By Andy Baggott
August 23 2004

Leeds dropped two points as their lack of cutting edge was again in evidence. However, there were many things that will have pleased Kevin Blackwell as the team is beginning to gel. Blackwell made 3 changes from the side that drew with Wolves – the suspended Duberry being replaced by Carlisle, the injured Radebe replaced by Guppy, with Pugh moving inside, and Brian Deane replaced Ricketts who dropped to the bench. Leeds started slowly, but took a grip of the game. Richardsons dipping shot just flew over, before Guppy opened the scoring. It was Richardson who created the chance, his cross met by Guppy, and the ball squeezed in at the near post. Leeds continued to press, and the midfield were running the game. Jermaine Wright had his best game to date, and Pugh continued to impress. At the back, Carlisle, after a shaky start, looked composed in an impressive debut. After the break, Forest pushed on, but didn’t look like breaking down the Leeds back 4 – however, the referee gave the visitors a helping hand, decided that Guppy had fouled in the area, and Reid stroked home the resulting penalty. This seemed to wake Leeds back up, and Joachim made a great chance for himself, only to be denied by the fingertips of Gerrard – Deane was next to go close, heading down from a corner, but the ball bounced over the bar. That was to be the last of the action, and Leeds were left feeling a bit aggrieved. Promising signs though, and if we can start finishing some of the chances, there’s a real chance of us heading towards the play offs…