Leeds draw leaves them outside play off places

Leeds slipped out of the play off places for the first time since November as they could only manage a goalless draw at home with Reading.

Leeds put in a much improved performance against the inform Reading but couldn`t find a way past McCarthy in the Reading goal.

Simon Grayson made four changes from the side that were held to a draw by Watford last weekend.

Richard Naylor, Paul Connolly, Jake Livermore and Billy Paynter all came into the side in place of George McCartney, Neil Kilkenny, Leigh Bromby and Davide Somma.

A nervy first half saw the game take quite a while to get going.

McAnuff had a chance for the visitors after a good one/two, which Schmeichel came out to block.

Leeds best effort of the half came when a good ball into the box found the head of Snodgrass who forced a fantastic save out of McCarthy in the Reading goal.

Max Gradel went close when McCarthy could only parry his long-range effort and it just squirmed past the post.

McCarthy then easily saved Howson`s weak header after good work from Billy Paynter.

Matt Mills saw his header come off the back of Andy O`Brien in the Leeds defence late on in the half as neither side could find a breakthrough.

Neil Kilkenny replaced Jake Livermore at half time for Leeds who was quite fortunate to still be on the pitch after a poor challenge, having already received a yellow card.

Leeds started the second half brightly, Snodgrass saw his free kick deflected for a corner and Andy O`Brien headed just wide.

Defender Andy Griffin had the best early effort for the visitors after ghosting past Max Gradel but his weak effort went wide of the post.

Bradley Johnson should have given Leeds the lead when after he had gone past a number of players his shot skimmed off the top of the bar.

Leigertwood had a rare opportunity for the visitors when his effort fizzed past the post.

Leeds then had two chances in a matter of moments; Gradel saw his shot beaten away by McCarthy and from the follow up the keeper did well again to deny a Snodgrass header.

Sanchez Watt had a good chance deep into the injury time with the keeper beaten but he rushed his effort, which went harmlessly wide of the post.

Leeds now have to prepare for a clash at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Teams

Leeds
Schmeichel, Connolly, Naylor, O`Brien, Lichaj, Howson (Watt 81), Livermore (Kilkenny 46), Gradel, Snodgrass, Johnson Paynter (Somma 81)

Subs not used
Higgs, Bromby, Bannan, McCartney

Reading
McCarthy, Griffin, Harte, Mills, Khizanishvili, Karacan, Leigertwood, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu (Manset 81), Hunt (Church 70), Long

Subs not used
Federici, Pearce, Tabb, Howard, Antonio,

Vital Leeds offers everything that a Leeds United supporter could wish for. If you can think of something and suggest it, we`ll put it on the website!

With news and views, along with a forum, polls and article comments, everything you need in a fans site is right here!

You can even win prizes, by posting articles comments, posting on the message forum and voting on the polls.

The site is regularly updated with news and views regarding all the current events at Elland Road, alongside a fully interactive message forum.


With news and views, along with a forum, polls and article comments, everything you need in a fans site is right here!

You can even win prizes, by posting articles comments, posting on the message forum and voting on the polls.

Vital is also 100% interactive. Not only can you have your say on the articles and the forum but you can also suggest an article or a poll so you can air your views.

So why not join Vital today?

It's easy to register here and enjoy getting involved

Message Board

To visit the message board, click here.

Get involved

This website is your website and we are looking for people to help run the site. Do you go to most of the games and have an opinion? Why not write a match report? Perhaps you are a budding journalist or even just someone who is very opinionated? Well why not join our team? If this interests you please contact Vital Leeds .






Vital Leeds is now available on both facebook and twitter, so if you are that way inclined and more importantly understand all this new fangled dangled stuff, feel free to watch us, poke us or whatever else you are meant to do there!


Vital Leeds on:

Vital Leeds on:

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain