By Andy Baggott
November 25 2004

Leeds came back twice to earn a draw in an entertaining clash at Elland Road last night. The first half in particular saw both sides serve up some entertaining football as both teams pressed forward. Leeds had the majority of the play in the first half, but Watford looked very lively on the break. Playing some neat 1 and 2 touch football, they opened up the Leeds defence on a number of occasions, and looked dangerous every time they attacked. It was the visitors who got the opening goal, Dyer firing home from close range after a quick counter attack. Leeds levelled though, Butler fed Deane, and the big forward controlled on his chest-the ball went back to Wright who fired home a lovely shot from outside the area. Watford had chances to make it 2, but spurned them, Leeds came close a few times, mainly through Deane, but the big forward couldn’t find the target with a number of headers.

Leeds came out for the second half missing Deane – the striker has a hamstring injury, and could be out for up to 6 weeks. Julian Joachim took his place, but the balance of the side looked wrong. With Healy wide left, and Oster wide right, a big frontman is essential, and, although Joachim rose well on a number of occasions, his game is all about pace, not holding the ball up. The second half in truth, never lived up to the first, but it was Watford who retook the lead after a bad mistake at the back. Pugh’s pass put Gregan under pressure, and the midfielder tried a casual pass along the back four. Unfortunately, it hit Butler, and bounced perfectly for Dyer, who had a clear run on goal, and he finished well. Leeds pushed forward, and Oster’s Lob deserved a goal, Cox heading the ball off his own line. Clarke Carlise pushed up front to add some height, and it was the former QPR man who got a late leveller, heading home Jermaine Wrights cross with 5 minutes to go….

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