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Chapter 34

After the game though Everton came in with a £4m bid for Kilgallon and with other clubs just offering contracts to the lad, the offer was accepted, now it's down to him wheather he joins. He would be available to play in their massive Champions League tie against AC Milan but with other options on the table it's touch and go really. Other transfer news is that both Wigan and Cardiff made formal bids for Leven and Einarsson. If the players agree terms they will leave at the end of the season with Wigan paying £200k for Leven and Cardiff dishing out £500k for Einarsson. Both players have disappointed this season and will more than likely agree terms which would add to Batty's transfer kitty for next term. Batty sent out loan bids for Tomas Kuszczak a goalkeeper currently playing for West Brom and Tony McMahon, a 19 year old Middlesborough right back, other clubs have made offers but i'm hoping someone will chose to join us...i mean jesus, do we have the plague or something?

Einarsson agreed to his end of season move to Cardiff but Leven is still mauling over a move after offers from Sunderland and Celtic came in, the club expect an outcome in the next few days. The next match in our colourful season will mean the 2nd reunion of the brothers Warner as we host Leicester in a televised game, however with it being at home i'll be going to the match. We'll be looking for 2 things, revenge for the 3-0 thumping we were handed at the Walker Stadium and a win, i know their the same thing but i'm not exactly a college genius am i?...Unlessss..no. Just before the game Lewis went down with a cold and was sent home but Shaun Derry returns after a thigh strain. We had a loan offer for Ricardo Vaz Te accepted along with Derby and are looking good to complete the deal. Southampton and Palace both drew so a win for us on the Sunday would mean our lead is increased to 7 points. On the Sunday morning Kilgallon signed for Everton for £4m. I wish him luck, rather he'd stayed with us until the end of the season but, if it meant losing him for beans maybe it's better he goes now. With that money in the bank bids for Billy Jones of Crewe and Daniel Agger of Bromby were sent out, both believe to be around £2m and a £275k bid for Central striker Pablo Vitti was also registered.

Leeds Utd Vs Leicester City, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Bocanegra, Gregan (C), Kelly, Douglas, Whelan, Walton, Blake, Horsfield, Warner (Subs) Lancaster, Nyatanga, Richardson, Derry, Hulse.

I had to be up earlier than i like to be to make this game, a 12 midday kick off but a cup of a tea and a burger woke me up some, gotta stop these late nights of boozing. The ref kicked off proceedings and i was hoping that Bocanegra could hold up in place of the now departed Kilgallon. I got my answer after just 5mins. Walton stupidly tried to find the keeper with a back pass, Hughes collected, rounded Bocanegra and slotted home. It didn't last long though, we earned ourselves and corner, Whelan whipped it out to the back post and Blake slammed a header home and it didn't take long for us to gain the lead. Again a corner but from the right this time. He aimed for the near post, it was cleared but only as far as Blake on the edge of the 18 yard box and he lashed a vicious looking volley past Pamma in the Leicester goal. We were still looking a bit shaky at the back but we managed to get another goal from a corner. Again, whipped in by Whelan to the near post. Warner's headed flick hit the bar and Horsfield cleaned things up from 4 yards out. We seemed to have settled at the back, Walton and Blake had chances to increase the lead but wasted them. Half time came around and a nervy start had turned into a good first half perfomance.

The second half began with me sipping on a cup of hot choc, eating a hot dog. The game died, no real chances from either side although we had more of the possession. With 20mins left Batty looked to inject some life into the game. Warner, Blake and Whelan came off for Hulse, Richardson and Derry. The game was still dull but the last 10mins brought us 2 goals. The first came when Harding dribbed out of his own half before pinging a brilliant ball ahead of Horsfield, he managed to hook it back across goal at the byline and Hulse made no mistake with his 6th goal of the season. The other came with a minute to go, Richardson wrestled the ball off Hughes before scampering down the wing, he played it to Hulse who crossed low and Horsfield slotted home completly unmarked. Great result, 7 points clear at the top...what more could you ask for? Douglas was named man of the match.

