

UPDATED:

16:31 GMT, 14 April 2012

Goal-shy striker Billy Paynter finally found his scoring boots to help Leeds to a crushing come-from-behind win over Peterborough that earned Neil Warnock his first home victory as manager.

The 27-year-old, signed from Swindon two years ago, had managed just one goal for the club prior to this afternoon and, when he was announced as one of five changes made by Warnock following defeat to Derby on Monday, his name was greeted with sarcastic cheers from fans who had grown tired of waiting for him to prove his worth.

He answered them though, scoring twice as Warnock's men replied to Joe Newell's opener in some style, with Ross McCormack also grabbing a brace to take his tally for the season to 19.

Back with a bang: Billy Paynter (right) celebrate scoring for Leeds

MATCH FACTS

Leeds: Lonergan, Bromby, Lees, O'Dea, Taylor (Robinson 46), Rogers (Webber 12), Clayton, Pugh, Snodgrass, McCormack, Paynter (Becchio 90).

Subs Not Used: Bruce, Nunez.

Goals: Paynter 45, McCormack 47,48, Paynter 73.

Peterborough: Jones, Alcock, Zakuani (Little 54), Brisley, Rowe,
Frecklington, McCann (Tomlin 61), Newell, Boyd, Barnett (Ball 76),
Taylor.

Subs Not Used: Lewis, Kearns.

Booked: McCann, Brisley.

Goals: Newell 38.

Referee: David Phillips.

Attendance: 19,469

Paynter's first and McCormack's double came in a chaotic 180-second burst either side of the interval and killed off a Posh side who are still not mathematically safe from relegation and require a point to survive.

It was Paynter's day, however, and after being handed a rare start ahead of Luciano Becchio, he set about proving to Warnock that he wants to remain in a squad that the veteran boss has repeatedly stated since his February arrival needs major surgery.

He had a first-minute one-on-one saved and then had a second-minute header cleared off the line, while Robert Snodgrass was also denied under the bar as Leeds looked to have heeded Warnock's post-Derby warning that one of his sides would never play so badly again.

That quickly looked likely to be a false statement, though, as Posh got on top.
George Boyd missed two presentable chances, one after Andy Lonergan came for and missed a cross, the other after teenage defender Charlie Taylor slipped and lost possession.

Leigh Bromby's deflected header then clipped Peterborough's bar, but Leeds looked shaky at the back and, after another Taylor error, the visitors took the lead when Newell robbed him of possession in the 37th minute and tucked under Lonergan from an acute angle.

Boyd should have made it two seconds later but could not adjust his feet after the home keeper shelled Paul Taylor's shot, meaning that when Paynter scored from a yard in first-half injury time after Paul Jones dropped a Snodgrass shot, it brought Leeds level rather than giving them a lifeline.

If Peterborough were stunned by the goal then they were even more shellshocked after the break as McCormack's quickfire double put them out of sight.

First, his weak back-post volley after a Paynter flick somehow bobbled over the top of Jones and then, as Peterborough poured forward, Snodgrass, Danny Webber and Adam Clayton picked them apart to give the Scot a two-yard tap-in.

The game was over as a contest now and Leeds probed for chances seemingly at will, with Paynter taking one with 17 minutes left.

Tom Lees' cross found its way to him at the back post and his clinical 12-yard finish belied a man who only 40 minutes previous had scored his maiden home goal for the club.

He could and should have had a hat-trick after that, blazing wide when played in by Webber, before Warnock afforded him a standing ovation when he withdrew him with seconds remaining.

Leeds 3 Nottingham Forest 7: United torn apart at Elland Road as McCleary runs riot

Posted on March 21, 2012 by adminsports

Leeds 3 Nottingham Forest 7: McCleary runs riot as 'Sunday League' Leeds torn apart

UPDATED:

23:44 GMT, 20 March 2012

Garath McCleary came up with a convincing argument for being kept on by cash-strapped Nottingham Forest after shaping one of the scorelines of the season at a stunned Elland Road.

The midfielder, 24, is out of contract in the summer and has yet to be offered new terms, due to Forest’s financial crisis.

Manager Steve Cotterill may just be tempted to pass a begging bowl round the City Ground, though, after McCleary scored four times to wreck Leeds’ faint play-off hopes.

Pure delight: Nottingham Forest put a serious dent in Leeds' promotion hopes at Elland Road

MATCH FACTS

Leeds: Lonergan, Connolly, Lees, O'Dea, Robinson (Pugh 66), White (Webber 46), Clayton, Brown, Snodgrass,Becchio (Paynter 80), McCormack.

