Reserves Get Return at Rovers

Last updated : 04 September 2003 By Kevin Markey
United's winner came from a thunderous 30-yard strike from Jamie Winter, the 18-year-old finding the back of the net on the hour, giving keeper Yelldell no chance.

In a lively encounter, both sides had by then been reduced to ten men after the home team had Gary Harkins sent off for dissent after 35 minutes, and then The Whites centre-half Simon Walton got his marching orders late in the first half after he clipped the heels of Rovers' Keith Barker on the edge of the area and was judged to have been the last man.

Coach Steve Agnew thought it was a harsh decision on the 15-year-old.

Birthday boy Scott Carson found himself the busiest of the two keepers, making a string of early saves from the Blackburn strikers, the best of which was from a free-kick ten minutes into the game.

Simon Johnson scored his second goal of the season with the opening goal on 40 minutes, firing home a loose ball after Aaron Lennon's shot was blocked.

Italian international Dino Baggio then clipped the bar before Blackburn equalised deep into first half injury time through Grabbi.

Winter restored United's advantage as Leeds rode their luck with Blackburn squandering chances, and then Carson conceded a penalty when he brought down Grabbi inside the area.

Fortunately he didn't have to make a save as Grabbi saw his shot rebound off the inside of the post. Carson was called upon again later to tip away another shot as United held on.

Leeds' man of the match was Carson, and Domi had a good run out too.
All in all, it was a good performance from Steve Agnew's young side.

Leeds: Carson, McStay, Domi, Keegan, Walton, Constable, Lennon, Woods, McMaster, Winter, Simon Johnson. Subs: Krief, Coyles, Armstrong, Stiens, Gray.