F/T: Leeds Utd 5-1 Leicester City

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Chapter 35

Our offer for Pablo Vitti was accepted, the 20-year old looked good from the clips i saw on the news so hopefuly we can sign him and add some south american flair to our attack (not that it needs any more flair). With the transfer window drawing to a close more offers came in, one worth £2.4m for David Healy, it was turned down as soon as it was made so i hear. The other offers were for Kelly and Blake which were also turned down. Next week see's our biggest game of the season so far, we travel to Spurs hoping to kill another Premiership giant. Spurs are currently 5th in the league, chasing Manchester United for that last Champions League place, it's gonna be a tough match, especially without Kilgallon but i'm sure by the time the game comes we'll have a new defender in to aid us in our quest for the cup.

On the tuesday our bids for Agger and Jones were rejected but from what i hear we issued another bid to Crewe for Jones, believed to be in the region of £2.5m. He's supposed to be highly rated and it would be great to have him here as he fits the bill being only 18 years old. On the same day Michael Ricketts was released. He hasn't played a game all season and doesn't figure in Batty's future plans so his contract has been paid up and he'll leave by the end of the week. No big loss in my view. In the League Cup, Arsenal will play Bolton in the final. Arsenal thrashed Ipswich (justice!) while Bolton beat Everton to set up a top of the table clash for the Carling Cup final at the end of Ferbuary.

Thursday brought more disappointment in the transfer market as Pablo Vitti joined Independiente. Can't blame the lad, may have wanted to stay close to home. However our transfer saga's continued as Batty launched another raid for 20 year old full back Gary Borrowdale, the bid is supposed to be around the £900k mark so, hopefuly he's worth the money should Palace let him go. One player who is coming to Leeds is Billy Jones after Crewe accepted Batty's increased offer, he signed a 2 year deal much to the delight of the other fans but he won't be included in the squad to face Spurs as he is cup tied. Also our bid for Borrowdale was accepted.

Tottenham Hotspur Vs Leeds United, F.A. Cup 4th round: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Soley, Gregan (C), Kelly, Lewis, Douglas, Walton, Blake, Horsfield, Warner (Subs) Lancaster, Bocanegra, Richardson, Whelan, Healy.

The trip down to Spurs was good, lots of chat between the fans about our new signing, promotion and how bad England have become. We arrived in London full of Antisipation and were soon seated, ready for the game to get going. We were at full strength with Lewis returning and hoped he could make the difference.

The ref got things underway and we all cheered, but the cheering wouldn't be frequent. Spurs looked like a class act and while not full strength, they had some familar faces, Keane, Robinson, Lennon and even Bernard. They started very much in control of the match with us chasing them most of the time. They came close in the 8th minute, Davids got free of Walton and laced one right at Bennett, the ball came out and Keane headed over from 6 yards. We weren't looking good, they were starving Warner of the ball and after 20mins of pressure they took the lead. Gardener cleared, Gregan was too slow to get to the ball and Bernard crossed and found Keane almost unmarked. Let down as Soley looked half asleep at time. They continued to press but made nothing stick. We came into the game alot more, Lewis and Horsfield were causing problems and our first major chance came just before the half. Blake and Kelly linked up well before finding Walton and his through ball released Warner, his shot was saved well by Robinson. The half ended just as we were starting to threaten the Spurs goal.

After a cup of tea and a mars bar i was back in my seat for the second half. We started just as we'd finished, going at Spurs with all we had. Horsfield was playing like a man possessed. And then, it happened. We scored! Spurs were pushed forward, Kelly released a long hopeful pass which Horsfield collected, he ran it into the area and slotted home as cool as ya like at the near post. We were going insane in the away stand. As Chris Kamara would say, "Unbeleveeeeable!" We didn't let up either, Warner and Blake forcing a couple of great saves from Robinson. Batty made changes with half hour to go, Lewis coming off for Bocanegra who went to left back with Harding moving into left midfield and Richardson came on for Blake. We continued to press them and we were getting in behind them so many times it was really untrue. With 10mins left Batty ordered them to look for the win and look for it they did. Again we caught them off guard, Warner raced onto Richardson's long pass. He reached the area with options, Robinson came out, he squared it and Walton slammed the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards. There isn't a word i can think of for the way we reacted. It was absolutly incredible. Little old Leeds United beating Big old Spurs...incredible. The last 10mins were nervey to say the least. Finally the 3rd official held up the board. 3 mins. However just as i was looking towards the board Robinson hoofed a free kick foward, Keane collected and laid off to Kelly who slipped through our wide open defence and drove it into the near corner. So close yet so far. It was disappointing but as the whistle came we could be proud of our perfomance. Soley was amazing in the 2nd half, didn't give em a sniff really and Walton at times was running rings round Davids. Soley was man of the match.