Subs Not Used: Forssell,Thompson

Booked: Robinson.

Goals: Snodgrass 6 pen, Becchio 53, Brown 55

Nottm Forest: Camp, Gunter, Chambers, Lynch, Cunningham, McCleary, Moussi (McGugan 86), Guedioura, Reid, Blackstock (Miller 84), Majewski (Wootton 84).

Subs Not Used: Smith, Greening.

Booked: Reid.

Goals: Guedioura 8, McCleary 45,Blackstock 52, McCleary 56,60,71, Blackstock 81.

Att: 21,367

Ref: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).

‘Garath is a wonderful boy,’ beamed Cotterill.

‘He has scored more goals tonight than he had appearances last season, but he is a special talent. I’ve never been in charge of a team that’s scored seven, and to do it at a place like this makes it even better.’

It was the first time Leeds have ever conceded seven at home in the League, but there was little sign of the mayhem to come when Adlene Guedioura tripped Ross McCormack for a sixth-minute penalty that Robert Snodgrass converted.

Guedioura made amends with a 35-yard strike Leeds legend Peter Lorimer would have been proud of in the eighth minute.

Guedioura looked like hogging the headlines after leading a lightning-quick 45th-minute breakaway and setting up McCleary for a drive that went in off the underside of the bar.

It was McCleary who took top billing, though, once Dexter Blackstock had put Forest 3-1 ahead with a far-post header in the 52nd minute.

Luciano Becchio bundled home a Snodgrass cutback in the 53rd minute and Leeds were level two minutes later through Michael Brown’s 20-yard strike.

Their joy was short-lived, as McCleary spectacularly volleyed home a Blackstock flick-on in the 56th minute and completed his hat-trick on the hour.

McCleary cut in from the right and beat Lonergan in the 71st minute, and the play-offs could hardly have been further from Neil Warnock’s thoughts when Forest made it seven in the 81st minute, as Blackstock seized on defensive uncertainty.

Head boy: Dexter Blackstock jumped highest at the back post to make it 3-1

High five: Forest's Garath McCleary grabbed four of his side's goals

The Leeds boss, who faces a
pre-arranged session with fans at Elland Road tomorrow, said: ‘I’m quite
embarrassed by the result, but you learn more about your players at
moments like this, rather than when you’re winning. It tells you who is
prepared to stand up and be counted, who you want alongside you in the
trenches.

‘We fought back really well to get to 3-3, but their fourth goal was straight off a Sunday League pitch. That demoralises you.’

Don't get used to it: Robert Snodgrass had earlier given Leeds a firm footing in the game

Upset: Leeds boss Neil Warnock saw his side ripped apart at home

Leeds 1 West Ham 1: Danny Collins grabs last-minute leveller for Hammers

Posted on March 17, 2012 by adminsports

Leeds 1 West Ham 1: Desperate Danny's last-gasp leveller floors hosts

UPDATED:

17:20 GMT, 17 March 2012

Loan defender Danny Collins scored a
vital last-minute equaliser to earn West Ham what could prove to be a
vital point at Leeds, as they extended their unbeaten run to eight
games.

When Luciano Becchio nodded Leeds
ahead with seven minutes to go, the ever-changing npower Championship
promotion picture was not looking too favourable for the Hammers, with
top two rivals Southampton and Reading both winning.

Noble cause: Mark Noble and Leeds United's Aidan White (left) clash

MATCH FACTS

LEEDS: Lonergan, Connolly, Lees, O'Dea, Robinson, Snodgrass, Brown, Clayton, White (Forssell 76), McCormack (Webber 76), Becchio. Unused subs: Pugh, Nunez, Thompson.

Goal: Becchio 83.

Booked: Robinson, Brown.

WEST HAM: Green, O'Brien, Collins, Faye, McCartney, Noble, Nolan, Collinson (Morrison 81), Tomkins (O'Neil 46), Taylor, Maynard (Cole 56). Unused subs: Henderson, Baldock.

Goal: Collins 90.

Booked: Noble.

Referee: Peter Walton.

But, right on cue, Collins rose the highest to head in a Mark Noble corner and peg Leeds back in an act of damage limitation for Sam Allardyce's men, who are now five points off the lead and three points shy of second.

It was just the second goal Leeds have conceded under new manager Neil Warnock and perhaps one of their most costly of the season.

Since the veteran replaced Simon Grayson a month ago, a renewed play-off push had seemed a possibility.

