By Rich B
February 9 2004

A controversial penalty on the stroke of half-time proved to be the killer blow that sealed a further defeat for The Whites, but only after some determined play. Full Report Villa started the better side with several chances in the opening minutes. Hitzlsperger shot wide from 20 yards out and Hendrie and Angel both got into good positions - to no avail. After ten minutes or so, Leeds began to ge more of a foot hold into the game. Viduka set up Bakke only for Dublin to just beat him to the header. Milner has a header on 17 minutes that hit the underside of the bar and bounced back out to a gratefull Sorenson in the Villa goal.

Smith and Pennant exchanged well to set up Viduka but the big Australian, who worked as hard as I've seen him at Leeds, couldn't quite get to the ball.

On 23 minutes, it was Villa's turn to hit the woodwork when Lee Henrie's shot hit the crossbar. Vassel then went close with a power drive that Robinson did superbly wll to deflect onto the bar - Caldwell, making his Leeds debut did well to bundle the ball away before Vassell could follow it up.

On the stroke of half time, Vassell took on the United defence when Didier Domi made a last gasp challenge for the ball. Vassell undoubtedley made the most of it but it was enough for the ref to point to the spot, as well as whipping his yellow card out for the frenchman. Angel sent the keeper the wrong way and Leeds tridged off 1.0 down.

The second half started well. Vidukla had a chance to break through but his touchlet him down as he knocked it too far in front of hmself. Sorrenson was strraight out to clear up the danger.

Ten minutes in to the second half and Villa doubled their lead. A Solano freekick was meet with a glancing header by Substitute Ronnie Johnson that beat Robbo.

Leeds made changes with Aarron Lennon come on for Pennant. It fired Leeds up for a while. Viduka hit the bar again and Smithy could have scored with a lobbing header that was only just clawed away. It wasn't to be though, despite an impressive performance.

The good news, this wasn't another Middlesborough - this was a fighting performance by a team that showed signs they believe in themselves - the bad news, no points!!