F/T: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Leeds United

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Chapter 36

After the heroic's of our draw with Spurs things returned to normal for a couple of days. The rest of the cup games didn't really yield anything amazing. All the regulars were through to the next round although Man City, Newcastle and of course Spurs would all have to go through replays to get to the latter stages. Speaking of Newcastle though, the Monday morning draw for the 5th round pitted Sheffield Utd or Newcastle Utd against us or Spurs. So a win could mean either another big premiership tie or a Yorkshire derby and an easier route into the 6th round. Time would tell i suppose. Tuesday night will see us travel to Norwich. They are one of only 2 teams that i can think of who have stopped us scoring and the only team we've drew against all season...with the exception of Spurs that is. Billy Jones could start his first game as a Leeds Utd player but we'll have to wait and see what Batty does. Just before the match Borrowdale rejected a move so, he can get stuffed really. The reason in say this is because he felt a move to Leeds would be and i quote "A step down"..idiot.

Norwich City Vs Leeds United, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Soley, Gregan (C), Kelly, Lewis, Douglas, Walton, Blake, Horsfield, Warner (Subs) Lancaster, Bocanegra, Richardson, Whelan, Healy.

Noriwch go into this game having only conceded 8 goals at home all season, great record but we'd be hoping to add a few to that tally. I settled in with the missus and turned to the sports centre to keep track of the match. We kicked off but Norwich were the one's with the drive and it showed after 15mins. Ashton beat Harding to Drury's clearence and crossed for McKenzie to head home. We didn't lay down and take it though, 8 mins later we were level. Horsfield strength won through as Colin challenged and he powered a low shot past the keeper to even the scores. We had a couple more chances but we wasted them and we were made to pay. Henderson zipped a free kick in from the left and crossed for McKenzie, he nodded it out to the edge of the area and Doherty's first time shot was deflected in off Soley's leg and a minute later they had another. A short corner was collected by Henderson, he beat Blake and Walton before curling one into the top corner. We we sounded bloody useless. Half time couldn't come quicker and we were looking like falling to our 7th defeat of the season as the half ended.

The second half didn't bring much joy either, we were second best to everything and it wasn't long before Norwich extended their lead. Henderson played a free kick on the edge of the area short to Doherty, his shot across goal was palmed out right to the feet of Ashton who couldn't miss even if he tried to. Batty made changes after that, Warner, Walton and Lewis came off for Healy, Whelan and Bocanegra. We were still struggling and Ashton almost heaped more woe on us when he hit the cross bar from 20 yards. We managed to get a goal back, Bocanegra crossed and Healy got in a glancing header to soften the blow a little. The game ended and we trugged off the pitch. Disappointing in every sence of the word.

F/T: Norwich City 4-2 Leeds Utd

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Chapter 37

As if defeat wasn't bad enough for us, fate added insult to injury. Bennett picked up a knock and will miss anything upto 2 weeks meaning Lancaster will get called in. After the game Batty looked far from pleased and promised changes for our next match at home to Sheffield Wednesday. He called the defence a shambles and the attack as blunt as a spoon. He was right in every sence of the word to be honest. The next day the monthly player awards were given out. Walton was the only one to win anything as he picked up Young player of the month but Hansey Aljofree became the first player none Leeds Utd player this season to pick up a player award. Chelsea sit top of the Premiership, 2 points ahead of both Arsenal and Bolton. Liverpool lay 4th with a game in hand over the teams above them. Here's the league and scorers charts as they stood at the end of January,