A win was needed, though, and until Collins struck, it seemed they had got it.

Warnock had succeeded in his wish to see Elland Road sold out for the game, but those inside had little to cheer about in a chanceless opening 10 minutes.

Things livened up after that, with Leeds defender Tom Lees' scuffed effort scraping just wide and Robert Snodgrass jinking his way into a shooting position, only to be crowded out.

Heads up: Leeds United's Luciano Becchio (right) and Danny Collins on the up at Elland Road

West Ham's players were then angered by Paul Connolly's tackle on Kevin Nolan – deemed legal by referee Peter Walton – but had more to be concerned about moments later when Nicky Maynard missed the game's first genuine chance.

The striker nipped in ahead of Darren O'Dea to find himself through on Andy Lonergan's goal with 22 minutes gone, but his first touch was heavy and the goalkeeper was able to get out and smother the ball at his feet.

More clever play from Snodgrass then saw him create an angle to set Ross McCormack free but Matt Taylor nicked possession from him, before Snodgrass flashed a free-kick from the corner of the box just wide of the post.

Maynard's chance remained the best going into the break, though, but both sides had cause for complaint when the whistle was blown, with West Ham claiming a handball in the box against Michael Brown and Leeds confused as to why Snodgrass' touch beyond Robert Green was ruled out for apparent pushing by Becchio.

The Hammers had to replace James Tomkins, so effective in the sweeper position, at half-time, and his replacement, Gary O'Neil, skimmed an effort just wide within 60 seconds of his introduction.

With Maynard isolated and getting little change out of Lees and O'Dea, Allardyce opted to replace him with the more physical Carlton Cole and the former England striker nearly made an immediate impact, putting a ball across the six yard box that evaded everyone.

A couple of thundering tackles from loan defender Paul Robinson then helped whip up the home crowd, but it was West Ham who continued to probe with greater intent – Abdoulaye Faye nodding wide from a corner and Lonergan denying O'Neil after Jack Collison's shot flew loose.

Leeds lead: Becchio heads home but the advantage would last only seven minutes

Cole then arched a header over the bar from a Noble free-kick, before Green was forced to make his first save in the 70th minute when he showed terrific reactions to turn away a Connolly header.

Connolly rarely ventures into opposition territory but, when he did again with 83 minutes on the clock, it created the opening goal.

Snodgrass' cross got to the back post, Connolly headed against the bar and the ball fell to Becchio who did the rest.

The lead would only last seven minutes for the home side, though, as West Ham secured a deserved point when Collins connected with Noble's well-taken corner.

Maik Taylor joins Millwall on loan

Posted on March 13, 2012 by adminsports

Former Northern Ireland keeper Taylor enters the Lions den

UPDATED:

18:26 GMT, 12 March 2012

Millwall have signed Leeds goalkeeper Maik Taylor on loan until the end of the season.

The 40-year-old Northern Ireland international was signed by former manager Simon Grayson on a short-term deal in December.

On the move: Maik Taylor has joined Millwall on loan

But the former Birmingham keeper is yet to make a senior appearance for the Whites and looks unlikely to remove in-form Andy Lonergan.

Taylor, who has made over 600 career appearances for clubs including Southampton and Fulham, will provide cover for the Lions as David Forde is the only fit keeper available following injury to Steve Mildenhall.

Middlesbrough 0 Leeds 2: Neil Warnock aiming for play-offs

Posted on March 11, 2012 by adminsports

Middlesbrough 0 Leeds 2: Warnock's men on play-offs hunt after cruising to away win

UPDATED:

15:08 GMT, 11 March 2012

Leeds kept their push for a play-off spot alive with an impressive victory over Middlesbrough, Neil Warnock's side cruising to a comfortable three points after two first-half goals.

Robert Snodgrass was the man to bring Warnock his first away goal since he succeeded Simon Grayson in February, dragging the ball underneath Boro keeper Jason Steele in the 18th minute.

Luciano Becchio doubled the lead just nine minutes later following a dreadful mistake by Justin Hoyte. Barry Robson's late dismissal in a tussle with Adam Clayton added insult to injury for Boro.

