Leeds United 0-4 Cardiff City

A classy looking Cardiff side turned up the heat on Simon Grayson as they were once again on the wrong end of a heavy defeat.

Leeds were boosted by the return of Kasper Schmeichel to the side after two month`s out.

Also back in the starting eleven was Alex Bruce in place of Richard Naylor.

Leeds first chance fell to Alex Bruce from a Snodgrass corner but his flicked header went just wide of the post.

A minute later, he had another headed chance that this time took a deflection and went back to the keeper.

Cardiff were looking dangerous on the break and a good move set up Olofinjana and his shot was saved by Schmeichel.

The visitors broke the deadlock moments later after some poor Leeds defending by Alex Bruce.

The Leeds defender should have dealt with Heaton`s long clearance but a mix up between him and Schmeichel led to an easy tap in for Jay Bothroyd.

Leeds tried to get back into the game straight away but a weak left foot shot was easy for Heaton.

Cardiff were really hurting the Leeds defence with the pace of their breaks and Bothroyd, Chopra and Bellamy all had chances to double the lead.

Leeds were being frustrated in attack and two long range efforts from Johnson that didn`t trouble the Cardiff goal was the best they had to offer as the half drew to a close.

Cardiff started the second half firmly on the front foot, Gyepes came very close to doubling the lead when his header was cleared off the line by McCartney.

Minutes later McCartney had to make a last ditch block to deny Burke.

Leeds almost drew level when Snodgrass saw his fierce free kick tipped over the bar.

The game was to be all over as a contest in the next eight minutes as Cardiff turned the screw.

Chopra made it 2-0 when he collected Hudson`s through ball before firing past Schmeichel.

Four minutes later, Cardiff picked their way through the Leeds defence before Burke crossed for Bothroyd had the easiest of tap ins.

It was 4-0 on the hour, Lee Naylor fired in from twenty yards with Schmeichel rooted to the spot.

Leeds had brought on Ramon Nunez for his debut for the club and his long range effort just went over the bar.

Luciano Becchio thought he`d scored for Leeds but his header was ruled out for offside.

Gradel came close to getting Leeds a late consolation when his cross onto the middle beat everyone but just went wide of the far post.

Another heavy defeat for Leeds and the pressure will surely now be growing on boss Simon Grayson.

Teams

Leeds
Schmeichel, Connolly, Collins, Bruce, McCartney, Snodgrass, Howson, Faye (Clayton 80), Johnson (Gradel 63), Somma (Nunez 54), Becchio

Subs not used
Brown, Kilkenny, Hughes, Bromby,

Cardiff
Heaton, McNaughton, Gyepes, Hudson, Naylor, Burke, Whittingham, Olofinjana, Bellamy, Bothroyd, Chopra (Keogh 76)

Subs
Marshall, Blake, Rae, Wildig, McPhail, Koumas

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