(Pld) (W) (D) (L) (F) (A) (Pts)

1. Leeds United (31) (23) (1) (7) (113) (39) 70pts
2. Crystal Palace (31) (19) (6) (6) (74) (38) 63pts
3. Southampton (31) (19) (6) (6) (56) (36) 63pts
4. Norwich City (31) (16) (8) (7) (50) (27) 56pts
5. Wolves (31) (16) (8) (7) (44) (27) 56pts
6. Cardiff City (31) (15) (7) (9) (50) (42) 52pts

Scorers table,

1. Matt Warner (Leeds United) 41 goals
2. Geoff Horsfield (Leeds United) 31 goals
3. Jon Macken (Crystal Palace) 23 goals
4. Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace) 19 goals
5. Dean Ashton (Norwich City) 18 goals

Even now looking over the tables i'm in slight awe. We've already broken the record for goals in a championship season and Warner having done already and Horsfield looking like he'll break the goal scoring records i'm even more confident that with 15 games to go were a shoe in for promotion. We still have yet to play Palace and Southampton away but thats for thinking about another day. Our lead remains in tact because Southampton lost 1-0 at home to Stoke meaning we have the only unbeaten home record now and i hope it stays in tact for the rest of the season.

Leeds United Vs Sheffield Wednesday, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Lancaster, Harding, Jones, Gregan (C), Kelly, Douglas, Whelan, Derry, Blake, Horsfield, Healy. (Subs) Soley, Bocanegra, Richardson, Walton, Hulse.

As promised, changes were made, Jones, Derry and Healy came into the starting line-up with Warner being left out of the squad. It was a big match for us, last time they turned us over 3-1 but we needed a win to keep the confidence up. The whistle sounded and the game began although it started tamely. We had more of the ball but didn't really create. Healy and Horsfield had oppertunities but wasted them really. Generally we were becoming more and more dominant and around half way through we gained the lead. Whelan was brought down 25 yards from goal and Blake delivered the perfect free kick which just got inside the near post. Great goal and a more than welcome sight. Sheff Wednesday came into the game a little more and were causing problems and they looked like they'd got an equaliser as Graham got away from Jones but his goal was disallowed for offside. I breathed a sigh of relief. With the half approaching we turned it up a little bit and again found the net. Derry won the ball brilliantly in midfield, played it to Healy. He took the carried to ball, drawing defenders to him before releasing to Horsfield who caught the keeper off his line with a beautiful first time lob. The crowd enjoyed it and he looked like he did aswell. The whistle came with a cheer and most disappeared to get some food. I just sat and had a cig while i waited.

The second half started and where do i begin? I'd love to go into great detail about all this but i can't, if i did i'd be giving you details on the other 9 goals we managed to score. Healy netted 5, Whelan scored a 30 yard screamer, Jones scored on his debut from 25 yards after a corner wasn't cleared properly, Horsfield got another one before being subsituted. Douglas chipped the keeper at the byline and scored a wonder goal and Peacock missed a penalty. Healy was named man of the match. Job done really.

Leeds United 11-0 Sheffield Wednesday

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Chapter 38

If the win wasn't good enough already, Palace lost to Plymouth 1-0 and Southampton were beaten 4-3 by Cardiff meaning we had a 10 point lead at the top of the table. Jones was incredible, confident and assured, never looked in danger of being beaten be it on the ground or in the air. Now people know why we paid close to £3m for him, great defending, fabulous passing and good for a goal and Lancaster, didn't have much to do but when he did have do something he did it well. Great distribution and a good pair of hands on top, i feel alot better knowing he can do the job when he has to. On monday i was sat in the office, looking through the PlanetFootball website while i ate my lunch and i almost choked when i saw this,

"Warner called up to England squad."