Opener: The team celebrate Robert Snodgrass' goal

MATCH FACTS

Middlesbrough: Steele, Hoyte, Bennett, Bates, Williams (Main 63), Hines, Bailey, Hammill, Robson, Emnes, Jutkiewicz (Thomson 63, (Ogbeche 80))

Unused subs: McMahon, Arca

Sent off: Robson

Leeds: Lonergan, Connolly, Lees, White, Robinson, O'Dea, Brown, Clayton (Pugh), Becchio (Forssell 90) Snodgrass, McCormack (Webber 87)

Unused subs: Nunez, Thompson

Scorers: Snodgrass 18 Becchio 27

Booked: Connolly, Clayton

Referee: Boyeson

Attendance: 21,301

Despite a much-improved performance in the second half, Tony Mowbray's men were unable to overcome the two-goal deficit and reduce the gap on the automatic promotion places.

Warnock's Leeds, however, remain in 10th place but are now within four points of making a late surge for the play-off places.

A period of applause in tribute to Middlesbrough's long-serving recruitment co-ordinator Jack Watson, who passed away aged 90 yesterday morning, preceded kick-off.

Becchio glanced a header across the box only for Ross McCormack to skew wide under as the visitors poured on the early pressure.

Nicky Bailey drove aimlessly over Andy Lonergan's bar as Leeds sat deep, content to restrict their hosts to speculative efforts.

Lukas Jutkiewicz and Darren O'Dea then clashed heads, the latter coming off worse, and as the action resumed Marvin Emnes bustled into space to clip a promising strike into the away fans.

But the Dutchman's verve failed to inspire Boro and they soon fell behind.
In the 18th minute, O'Dea sprayed a perfectly-weighted ball down the right flank for Aidan White.

The Leeds-born winger dragged the ball across to the waiting Snodgrass, who slotted underneath Steele to register a first Leeds away goal under Warnock's stewardship.

And less than 10 minutes after drawing first blood, Leeds doubled their lead.

Hoyte failed dismally to clear a Becchio through-ball, allowing its intended recipient McCormack to claim ownership and turn the ball across the goalmouth for the Argentinian to coolly convert from six yards.

Robson forced Lonergan to punch behind as Boro pressed to gain a foothold in the game, but it might have been three to the visitors at the break if Becchio had coped better with a glorious long ball into Steele's box.

The Leeds offensive showed no signs of abating as the second half got under way, with Snodgrass quick to ripple the side netting with a fearsome drive that the away fans thought had beaten Steele.

Easy: Luciano Becchio grabbed the second

Mowbray had opted to make no substitutions during the interval, but his side's renewed vigour soon showed. Rhys Williams angled a bullet header just wide of a post as Robson lofted a fine free-kick across the goalmouth.

Boro's momentum was interrupted, though, as Williams pulled up following a clash with Becchio, and Leeds took advantage to test Steele once more.

Clayton picked his spot, his dipping drive nicking off Matthew Bates to nestle on the top of the net with the home stopper flat-footed.

The struggling Williams was withdrawn as part of a double substitution after the hour mark, Jutkiewicz also removed as Kevin Thomson and Curtis Main took to the field.

A period of quiet tension preceding the final 20 minutes was only punctuated by a blazing drive beyond the near post from the eager Clayton.

McCormack was just shy of dancing on to a White back-heel in the 73rd minute as Leeds sought to put the game to bed.

But the result was surely beyond Middlesbrough as recent substitute Thomson took a kick to the head, to be replaced by Bart Ogbeche.

And in a final blow to Boro's chances of a late recovery, Robson was shown a straight red card for raising his hands to Clayton as time ticked away at the Riverside.

Leeds rode out the seven minutes of injury time to claim a valuable victory and delight the near 3,000 travelling fans.

Leeds x Southampton x:

Posted on March 3, 2012 by adminsports

Leeds 0 Southampton 1: Davis keeps United at bay as Lambert powers Saints clear

Southampton's goal led the most charmed of lives at Elland Road as the npower Championship leaders registered arguably their most fortuitous win of the season to ensure Neil Warnock's first home game in charge of Leeds ended in defeat.

Rickie Lambert's first-half goal was enough to earn the points for the
south-coast club, but that only told a fraction of the story on a thrilling
night in West Yorkshire.

Lambert's strike was one of only two meaningful efforts the Saints had all
game, while at the other end Leeds twice hit the woodwork, twice missed open goals, had a strong penalty claim turned down and were denied on several occasions by the brilliance of goalkeeper Kelvin Davies.

Mobbed: Kelvin Davis gets the praise at the final whistle after a quite outstanding game

MATCH FACTS

Leeds: Lonergan, Lees, Bromby (Connolly 24), O'Dea, Pugh, Snodgrass, Clayton, Brown (Sam 73), White (Webber 56), Becchio, McCormack. Subs not used: Paynter, Nunez.

Booked: Connolly.

