Bristol squander 2-0 to Lead to United
Bristol City let a 2-goal lead slip, drawing 2-2 at Elland Road. Paul Heckingbottom’s first home game in charge of LeedsLeeds saw him narrowly miss a dream start.
Diedhiou & Reid fashion Bristol early lead
Early strikes from Diedhiou and Reid earned the away side a 2 goal lead after 15 minutes. The cushion was though an impressive second half comeback with goals from Lassoga and Roofe to denying City the 3 points.
Bristol City are now 8 points off 2nd placed Cardiff, who they face next Sunday. They are also facing a trip to Fulham midweek.
Leeds are now 8 points off 6th placed City, having not won any of their last 8 league matches.
Bristol are only 3 points ahead of Preston, thus dropping 2 points from a winning position once again.
Rocking Robins?
Having let a 3-goal slip to Sunderland last week, Lee Johnson has seen history repeat itself ahead of two huge games against promotion rivals this week.
Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom said following the game: “As the game went on there was only one team going to win it and it was going to be us.”
With reference to their play-off hopes, Heckingbottom added: “If you’re taking points above the teams above you you’re always in with a shout.”
A disappointed Lee Johnson said: “Second half we were a little stretched. We will go back to the drawing board and try and correct that.”
Defence has been to Elland Back
Leeds poor start was reflected by their shambolic defending from set pieces. Magnussen hurled the ball into the box after ten minutes, causing panic when Felix Wiedwald came off his line to drop the ball to Diedhiou, who calmly rolled the ball into the net.
Just five minutes later, having failed to deal with the first long throw, Wiedwald stayed on his line only to watch the defence to fail to clear the loose ball. This allowed Marlon Pack to drill the ball across the six yard box to goal-hungry Bobby Died, who tapped home.
The atmosphere at Elland Road  makes a tough away trip for any side. However, after their 4-1 home defeat to Cardiff and to rivals Sheffield United last week, the negative vibe worked in the away sides’ favour.
Pressured Leeds players struggled to settle and re-group. Confidence lost in themselves reflected in the spectators reaction.
Ironic jeers could be heard each time their own ‘keeper caught the ball following earlier mistakes, and high pressure from the Bristol front line forced  several errors.
Aden Flint was inches from connecting with Ryan Kent’s corner on forty minutes, and could have been awarded a penalty when he was dragged back by Pennington, who struggled to keep tabs on him.
Leeds’ defence will be a worry for new boss Heckingbottom. His side conceded twice in front of home fans. Now having conceded four in theirg ames against Cardiff and Millwall.
The first half lost its tempo as it drew to a close, with Leeds trying to apply the pressure but failing to find Lassoga and Ekuban in dangerous positions up front.
Downhill after Brownhill
City came close to making it three just before the hour mark, winning the ball high up with pitch. Brownhill crossed to Diedhiou whose bullet header was fumbled by the keeper, who had a day to forget.
With 20 minutes to go, Pierre Lassoga volleyed home Pablo Hernandez’s right wing cross. This followed a long spell in possession, allowing the fans to get behind the team again.
Utilising the momentum, they went on to equalise. Kemar Roofe tapped home at the far post following a quality corner ball from Spaniard Hernandez once again.
Kemar raises the Roofe
In truth it was a deserved win. After missing two clear cut chances from headers, with Kalvin Phillips firing over inside the six yard box. Lassoga smacking the bar saw the games last action.
Leeds now face a tough midweek trip to Pride Park, where they face Derby County. Gary Rowett’s side are also vying for promotion.
Bristol City will be looking to put these past two draws behind them. They must soon face Fulham. Hoping the Londoners will fail to increase the gap when they face Wolves on Sunday.