Beckford double seals win

Leeds United stuck with the same eleven that beat Southampton last weekend.

Leeds had a fantastic chance inside the opening minute when Snodgrass was found in space inside the six-yard box, the face of Neil Austn blocked his ferocious shot.

The Whites were enjoying most of the early possession and Snodgrass had another good chance but his effort was headed away.

Hartlepool were having to rely on the break and they gave Leeds a warning when Ankergren had to make a good save from Boyd.

Beckford was put through soon after but his shot lacked any conviction and was easily saved by Flinders.

Leeds fell behind halfway through the half when an Hartlepool corner was flicked to the past post and Bjornsson headed past Ankergren.

Leeds almost fell two behind when Humphrey`s had a great chance which was well saved by Ankergren.

Scott Flinders had to be alert soon after, Howson`s shot was only half saved and with Beckford and Becchio ready to pounce, the keeper just managed to get to the ball first.

Leeds equalised close to half time when Kilkenny`s shot was deflected to Jermaine Beckford who scored from close range.

Beckford`s goal was the clubs 100th goal under boss Simon Grayson in 46 games on the anniversary of the first game.

Becchio gave Leeds the lead deep into injury time at the end of the half, Hartlepool were claiming a handball by Becchio in the build up to the goal, Howson`s cross found the head of Becchio and a deflection wrong footed Flinders in the Hartlepool goal.

Beckford went close early in the second half but his ferocious left foot shot came crashing back off the crossbar.

Beckford had another chance soon afterwards but his header went agonisingly wide of the post.

The half was following a similar pattern to the first with Leeds enjoying most of the possession and attacking play whilst Hartlepool continued to threaten the Leeds goal on the break.

Jermaine Beckford made it three when he was put through, he cleverly clipped the ball over Flinders for his second of the afternoon.

Beckford was looking for his third goal to complete the hat trick but his effort was well over the bar.

A comfortable win for Leeds after a scare and with Charlton only drawing earlier in the day their lead at the top of the table is increased to six points with a game in hand.


Teams

Leeds
Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor, Kisnorbo, Hughes, Doyle, Howson, Kilkenny, Snodgrass, Beckford, Becchio

Subs:
D. Martin, Grella, Vokes, Johnson, Michalik, Kandol, Gradel

Hartlepool
Flinders, Collins, Hartley, Sweeney, Austin, Jones, Liddle, Humphrey, McSweeney, Bjornsson, Boyd

Subs:
Clark, Cook, Larkin, Rowell, Fredrikson, Greulich, Cherel

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