Southampton: Davis, Richardson, Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox (Harding 55), Puncheon (Hammond 46), Schneiderlin, Chaplow, Cork, Lambert, Lee (Guly 46). Subs not used: Sharp, Martin.

Booked: Guly.

Scorer: Lambert 16.

Referee: Nigel Miller.

He continually repelled all that was
thrown at him, with Luciano Becchio and Danny Webber particularly
unlucky, while Becchio and Darren O'Dea also hit the bar as Leeds,
invigorated by the arrival of veteran boss Warnock, threw everything
they could at their opponents in a bid to keep their own promotion dream alive.

But, while Southampton are now four
points clear Leeds are six points shy of the play-off places and Warnock
may have taken over too late to mastermind a late rally. It is likely,
though, that both managers will have left happy although for differing
reasons.

The tone for what was to come was set in the fourth minute when Robert
Snodgrass had a penalty appeal turned down when his shot hit the arm of
Jose Fonte, while Davis smothered an Adam Clayton volley.

Leeds continued to press and only a
smart block from Jos Hooiveld prevented Ross McCormack from getting a
two-yard strike in before, entirely against the run of play, Southampton
opened the scoring.

When Jack Cork picked the ball up
with 16 minutes gone, it was the first time Saints had enjoyed
possession in Leeds' half, but it did not show as his cross was knocked
down by Tadanari Lee into the path of Lambert, who smashed a vicious volley beyond Andy Lonergan.

Delight: Rickie Lambert netted his 24th goal of the campaign at Elland Road

It was Lambert's 24th goal of the
season and arguably his most emphatic but, as soon as the game
restarted, Leeds were back on top.

As if the goal had not happened both
Snodgrass and McCormack saw volleys skim over and wide, before the
latter's header from the former's low cross was brilliantly kept out by
Davis.

Then, six minutes before the break,
Snodgrass fashioned Leeds' best chance which should have brought an
equaliser. He worked Richardson again and his curling cross needed
nothing more than a touch – something Aidy White somehow failed to do.

The barrage continued into the second
half with Becchio putting a Snodgrass cross over and Clayton having a
drive blocked by Hooiveld.

Southampton won their first corner in
the 51st minute but remained firmly on the back foot, although Adkins
was unhappy that Michael Brown went unpunished after an aerial collision
with Cork.

If Adkins was unhappy with Miller
then he will have been delighted with Davis, who continued to repel
Leeds with a stunning trio of saves inside five minutes.

Hard fought: Richard Chaplow and Adam Clayton tussle for possession

First, after failing to gather a cross he scrambled back to claw a Becchio
effort off the line, then he twice made himself big to deny Leeds debutant
Webber. The former Portsmouth striker had only been on the pitch a
matter of seconds when his six-yard drive was tipped over, before he
then saw a low effort turned away.

Becchio should then have done better
after bringing the ball down in the box and McCormack was off target
with a header, while Davis got out to Webber to force him to stab wide
when a goal looked on the cards.

Southampton were clinging on for the
final whistle now and, when Becchio and O'Dea both headed against the
bar and Tom Lees had a stinging shot blocked in amongst a late melee, it was clear that it was going to be their day.

Coventry 2 Leeds 1: Gary McSheffrey his penalty double

Posted on February 15, 2012 by adminsports

Coventry 2 Leeds 1: Another late sickener for United after McSheffrey's penalty double

Neil Redfearn’s hopes of becoming Leeds manager permanently were left in tatters as the fans turned against him during a defeat that lifted Coventry off the bottom of the table.

Redfearn, a lifelong Leeds fan, had to endure chants of ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ from 3,200 travelling supporters before Coventry’s Gary McSheffrey scored a penalty — his second of the night — in injury time to claim the points.

Mac speed: McSheffrey (right) celebrates scoring Coventry's opener

MATCH FACTS

Coventry: Murphy, Christie, Keogh, Cranie, Clarke, Norwood, Deegan, Baker, McSheffrey, Nimely, Platt. Subs not used: Dunn, Eastwood, Bigirimana, Ruffels, Willis.

Booked: Nimely, McSheffrey.

Goals: McSheffrey 21, 90 (both pens).

Leeds: Lonergan, Smith (O'Brien 74), Lees, O'Dea, White, Snodgrass, Delph (Brown 62), Clayton, Pugh, Becchio, McCormack (Nunez 83). Subs not used: Taylor, Townsend.

Booked: Pugh,Brown,White.

Scorers: McCormack 32.

Referee: Pat Miller.

