If not predictable, then a shape of things to come Neil Warnock’s first match since claiming the managerial helm of Leeds ended in victory as Luciano Becchio notched a late added-time goal to send the Whites past Doncaster Rovers 3-2 in a Yorkshire Derby at Elland Road. With the result hopes for Leeds effort to claim a spot in the playoff’s, improbable as it may seem, rise as they sit tenth in the table and three points removed from Birmingham.

Without a doubt Leeds present campaign has been disappointing for the faithful as they have combined a fine vintage attack with the likes of Scottish international Robert Snodgrass and Luciano Becchio with dreadful defending that is more suitable for a relegation threat rather than a promotion hopeful. Yet now with Neil Warnock in charge that table will likely change as the sixty-three year old manager who turned around the Queens Park Rangers will button down their play into top flight contender.

With the new manager in the stands and Neil Redfearn temporarily stewarding the ship all did not start well for Leeds as the Doncaster went in front 1-0 when long ball evaded the hosts defenders before seeing James Hayter played through. Though Leeds ‘keeper Andy Lonergan did well to react to the ball, he was unable to smother it with Mamadou Bagayoko pouncing onto lashed it into the net from just beyond the spot. Clearly lacking the needed quality, Neil Warnock made an unscheduled stop in the change rooms during the break, later revealing a formation change and though the start was slow the result speaks volumes.

Starting slowly Leeds fell behind 2-0 six minutes shy of the hour as Tommy Spurr’s cross from the left was redirected from the back post El Hadji Diouf to Mamadou Bagayoko for a headed from the closest of close range finishes. Getting off the canvas, Leeds came back with a flourish a minute later as the highly talented twenty year-old Andros Townsend, on-loan from Tottenham, accepted a provision from Danny Pugh, via Luciano Becchio and rifled a low effort to the bottom right corner to cut the margin in half. Billowing with confidence, Leeds marched forward with Robert Snodgrass showing his vast abilities with a perfect cross from the left that Adam Clayton volleyed into the roof the net from seven metres with ten minutes remaining in regulation time. Leeds clearly was in charge of the whip but as time ticked down and five minutes of added-time signalled, Doncaster was settling their host’s onslaught. Further to an extended stoppage due to injuries to Robbie Rogers and Tommy Spurr that required both to be carted off, Luciano Becchio etched his name once again in the hero’s column. Coming in the ninth minute of added-time the Argentine maestro latched onto his own effort that was blocked and from just beyond the area sent the Elland Road faithful into rapture as Leeds claimed a 3-2 Yorkshire Derby victory over Doncaster.

Prepared by John Davies
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