By Andy Baggott
April 4 2011
Leeds won a vital 3 points as their promotion charge gathered pace. Although 1st place is highly unlikely now with QPR well clear, there is a real scrap for the second automatic place, and Leeds are right in the mix
It could have been a very different story though - Forest were by far the better side in the first half, and United were lucky not to be behind, when the game changed towards the end of the first period. A great chance for the visitors waw Tudgays effort cleared off the line by Bromby, when he really should have scored. The ball broke and McCartney was clattered by Cohen. Although the Forest player won the ball, it was a reckless tackle. Both feet were off the ground, and excessive force was used. By the letter of the law it was a red card offence, and thats how the referee sqw it. It was one of those that both sides would have differing viewpoints on - but I would be suprised if any appeal saw it overturned.
The second half saw Leeds take advantage of their extra man. Snodgrasses superb pass saw Lichaj cross for Howson to finish well. Soon it was 2 - Becchio heading home after Bromby hit the post. Snodgrass nearly put the game out of reach when his superb shot hit the bar. Forest to their credit made a game of it, and Mccleary scored a brilliant curling goal. Schmeichel also had t save well as the away side had a good spell. It was winger Max Gradel who made the game safe though - after missing a couple of good opportunities, he volleyed home fantastically from Bradley Johnson's header. Gradel then made sure of the points firing home after keeper Camp saved well from sub Livermore, and even better from Becchio.
4-1 maybe flattered Leeds, although they certainly deserved the win - had the red card not happened though, it could have been a very different story...