Leeds blunted by Blades

Leeds chances of automatic promotion were dealt a sever blow following a 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

Leeds made two changes from the side that drew with Ipswich last weekend.

Barry Bannan made his first start for the club in place of Neil Kilkenny and Luciano Becchio started in attack in place of Billy Paynter.

Sheffield United started well, Stephen Quinn and Sam Vokes testing Kasper Schmeichel in the early minutes.

Luciano Becchio had Leeds first effort on goal but his header went wide.

Max Gradel had Leeds best chance of the opening first twenty minutes when he was found in plenty of space inside the area but his header went wide of the target.

Sheffield United were enjoying plenty of pressure and Nick Montgomery had a couple of chances for the home side.

Daniel Bogdanovic then missed a great chance to put the home side ahead but Schmeichel was equal to the effort.

Stephen Quinn then tested Schmeichel who was by far the busier keeper.

Ched Evans then tested Schmeichel as he forced Evans firmly hit shot over the bar.

From the resulting corner Sam Vokes headed over the bar as Leeds were beginning to hang on.

The half time whistle followed shortly with Sheffield United in control of the game.

Sheffield United had the first chance of the second half when Sam Vokes shot over the bar.

Barry Bannan had Leeds first effort of the second half but his long-range shot went harmlessly wide.

Bradley Johnson then headed over the bar for Leeds following a Robert Snodgrass free kick.

Sheffield United took the lead ten minutes into the second half when Eric Lichaj put through his own goal following a shot from Montgomery.

Leeds were still struggling to test Simonsen in the Sheffield goal and Bannan put another effort wide of the post.

Simon Grayson made his first change of the afternoon with just over twenty minutes remaining when Billy Paynter replaced Luciano Becchio.

The Blades finished the game off with just under fifteen minutes remaining when Helge Riise got on the end of a Quinn cross.

Leeds had a great chance to get into the game when Gradel and Bromby both had chances following a Bannan free kick.

Leeds afternoon was compounded late on when Billy Paynter was shown a straight red for a stamp on Shane Lowry.

Sheffield United deservedly picked up the three points against a below par Leeds who now look like having to concentrate on reaching the play offs following this performance.

Teams

Sheffield United
Simonsen, Lowton, Nosworthy, Lowry, Mattock, Montgomery (Helge Riise 72), Doyle, Quinn, Bogdanovic (Yeates 90), Vokes, Evans (Cresswell 83)

Subs not used
Aksalu, Kozluk, Bent, Maguire

Leeds
Schmeichel, Lichaj, O`Brien, Bromby, McCartney (Somma 75), Howson, Johnson, Bannan, Gradel, Becchio (Paynter 67), Snodgrass (Watt 84)

Subs not used
Higgs, Naylor, Kilkenny, Bruce,

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