On the few observations that I get direct about my recent writings on Beckford and the club the recurring theme always seems to be a disbelief that his transfer request and the subsequent drop in form are related (and some need to believe Beckford is trying harder…). Well sometimes your never going to win an argument because its you, so here is another view, taken from a report from last night’s game:
Leeds 1 Carlisle 2
Jermaine Beckford missed a hatful of chances just days after coming off the transfer list as Leeds lost the first leg of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area semi-final to a Graham Kavanagh-inspired Carlisle.
Just four days before their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham, Leeds lacked the cutting edge they will need if they are to cause another upset after knocking out Manchester United. And Jermaine Beckford, the goal hero at Old Trafford, was the biggest culprit.
Manager Simon Grayson demoted the out-of-touch Luciano Becchio to the bench and promoted American striker Mike Grella to partner Beckford, who came off the transfer list at the weekend.
Leigh Bromby moved into central defence in place of Patrick Kisnorbo, Jason Crowe came in at right back and Jonny Howson replaced Michael Doyle in midfield.
As expected, Carlisle included former Leeds men Ian Harte and Tom Taiwo.
Beckford should have opened the scoring after only six minutes but from Bradley Johnson’s pass, and with only keeper Lenny Pidgeley to beat, he fired wide of the left post.
However, Carlisle went close three times in a four-minute spell, with the Leeds defence rocking. Matty Robson’s driven cross was met by Kevan Hurst who seemed certain to score but Andrew Hughes cleared off the line.
Adam Clayton had a powerful drive deflected just wide and when Robson’s angled shot was parried at full stretch by Casper Ankergren, Leigh Bromby completed the goalmouth clearance.
Carlisle’s reward arrived in the 21st minute. Evan Horwood’s high cross from the left was headed down by Richard Keogh for Republic of Ireland international Graham Kavanagh to control with his chest before smacking home an unstoppable right-foot effort from ten yards.
Beckford should have equalised in the 29th minute but could only send a gentle lob into the keeper’s hands and, after shooting against the far post nine minutes later, he fluffed yet another chance from a pass by Robert Snodgrass.
Ankergren made two excellent first-half saves from Kavanagh and Clayton and Carlisle held a one-goal advantage at the break.
Crowe, who had struggled defensively, got Leeds back on terms in the 56th minute, arriving at the far post to head home a cross from the left by Hughes and grab his first goal for the club.
With Leeds much improved, Crowe almost scored again soon afterwards, volleying close with Hughes again the provider, but Carlisle’s lead was restored six minutes from time when Harte’s free-kick from the right saw substitute Joe Anyinsah head a soft goal from six yards.
Oh and while I’m here, “breaking news”: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11671_5872317,00.html
Such is life.
