Bjornsson - goal

By Charlie Summerbell
December 28 2009

Few people expected anything other than a defeat at Elland Road, where Leeds strengthened their lead at the top of League One with a 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United. But at least Pools managed to take the lead before going the way of most visitors to Leeds in the latest in a long line of defeats snatched from the jaws of victory.

And there’s now no chance of a quick return to form, with Monday’s home game against Oldham called off because of a vicious overnight frost at the Vic.
Chris Turner felt cheated by the officials as Leeds fought back for their win, and he had every right to do so.
But Pools weren’t the first and they won’t be the last team this season to suffer because Leeds are the best team in League One, the biggest club in league One, and play in front of the biggest crowds in League One.
Accusing the officials of ignorance, Turner faces possible disciplinary bother.
He told the Northern Echo: “All three goals were questionable. We lost the game, I’m pleased how we played, took the game to them, took the lead and played some very good football.
“We lost to a team which has too many good players for this division and a referee and his linesman who couldn’t handle the big game.
“It’s hard to restrain yourself, the response you get from officials is ignorance. Players on the field are told to stop moaning when they ask about a free-kick being taken 15 yards away from where it should be.”
Leeds boss Simon Grayson didn’t agree with Turner in so many words, but he did admit his team got the breaks.
Turner believed his players could achieve something on Boxing Day, but they were often under heavy pressure, not helped by some awful refereeing and rarely looked capable of holding on for victory.

This latest defeat and other recent results mean the pressure is now on Turner – and Pools – to start producing results.
But they don’t now have a game until January 9, away to Charlton - almost two weeks to sort themselves out, get a few players 100 per cent fit, and find the form they need to climb back up the table.