It's about damn time, i was beginning to think Sven didn't read the papers. England were due to face Turkey and i was made up for the lad, he's been the best in the league by a country mile this term. One thing i did forget to mention was who England were drawn with for the World Cup group stages. We ended up with Ghana, Jamaica and that other nobody team called Brazil. A good group all in all, 2 wins should be good enough for us to go through. However we would kick of Germany 2006 with our opening game against the worlds best team so, it was looking bigger and bigger by the day. A week passed and again i found myself in my seat at Elland Road for our huge F.A. Cup 4th round replay against Spurs.

Leeds United Vs Tottenham Hotspur, F.A. Cup 4th round replay: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Bocanegra, Gregan (C), Kelly, Douglas, Whelan, Derry, Horsfield, Healy (Subs) Lancaster, Nyatanga, Richardson, Walton, Warner.

Only changes to the side which battered Sheff Wednesday were Bocanegra replacing the cup tied Jones and Bennett returning from injury, otherwise it's the same squad. We were singing well before we kicked off and when we did the singing slowly stopped. The game started slowly but it soon stopped completely for us as Spurs took the lead. Mido skinned Bocanegra before slotting it home and they added a second a few minutes later. Lennon's cross found Mido's head, his effort hit the bar and Keane got away from his man to finish. We perked up after that and began to control the game. Horsfield and Healy were both getting closer and closer while Douglas was causing problems down the left flank with Harding. The half ended and we looked alot better but we were still struggling to cope with Mido and Keane's excellent link up play.

The second half was one of the most boring i've seen, neither side created chances to make things more interesting. Batty changed things around not long after the half started, Healy, Douglas and Derry were replaced by Warner, Nyatanga and Walton but it didn't inject any spark into the game and our F.A. Cup challenge ended with a whimper. We weren't out done to be perfectly honest but we didn't look the same side as the one who came so close to beating them a few weeks ago.

Leeds United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

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Chapter 39

The defeat was disappointing but we'd have our chance to make things right next season i was hoping. With both cups out of the way the team could concentrate fully on the league and our last 14 games of the season. The last stretch of the season starts away to Stoke. I reckon they'll be changes but i have no idea who.

Stoke City Vs Leeds United, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Jones, Gregan (C), Kelly, Lewis, Soley, Walton, Blake, Horsfield, Warner (Subs) Lancaster, Bocanegra, Richardson, Douglas, Hulse.

We kicked off the game and Stoke took advantage with just 40 seconds on the clock. Bangoura got away from Gregan with ease and powered home a header to give them the lead. Crap start but after that we settled quickly and started creating chances, sadly though Stoke were equal to everything we threw at them, Simonsen making some wonderful saves to foil our strikers. With 25mins gone we managed to find a way back into the game. Blake switched the play with a lovely cross field pass, Lewis made space for himself and crossed for Warner who headed into the top corner for his first goal in 6 games. We were back in it and we weren't letting up, constant attack almost but again we paid the price for defending poorly. Gallagher got ahead of Jones and tapped in Lettinga's low cross on the brink of half time, Batty didn't seem a happy man. Half time followed straight after and we looked very out of sorts.

We were struggling in a big way to cope with the cleaver play of Bougoura and Gallagher but Warner was looking good and alot more lively than he has in recent weeks. The second half started and we almost got back on level terms, Horsfields header forcing a save. After that we continued to attack but wasted out chances. Richardson managed to get free in the 18 yard box but shot wide from 12 yards and Lewis missed a sitter, hitting the side netting instead of the open goal. The game ended and it was another poor performance. Our form is starting to slip and i hate to say it but were really missing Kilgallon's presence at the back.

F/T: Stoke City 2-1 Leeds United

Despite the defeat, Sky Sports news confirmed that Leeds had offered David Batty a new 4 year contract after his fantastic work at the club since joining in June 2005 and he promptley accepted the deal, much to the delight of Ken Bates. In a press conference he made it known that he and the board were amazed by the way he's taken the club to the top of the league and are hoping he can lead us to bigger and better things. Sean Gregan spoke on behalf of the players (as captains do) and spoke of his joy that Batty would be at the helm next season. As for me, i think he's a brilliant manager and i reckon he's the one who can lead us back into Europe some day.

