KwAcKy's Konfessional |
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Nothing of interest; just mindless links to bikes Birmingham City Football Club and useless junk  
  
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28 March 2004
Leeds lose to Blues 
Blues 4 Leeds 1 Leeds are this seasons "too good to go down" team. They boast some talent but their results suggest otherwise; no back to back wins, a massive minus 31 goal difference, only 2 wins at home and 3 on their travels. Things are looking grim. Bruce stuck with the same team that lost 5-3 away to Boro. The defence looked nervous and Leeds attacking players were causing Upson and Cunningham no end of problems. Leeds were no doubt assisted by Upson's poor performance and the lack of communication between Grainger and Upson. Leeds started off brightly enough and they only reason they didn't have 2 goals after 10 minutes was due to poor finishing. Blues rarely score or concede in the first 15 minutes but this time they managed to do both. Viduka steered the ball through the stagnant defenders and Hughes easily slotted home an excellent Lazaridis lay off. Viduka should have put Leeds back in front but managed to miss an open target. Blues attacked in numbers but were denied by good goalkeeping. Graingers sweetly struck free kick hit the bar but landed at Tiny's feet - a poacher he ain't. It was going to be one of those games. The first half was strange mix of nice attacking football and poor defending. Blues boast an impressive record in shutting out the opposition but the last few games have made us all forget we forged our place in the top half with dogged and determined defending. All too often the ball was humped into the air and belted upfield with no obvious target. Too many Blue shirts stopped and watched when Leeds went forward. A half time score of 1-1 seemed just and I thought it would stay that way with both teams happy not to lose. The second half started pretty much the same as the first but Blues made the most of their chances. Hughes and Lazaridis linked up well to set up the second and Forssell took full advantage of a napping Leeds back four and placed the ball under the keeper. 2 goals in two minutes. When was the last time we did that? With 10 minutes to go, Leeds threw it all away. The ref had missed 2 good shouts for a penalty but on the third shout Blues got one as Morrison was chested out of the way. Hughes on 2 goals wanted to take the spot kick to get his hat-trick but the manager overruled and the chosen penalty taker had the honours. The Finn took his tally to 16 premier goals by sending the keeper the wrong way. A hug for Hughes was scant consolation. It's supposed to be a sign of a good team if they can win when playing poorly but I think that would flatter us when such flattery is undeserved. Special mention has to go to both Grainger and Lazaridis. G-Man got a great reception from the fans and reminded Bruce how free kicks and corners should be taken. He was unlucky not to have his name on the score sheet. Stan continues to enjoy his football and was involved in at least 2 of the goals and caused no end of problems for the Leeds defenders. If we had someone like him on the right (Pennant?) then the Finn would be on 25 goals. Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Martin Taylor, Upson, Cunningham, Grainger, Johnson, Hughes, Clemence, Lazaridis, Forssell (John 83), Morrison (Tebily 84). Subs Not Used: Bennett, Cisse, Carter. Goals: Hughes 12, 67, Forssell 69, 82 pen. Leeds: Robinson, Kelly, Caldwell, Matteo, Domi, Pennant, McPhail, Seth Johnson, Milner (Simon Johnson 78), Viduka, Smith. Subs Not Used: Carson, Harte, Radebe, Keegan. Booked: Domi. Goals: Viduka 3. Att: 29,069 Ref: M Halsey (Lancashire). My Player Ratings Maik Taylor - almost did an Enkleman but overall looked comfortable - 6 Tiny - shakey start and a couple of errors but carries the ball well and goes forward - 7 Cunningham - usual standards - 7 Upson - seemed to be elsewhere today - 6 Grainger - good free kicks and corners, seems more patient and controlled - 8 DJ - still can't beat a man but adds good support - 6 Clemence - got stuck in and marshalled well - 7 Hughes - reminded sceptical fans why Bruce wants to extend his contract - 8 Lazaridis - caused havoc and created chances - 9 Forssell - he's going straight back to Chelsea - thanks for the season - 8 Morrison - needs to be stronger with defenders - 6 John - looked lively - 7 Tebs - didn't have much to do - 6 |
