LUFC- Reality check for Grayson

Leeds played their first game of 2009 against last season`s promotion play off opposition Carlisle United.

New boss Grayson made just one enforced change from the side that beat Stockport County with Malcolm Christie replacing Jermaine Beckford in attack.
New signing Lee Trundle and Mansour Assoumani who hasn`t been seen since his debut at MK Dons were on the bench.

Fraser Richardson had Leeds first effort but his shot was easily dealt with by Krul in the Carlisle goal.

Former Leeds man Michael Bridges then had a great chance for the visitors when one on one with Casper Ankergren but Bridges effort was hit straight at the big Dane in the Leeds goal.

Leeds started to enjoy plenty of possession and chances fell to Becchio, Christie and Sheehan who all failed to properly test Krul.

Carlisle took the lead though half way through the first half when Danny Graham scored for the visitors.

Luciano Becchio almost equalised within five minutes but his point blank effort was saved by Krul.

Michael Bridges then came back to haunt his old club when he put the visitors two up when he scored from an acute angle.

The whites tried to get back into the game with Becchio having another chance and then Christie just failed to get on a cross from Hughes.

Once again though Leeds defensive frailties continue to let them down and the home side went in two down at half time.

Becchio had another chance early in the second half to get Leeds back into it but once again couldn`t beat an inspired Carlisle keeper.

Then some desperate defending by Carlisle kept their two goal lead in tact.

Just short of the hour Simon Grayson finally decided to make a couple of changes, Bradley Johnson and debutant Lee Trundle came on to bolster Leeds attacking options.

Becchio should really have got Leeds back into it but his effort hit the post, the rebound came to Robinson only a few yards out and he somehow failed to find the net.

Carlisle should have put the game beyond any doubt when Bridge Wilkinson missed an open goal with just over fifteen minutes left on the clock.

Leeds continued to look for a way back into the game but it was never going to happen, it`s back to the drawing board for Simon Grayson and maybe now he realises the enormous job he`s got on his hands at Elland Road.

Next up is the trip to Brighton and he must surely bring in at least one defender before this game.

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