Beckford brace gets Leeds back on track

Leeds recorded their first win in four games with a comfortable win over fellow promotion hopefuls Colchester United.

Leeds gave debuts to new recruits Shane Lowry and Gary McSheffrey, Simon Grayson rang the changes after the midweek defeat by Swindon with Kisnorbo, Crowe, Hughes, Kilkenny and Johnson all missing from the starting line up.

The first chance on goal fell to Colchester when Leeds striker Luciano Becchio almost headed into his own net from a corner.

The visitors were also screaming for a penalty early on when Michalik and IfIl tangled in the Leeds box.

Leeds first real chance fell to Mike Doyle almost halfway through the opening half when Williams saved his shot.

Ifil forced a save from Ankergren from a free kick 25 yards out midway through the half.

In a very tight and frustrating first half hour, Robert Snodgrass thought he`d given Leeds the lead but his effort was well saved by Williams.

Leeds were beginning to get on top, Beckford set up Bromby but his shot was well over the bar.

Jermaine Beckford eventually gave Leeds the lead from the penalty spot after a foul on Luciano Becchio.

McSheffrey almost scored on his Leeds debut but Williams once again produced a great save.

After a slow start to the game, Leeds went in at half time deservedly in the lead.

Jermaine Beckford had the best chance at the start of the second half, McSheffrey found Beckford on the edge of the area and his shot was saved by Williams and pushed wide for a corner.

From the resulting corner, McSheffrey`s shot was on target but hit Beckford on the back and cleared the bar.

Leeds did increase the lead soon afterwards, Howson`s shot hit the post and Beckford was quickest to react and score his second of the afternoon and his 24th of the season.

Beckford thought he had his hat trick but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Bradley Johnson replaced Debutant Shane Lowry after picking up an injury.

Fellow debutant Gary McSheffrey was replaced late on after making an impressive debut, Max Gradel was his replacement, who was making his first home appearance since signing full time for Leeds.

Gradel almost scored within minutes of coming on but Williams pushed out his shot for a corner.

From the resulting corner, Bromby`s header hit the bar.

A good three points for Leeds especially after the disappointing performance against Swindon Town in midweek.

Teams

Leeds
Ankergren, Bromby, Naylor, Michalik, Lowry, Snodgrass, Doyle, Howson, McSheffrey, Beckford, Becchio

Subs
D. Martin, Crowe, Grella, Johnson, Robinson, Gradel, White

Colchester
Williams, IfIl, Heath, Okuonghae, Tierney, White, O`Toole, Wordsworth, Izzet, Platt, Lisbie

Subs
Cousins, Fox, Odejayi, Gillespie, Batth, Knudsen, Elito

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