Attendance: 15,704.

Ross McCormack had cancelled out
McSheffrey’s first but it was not enough for Redfearn, who had been
favourite to fill the vacancy left by the sacking of Simon Grayson.

Consecutive defeats by Brighton and now Coventry leave Mick McCarthy as the most likely to get the job.

Redfearn insisted: ‘I have never
regarded myself as a candidate,’ despite admitting previously that the
job could be his if results went well. He added:

‘All I ever wanted was to give the situation a bit of stability.’

He refused to comment on the
possibility the job might still be his but was scathingly outspoken
about Leeds’ performance. He admitted: ‘We didn’t turn up and that can
never be acceptable.’

Alex Nimely, a striker on loan from
Manchester City, won Coventry’s first penalty in the 20th minute when he
wriggled between three defenders before having his heels clipped by
Danny Pugh.

On the scoresheet: McCormack netted for Leeds

McSheffrey scored from the spot but
sloppy defending meant Coventry’s lead lasted for only 12 minutes. Aidan
White was allowed to burst into the home side’s penalty box before a
poor clearance left McCormack to drill in his 16th goal of the campaign.

In extra time a clumsy tackle by White sent Nimely sprawling once again and left McSheffrey to tuck away the winner.

Coventry manager Andy Thorn heaped praise on both Nimely and McSheffrey.

He said: ‘They showed tremendous character to ensure that we claimed a massively important victory.’

Leeds United 1 Brighton 2: Alan Navarro goal steals win

Posted on February 11, 2012 by adminsports

Leeds United 1 Brighton 2: Bates under fire from gun of Navarro

Alan Navarro struck an injury-time winner for Brighton than keeps them unbeaten in 2012, denting Neil Redfearn's hopes of becoming the next Leeds manager in the process.

The 46-year-old has been granted what amounts to a four-game interview to impress after the sacking of Simon Grayson 10 days ago and, after winning at Bristol City last weekend, looked to have remained unbeaten when Luciano Becchio cancelled out Craig Mackail-Smith's opener.

Stuns of Navarro: Alan Navarro is congratulated on scoring the winning goal

MATCH FACTS

LEEDS: Lonergan, Smith, O'Dea, Lees, Pugh, Snodgrass, Clayton, Delph, White (Townsend 81), McCormack (Nunez 90), Becchio. Unused subs: Taylor, Bruce, Brown.

Goals: Becchio 79

Booked: Snodgrass, Clayton, Becchio

BRIGHTON: Brezovan, Reyes, Greer, El-Abd, Mattock, Buckley (Noone 46), Navarro, Bridcutt, LuaLua (Vicente 61), Barnes, Vokes (Mackail-Smith 74). Unused subs: Ankergren, Calderon.

Goals: Mackail-Smith 77, Navarro 90

Booked: El-Abd, Bridcutt

Referee: Graham Salisbury

But, just as four minutes of injury
time were displayed, Liam Bridcutt won the ball in midfield and played
in Navarro and his low drive from the edge of the box went in via a
deflection off Adam Smith to silence Elland Road.

It was unfortunate for Redfearn and
his players who had done enough to at least warrant a point but, once
the final whistle was blown, the anger from the terraces – which had
prompted a pre-match protest march against chairman Ken Bates –
returned, with several fans voicing their disapproval at Redfearn's
temporary appointment.

The former Barnsley midfielder was
the first man since Grayson to occupy the home dugout since December
2008 – a home defeat under Gary McAllister – and his side set off as
though a loss was not an option.

They should have been ahead inside
four minutes – Becchio's header grazing the post after Robert Snodgrass
has turned inside Joe Mattock – and had a seemingly solid shout for a
penalty turned down not long after.

Seagulls flying: Craig Mackail-Smith sees his shot hit the back of the net

Smith's cross from the right fell to
Ross McCormack and, as the 15-goal striker teed up a shot, he was
clattered to the ground by Adam El-Abd.

Referee Graham Salisbury did not
agree with the protests of the Leeds players, though, leaving Redfearn
to open a heated conversation with the fourth official.

McCormack, a scorer of two goals when
these sides drew 3-3 in September, then shot over from an ambitious 35
yards before former Leeds loanee Sam Vokes, now on a temporary deal with
Brighton, played in Navarro whose effort was also too high.

Fall guy: Luciano Becchio (left) tangles with Brighton's Liam Bridcutt

That effort signalled the start of
some Brighton pressure, with Navarro and then Bridcutt working Andy
Lonergan from distance, with Leeds responding through a near-post drive
from Smith that nearly caught Peter Brezovan napping in the away goal.

