Opening day defeat for Leeds

Leeds United suffered their first opening day defeat since 1989 as Derby County left Elland Road with all three points.

Leeds gave debuts to Kasper Schmeichel, Paul Connolly, Federico Bessone and Lloyd Sam whilst Neil Collins and Sanchez Watt started after being on loan at Elland Road last season.

Kris Commons had a great chance to give the visitors the lead inside the opening minute when he cut inside the Leeds defence. His shot though cleared the bar to Leeds relief.

Bradley Johnson had Leeds first chance after a through ball from Neil Kilkenny, but his left foot shot went wide.

Collins was next to go close for Leeds after a good ball into the middle by Kilkenny, but he headed wide with Bywater in the Derby goal stranded.

After enjoying a decent spell, Leeds fell behind on 13 minutes; John Howson was out muscled in midfield by Paul Green, who ran deep into the Leeds half before laying it off to Rob Hulse who made no mistake.

Leeds were back on level terms within three minutes, a poor defensive clearance was pounced upon by Howson, who unselfishly set up Becchio who beat Bywater in the Derby goal.

Richard Naylor had a great chance to give Leeds the lead halfway through the half. Bradley Johnson flicked onto Naylor who swivelled and shot but his effort come back off the bar.

Derby went into the lead for a second time after Lloyd Sam brought down Cywka in the Leeds area for a penalty.

Kris Commons stepped up to send Schmeichel the wrong way.

Leeds hit the bar for a second time soon afterwards. This time Collins headed Kilkenny`s cross against the bar.

Kasper Schmeichel kept Leeds in the game with two tremendous saves from firstly Paul Green and then Kris Commons.

Bradley Johnson had a couple of early efforts to get Leeds back on level terms in the second half.

Firstly, his free kick went over the bar and then Bywater made a good save from a shot from the edge of the area.

Kasper Schmeichel was then called upon again, making a tremendous block to keep out Green.

Neil Kilkenny was next to go close for Leeds, his 20 yard effort was saved by Bywater.

Schmeichel was keeping Leeds in the game, two quick reaction saves from Hulse and Barker gave Leeds a fighting chance of finding an equaliser.

Johnson had another chance with a free kick inside the final ten minutes, this time his driven goal bound shot was headed out for a corner.

From the resulting corner, Roberts cleared Collins header off the line.

Sanchez Watt had Leeds final chance but his header cleared the bar.

Disappointing starts to the season, but a few positives were the performance of Kasper Schmeichel who had an excellent debut.

Sanchez Watt had an excellent first half before fading.

Leeds will now brush themselves down and get ready for a trip to the City Ground next Sunday.

Teams

Leeds
Schmeichel, Connolly, Naylor, Collins, Bessone, Kilkenny, Howson, Johnson, Watt, Becchio, Sam

Subs
Higgs, Bruce, Grella, Clayton, Hughes, Bromby, White

Derby
Bywater, Brayford, Leacock, Bailey, Roberts, Green, Savage, Cywka, Anderson, Commons, Hulse

Subs
Porter, Barker, Deeney, Buxton, Pringle, Moxey, Doyle

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