Leeds the Italian Revolution
The Elland Road faithful are on tenterhooks as the clock ticks down to kick off at Nethermoor. The times are a changing at Leeds. With talisman captain, Ross McCormack sold to fellow championship contenders Fulham. New coach, David Hockaday in situ. The Italian revolution is in full swing orchestrated by owner Massimo Cellino. Who happily chats and poses for fans’ photographs.
A full house greets Leeds starting 11. Which features new signings Marco Silvestri, Tomasso Bianchi and Soulamayne Doukara. The latest signing, Swiss international prised from Sampdoria, Gaetano Berardi, is missing from the line-up. Presumably due to his registration not being fully processed.
My brief besides capturing match action was to ensure shots were obtained of the new signings. Identification was made more difficult by the fact that the Leeds team sheet did not include numbers. I opted to shoot the Guiseley attack in the first half. This would provide the opportunity to bag crisp shots of keeper Silvestri. As it was Silvestri remained untroubled for his 60-minute appearance. But he appeared confident in organising his defensive line.
Doukara had a snap shot well saved by the Guiseley keeper Steve Drench and another goal-bound effort blocked. Both his and Bianchi 60 minute cameos showed glimpses of promise. Leeds looked to play a passing game. It will take time for the new players and systems to bed in.
The wholesale changes made on the 60-minute mark sparked more impetus from United and with the clock running down they broke the deadlock.
Aiden White took a long corner which Jason Pearce met with a looping header that evaded both keeper and defenders to give Leeds the lead.
With the clock ticking down the visitors doubled the score courtesy of a Sam Byram cross into the path of Matt Smith who hit the shot without breaking stride from 10 yards out.
On a hot and humid day, David Hockaday will have been pleased to have earned the victory against the Conference North team who at the beginning of each half more than matched Leeds for their guile and pace.