Neither side was particularly able
to get in behind the other during the opening half, but that changed
within 60 seconds of the restart and only some desperate defending from
Mattock kept Brighton level.

Aidan White's pass put Snodgrass into
the area and, after his low cross was shelled by Brezovan, Mattock
prevented Becchio from bundling in at the back post.

If that was the game's closest shave
it was quickly bettered, with Lonergan producing a fine one-handed save
to keep out Ashley Barnes, although the Leeds captain nearly undid his
good work with two fumbles from corners – the second of which saw him
eventually fall gratefully onto a Vokes header.

Seagulls swoop: Ashley Barnes (right) beats Leeds' Danny Pugh

With both sides now fully committed
to attacking, Snodgrass worked some space for Smith whose
edge-of-the-area scoop floated over, before McCormack was also off
target after Adam Clayton's outside-of-the-boot ball from deep in his
own half had cut Brighton open.

But, having made the majority of the
running, the home side would fall behind with 13 minutes remaining, with
Mackail-Smith doing the damage just three minutes after replacing
Vokes.

The Leeds defence lost the Scotland
international in the box and, once Vicente's cross had picked him out,
his eighth goal of the season duly followed.

However, their lead would last no
longer than two minutes, with Becchio peeling off his marker at the
front post and glancing a Snodgrass corner into the far corner.

But there was still more drama to
come, with Bridcutt winning the ball and giving Navarro the chance to
seal victory – an opportunity he duly took.

Arsenal 1 Leeds 0: Thierry Henry settles it

Posted on January 10, 2012 by adminsports

Arsenal 1 Leeds 0: King Henry takes just 10 minutes to settle it with trademark strike

Thierry Henry completed a fairytale return to Arsenal with the only goal of the game as the Gunners knocked Leeds out of the FA Cup.

The returning former captain took just 10 minutes as a second half substitute to stroke home an incisive pass into the area. It was the mirror image of so many of the record haul he managed before leaving in 2007.

Until Henry's arrival, the home side had huffed and puffed without creating very much of note, with Andrey Arshavin particularly wasteful.

Just like the old days: Thierry Henry scores the winner for Arsenal

MATCH FACTS

ARSENAL: Szczesny, Koscielny, Miquel, Squillaci, Coquelin (Yennaris 33), Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott 68), Chamakh (Henry 68), Arshavin. Subs not used: Martinez, Park, Benayoun, Miyaichi.

Goals: Henry 78

Booked: Arshavin

LEEDS: Lonergan, Thompson, Lees, O'Dea, White, Townsend, Pugh, Nunez (Forssell 81), Clayton, Becchio (McCormack 74), Vayrynen (Brown 60). Subs not used: Taylor, Bruce, Sam, Parker.

Booked: Townsend, O'Dea

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

Given tonight's 20-minute cameo masterclass, Henry's arrival could just be the spark Arsenal need to push on towards a successful end to a season which started so badly.

The Gunners, who rested current captain Robin van Persie, started strongly.

Andrey Arshavin was set up by Marouane Chamakh, who was set to leave for the African Nations Cup with Morocco after tonight's game, but the Russian blasted over from edge of box.

Arsenal pressed for long spells as Leeds were pushed deeper and deeper, but they lacked any real spark in the final third.

Sebastien Squillaci headed wide at the far post when Mikel Arteta, captain for the evening, whipped over a free-kick from the right.

At least on-loan Tottenham winger Andros Townsend was showing some endeavour for the visitors as he made some progress down the left flank, but he lacked support in the middle.

On 15 minutes, Aaron Ramsey bolted to the edge of the Leeds penalty area and drove a rising shot just over the angle.

The Wales captain then saw his 12-yard effort deflected over following another mazy run by Arshavin.

Vintage: The match-winner was a trademark finish from the Frenchman on his return

Leeds were shouting for handball when Luciano Becchio's shot came off Laurent Koscielny, but replays showed the ball hit the defender's back rather than arm.

There was some concern for Arsenal – already stretched in defence by a string of injuries – when Francis Coquelin pulled up clutching the top of his hamstring.

Nico Yennaris, an 18-year-old England youth international, came on after 33 minutes to fill in at right-back.

That's for you boss: Henry ran straight to his manager to celebrate his decisive goal

The start of the second half brought more of the same as Arsenal probed the Leeds defence without making any real progress around the edge of the area.

When Arshavin was picked out in space on the right by a lovely cross-field pass by Ignasi Miquel, the Russian's attempted half-volley flew horribly wide.