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Chapter 40

Milwall Vs Leeds United, Chamiponship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Jones, Gregan (C), Kelly, Lewis, Douglas, Walton, Blake, Healy, Warner. (Subs) Lancaster, Bocanegra, Richardson, Whelan, Horsfield.

Again we were away and hopfuly Batty signing a new deal can give the squad enough boost to inspire a win. We kicked off the action after winning the coin toss and my wishes for a boost were granted. It would take me a while to go into things but by the time 25mins had come round on the score board we were 5-0 up. Warner netted an impressive hat trick, 2 well times volleys and one headed goal. Healy scored a fabulous chip as we caught them on the break and Blake beat 2 men before shooting through a crowded penalty area to score his 11th goal of the season to put us in cruise control. Just before the half time whistle came Millwall got one back through Simpson, he collected a pass with his back to goal, turned and shot past a slow looking Bennett to make it 1-5 at the half.

The second half started at a slower pace that the first. Millwall were making alot more chances for themselves but nothing spectactular, we were the same and with 20mins to go Batty changed things around. Warner came off for Horsfield and Whelan replaced Douglas in the centre and both made the difference. Whelan was first to add his say to the game, he dribbled the ball from his own area before dinking the ball over the top of the defence. Horsfield collected and laid off to Healy who smashed home low at the near post and Healy completed his hat trick 30seconds later. Straight from kick off Millwall gifted the ball to Lewis, he ran it down the wing quickly and crossed for Healy to glance home a header and his hat trick goal. Millwall started to create alot more and Simpson almost punished us again as he ran almost unchalleged through the middle before shooting against the cross bar. With a few moments left we added to our fantastic scoring record. Blake won the ball well in the final 3rd of the pitch. He moved into the 18 yard box, laid it back and Whelan fired a rocket from the edge of the area which hit Millwall where it hurt once more. The game ended, we had the 3 points and could go home happier. Healy was named man of the match.

F/T: Millwall 1-8 Leeds United

In other results Southampton lost 4-1 away to QPR while Crystal Palace won. The Champions League also resumed with Everton coming close to a massive upset, they were 3-2 up a minute to go before Vieri equalised. A good draw for them but tough going to the San Siro. Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal picked up wins, although nothing as spectacular as Everton's result. Middlesborough anmd Liverpool progressed in the Uefa cup. We recieved some bad news, Jones picked up his 5th yellow of the season in the Milwall game and will serve a 1 match ban. He's impressed me so far this season, he looks like a very talented and confident player. The next Jonny Woodgate perhaps? Another player who will miss out will be Matt Warner who in training pulled up with Injury meaning he won't play for England in their friendly with Turkey. It's really unlucky for the lad as he's just started scoring goals after a small drought but i'm sure he'll bounce back. He'll be out for a minimum of 2 weeks with a pulled hamstring.

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Chapter 41

Brighton and Hove Albion Vs Leeds United, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Bocanegra, Gregan (C), Kelly, Lewis, Douglas, Walton, Blake, Hulse, Healy. (Subs) Lancaster, Nyatanga, Richardson, Whelan, Horsfield.

Leeds start with a new attacking partnership in Hulse and Healy. Many believed this would be the main pairing for the entire season but neither has had much luck with injuries. Both have played well when they've started so we'll have to see how well they link up. We kicked things off and as normal, took the lead after a few minutes. Walton dispossessed Winter and threaded a ball through the middle. Hulse got on the end of it and shot first time into the bottom corner to give us the lead after just 4mins. We kept up the pressure but didn't really come close to adding another until the 27th minute. Walton again at the heart of it as he dribbled down the middle before passing left to Douglas, he found space and shot into the top corner from 18 yards to double the lead. Another good goal for him. The game evened out, mainly being played in the middle of the park, both defences equal to what was throw at them. Half time came and we went in the happier.