Arsenal then worked the ball well down the left, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cutting back to Chamakh, whose lay-off picked out Arteta, but goalkeeper Andy Lonergan made a fine one-handed save.

Doing his bit: Aaron Ramsey was at the hub of most of Arsenal's good play

Oxlade-Chamberlain stung Lonergan's hands with a fierce drive as Arsenal remained camped in the Leeds half.

With 22 minutes left, Wenger signalled for his talisman as both Henry and Theo Walcott were introduced, replacing Chamakh and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The French World Cup winner wiped away a tear as he ran out to rapturous applause, with his first touch coming as he drifted offside.

Staking a claim: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showed the crowd the youngsters were worth watching too

However, his next intervention completed the fairytale comeback on 78 minutes as he collected Alex Song's pass into the left-hand side of the area before dispatching a trademark finish inside the far post to send the Emirates Stadium into a frenzy.

It was an historic moment indeed as the whole Arsenal team ran to celebrate Henry's 227th goal for the club, as he headed for the bench to embrace Wenger.

Interested spectator: David Beckham was among the special guests in the crowd watching on

There was still life left in the tie as Leeds substitute Ross McCormack headed straight at Wojciech Szczesny.

Arshavin drilled another good chance into the side netting before Szczesny made a good reaction save at the other end to keep out a near-post shot from substitute Mikael Forssell.

Try as they might: Arsenal's defence kept on top of Luciano Becchio for much of the game

The night, though, was always only
ever about one man and Henry stood arms aloft at the final whistle,
basking in glory of his own making once more.

Fighting spirit: Leeds were no easy opposition and Arsenal matched them all over the field

Arsenal v Leeds live

Posted on January 9, 2012 by adminsports

FA CUP LIVE: Arsenal v Leeds – follow the action from the Emirates as it happens

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the FA Cup as Arsenal host Leeds at the Emirates Stadium to wrap up the weekend's third round action. Simon Grayson's team will hope for a repeat performance from the same tie last season, when the Championship side were seconds away from sealing a shock win at the Premier League outfit before drawing 1-1.

Email your thoughts to martin.domin@dailymail.co.uk

1 min: Bright start from the home side as Arshavin fires in a shot from range that is blocked.

7.45pm: Arsenal get us underway at the Emirates

7.41pm: Kick-off is just moments away…

He's back! Thierry Henry warms up

7.40pm: In other news, can ESPN not afford a studio Why are they all pitchside In the cold

7.35pm: Leeds boss Grayson thinks Henry's arrival takes the limelight away from his side. With all due respect, I don't think it was ever on you Simon.

7.32pm: In case you were wondering, it is indeed the Mikael Forssell who is on the bench for Leeds.

7.30pm: Until their late win over Burnley, Leeds were on a horrendous run of form as they slipped down the Championship table. Simon Grayson's job is widely thought to be on the line although tonight's fixture is unlikely to have an impact.

7.25pm: We're bound to see the Frenchman at some stage tonight but Arsene Wenger will hope his side are home and dry by the time he calls on the club legend.

7.20pm: So, will Henry still be a force to be reckoned with, or will his return be nothing more than a damp squib Let me know using the address above.

7.15pm: Leeds: Lonergan, Thompson, Lees, O'Dea, White, Townsend, Clayton, Vayrynen, Pugh, Nunez, Becchio

Subs: Taylor, Bruce, Brown, Sam, Forssell, Parker, McCormack.

7.11pm:
Arsenal: Szczesny, Coquelin, Koscielny, Squillaci, Miquel, Song, Arteta
(c), Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin, Chamakh.

Subs: Martinez, Park, Henry, Walcott, Benayoun, Miyaichi, Yennaris.

Almost time for the real thing: Arsenal fans gather round the Thierry Henry's statue at the Emirates

7.10pm: The aforementioned Chamakh is on his own up front, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andrey Arshavin behind him. Yossi Benayoun joins Henry among the substitutes.

7.05pm: It's fair to say that tonight is about one player. The myth, the man, the legend.

His stunning return has been splashed across the newspapers in recent weeks.

The anticipation has been building to a crescendo.

And now.. I can reveal that yes, it's true…

Marouane Chamakh is indeed back in the Gunners starting line-up.

Oh, and Thierry Henry is on the bench.

7.00pm: Welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of the final FA Cup third round tie from the Emirates as Arsenal face Championship side Leeds.

Young Gunners: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to start for Arsenal against Leeds

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