The second half began with nothing of real interest worth mentioning. We weren't troubled by brighton in the slightest and half way through the half changes were made. Nytanga came on for Lewis and Healy made way for Horsfield. We started to press down a little but harder and soon found ourselves with a pentalty. Hardings strong run was halted by a Dublin foul in the area leaving them with no excuse. Blake stepped up but the keeper saved the penalty and the rebound brilliantly to frustrate us. Not long after however Blake made up for it by latching onto Gregan's through ball and directing it past the on coming keeper. Horsfield added a 4th before half time. Blake pestering them down the right before crossing, the ball pinged around before it landed at the feet of Horsfield who just had to tap it into the net. The game ended shortly after, Hulse came close and Brighton forced a finger tip save from Bennett but we collect the 3 points and looked good throughout. Walton was man of the match.

Brighton and Hove Albion 0-4 Leeds United

The sunday saw Bolton take on Arsenal in the league cup final. It was a great game, not a dull moment throughout. Arsenal won 4-2 but Bolton put up a good fight from start to finish. Gilberto, Reyes (2) and Ljungberg got the goals for Arsenal while Davis and Nolan netted for Bolton. Crystal Palace also lost, they went down 2-1 at Selhurst Park to Sheffield Wednesday. Speaking of Wednesday, the moring brought around the monthly player awards. Walton again scoped young player with Jones in second. Blake won player of the month and Whelan's goal against Sheff Wednesday got him goal of the month. The Premiership table makes for interesting reading. Chelsea lead Bolton and Arsenal by 5 points, Liverpool sit 6 points behind the champions in 4th with a game in hand while Fulham, Blackburn and Wigan occupy the relegation places. Here's how the Championship looked at the start of March,

(Pld) (W) (D) (L) (F) (A) (Pts)

1. Leeds United (35) (26) (1) (8) (137) (42) 79pts
2. Southampton (36) (21) (7) (8) (65) (46) 70pts
3. Crystal Palace (35) (20) (7) (8) (80) (45) 67pts
4. Norwich City (35) (17) (10) (8) (53) (31) 61pts
5. Wolves (35) (17) (10) (8) (51) (34) 61pts
6. Cardiff City (35) (17) (10) (8) (51) (36) 61pts

Scorers charts,

1. Matt Warner (Leeds United) 45 goals
2. Geoff Horsfield (Leeds United) 34 goals
3. Jon Macken (Crystal Palace) 23 goals
4. Andy Johnson (Crystal Palace) 21 goals
5. Stefan Moore (QPR) 20 goals

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Chapter 42

With just 11 games left of the season the whole community around Leeds Utd was in boyant mood. We still had a fair way to go but with a game in hand and a 9 point lead at the top things were looking good and by now i was praying that we won the league as i'd be the proud owner of 30,000 english pounds as would my brothers and dad who also put money on us to win the league. Our next game would be our first one at home in a while and we'd be hosting Hull City. Greagan is suspended and Warner is still missing with injury.

Leeds United Vs Hull City, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Jones, Bocanegra, Kelly (C), Lewis, Douglas, Walton, Blake, Hulse, Healy. (Subs) Lancaster, Nyatanga, Richardson, Whelan, Horsfield.

My dad, brothers and i settled into our seat, the usual talk of Leeds Utd and other household crap kept us entertained until the teams stepped out for the start of the match and Hull got things going and we almost gained the lead straight away. Douglas cleared and Hulse beat the offside trap but the keeper saved as he was trying to round him. We did take the lead though after 15mins of play, Walton was fouled in the area, the ref gave the penalty and Blake fired straight down the middle to give us the lead. We looked for a second but Hull began to peg us into our own half and they soon found an equaliser. Woodhouse played a long ball through the middle, Bocanegra was second best and McPhee volleyed low past Bennett from 12 yards. They had another 5 mins before half time, McPhee again only this time Welsh's cross from deep was met with a header which beat Bennett at his near post. They kept on pressing us aswell and we were looking sluggish to say the least. We didn't roll over though and the chants from the home support drove the lads on. Blake found Healy with a forward pass, his cross from the byline was terrible but Lewis collected on the left wing and whipped it in to the unmarked Hulse who made no mistake with the header. 2-2 at half time and a very even match so far.

The second half was a little delayed but the action soon resumed and we went searching for the lead. However again we looked sloppy at the back and we were made to pay when Bocanegra again was second best to the ball, McPhee got on the end of Barmby's cross and nudged the ball past Bennett to complete his hat-trick. We didn't really look like getting the equaliser, even when Horsfield, Whelan and Richardson came on to add a bit of pow to our attack. The game ended tamely and the Elland Road fortress came crashing down. Our first home defeat of the season and a massivly disappointing one.

F/T: Leeds United 2-3 Hull City

Despite the disappointment of losing, we took some joy from the fact that both our title rivals also lost. Southampton were beaten 1-0 away to Burnley while Palaces trip to Millwall yielded a 2-1 defeat for them so we still have our 9 point lead going into the last 10 games of the season. Were on the home straight and so close to an epic title win. Yes, ok it's only the championship but it's a piece of silverware and hopefuly the first of many piece's under David Batty's guidence.

retired_sfa97

Chapter 43

Robbie Blake's season ended today, he suffered a torn hamstring and will be out for anywhere between 2 and 3 months recovering from the injury, Bocanegra also suffered injury but will only miss the next couple of weeks with it. Next up for us is the visit of Reading before our top of the table crunch tie with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Derry was also complaining about first team football but Batty set him straight. I very much doubt he'll be with us next season should we gain promotion and with a few teams interested we should be able to fetch a good price for him.

Leeds United Vs Reading, Championship: (Starting Line-Up) Bennett, Harding, Jones, Gregan (C), Kelly, Lewis, Douglas, Walton, Bakke, Horsfield, Healy. (Subs) Lancaster, Nyatanga, Richardson, Whelan, Hulse.

Again in my famailar seat i glanced over my programme as the teams were called out. Gregan returns from suspension and Bakke starts in place of the injured Blake. They won the coin toss and started of procedings with a bang. Jones cleared, Horsfield collected and after muscling past Fletcher he cut inside and curled one into the top corner after 4mins. We added another half way through the half after much pressure. Healy was bundled over in the area by Murty and Healy converted the resulting penalty, firing low to the keepers right. With half time approaching we were still very much in control. With Gregan and Jones we looked alot more solid at the back and just on the brink of the half we got ourselves another goal. Lewis teased the Reading defenders before crossing to an unmarked Horsfield who flicked it on and into the goal. Much better from us and we went in ahead by 3.

The second half gave us much of the same. We were dominating and powerful all over the pitch and we got a deserved 4th goal after 10mins of play. Murty again fouled what looked to be inside the area but a free kick was given instead. Lewis played it in and Healy's header hit the post before finding the back of the net. We were still dominating but Reading pulled a goal back. Convey found space to cross and our defence were asleep as Doyle flicked a header in at the near post. Reading's fight back was killed off shortly after however when Lewis powered down the left wing before playing it to Horsfield, he played the perfect ball across the goalmouth between defence and keeper for Healy to squeeze it in at the back post. With 10mins left Batty made changes, Hulse, Whelan and Richardson replaced Healy, Douglas and Bakke. It wasn't a frantic 10mins but we managed to find 1 more goal. Lewis' cross from his own half looked to be heading for the keepers arms but Hulse raced in out of nowhere and nicked it past him to round off another excellent win. The whistle brought an end to another classic night at Elland Road and we go away with a massive 12 point lead with 9 games left to play meaning 5 more wins and we would win the Championship. Healy got man of the match.

F/T: Leeds United 6-1 Reading

The next morning while looking over the Leeds United website i discovered that Lewis picked up an injury last night and won't be fit for the trip to Crystal Palace at the weekend. A win over Palace would be another step closer to the going up as Champions. We are 14 points ahead of them in the league, a win for us would mean they'll have to battle it out with Southampton for the last automatic promotion place. The days leading upto the match were quiet and nothing worth mentioning really happened, i imagine that Batty was focusing all his thoughts on the big game and making sure his players were in the right frame of mind for it.