What The Locals Say.........

Last updated : 22 September 2003 By Kevin Markey
First off is Matt Reeder of the Yorkshire Post, he writes;

REFEREE Dermot Gallagher arrived at Elland Road with a reputation for attracting good fortune but departed having bestowed nothing but frustration and disappointment on Peter Reid's men.

His six-year record of not seeing Leeds United lose in any of the 18 matches he has officiated was shattered in spectacular style thanks to a string of highly controversial second half decisions.

In what was Gallagher's first appointment in West Yorkshire since his unique run was revealed last season, the Banbury-based official tipped the balance in favour of visitors Birmingham just when it seemed the two sides had cancelled each other out with some resolute and organised defending.

Deadlocked at 0-0, the man in black first awarded a dubious 78th-minute penalty as Roque Junior tangled – seemingly outside the area – with Mikael Forsell, then he sent off the Brazilian by issuing a second yellow card and finally he ordered the kick to be re-taken after Paul Robinson had pulled off a stunning save to deny David Dunn.

His assistant on the touchline had spotted the Leeds goalkeeper edging off his line too early and Robbie Savage was given the chance to try again from the spot – an opportunity the Welshman took with relish in front of his seated tormentors in the Elland Road stands.

Down to 10 men and having fallen behind at such a late stage, there was no way back for Reid's side and a second goal six minutes from time from Forsell rubbed more salt into the wounds and also ensured Gallagher's record came to an unsavoury end.

Defeat will have been all the more galling for those within the Leeds camp because they deserved a point at least from the encounter.

With Monday's 4-0 drubbing at Leicester still clear in the mind, the players went about their task with the right attitude, commitment and desire.

Junior's afternoon was soured by the harsh penalty and subsequent red card but the man who had looked so out-of-sorts against the Foxes on his debut certainly performed more like you would expect from a World Cup and Champions League winner.

His assured display at the back, alongside the already impressive rough diamond Zoumana Camara, will provide much hope for the future as will the non-stop buzzing of midfield man Salomon Olembe who, in his first start for the club, showed he should make a positive difference to the squad. His left foot looks dangerously accurate when passing, even though his four attempts at long-range shots went into orbit.

Indeed the only thing missing from United's make-up was a creative or finishing touch – an omission which would ultimately cost them dear as they failed to make the most of the extensive possession they enjoyed.

Alan Smith missed the best opportunity in a game of few clear-cut chances when he collected Mark Viduka's 69th minute knock-down and turned Kenny Cunningham neatly only to fire his low shot straight at goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

Having kept their hosts at arms length with some expert defending from Matthew Upson and Cunningham, Steve Bruce's side could also boast that extra touch of creative class in the mould of cunning Frenchman Christophe Dugarry and former Blackburn play-maker Dunn. Each played a role in the decisive final flurry of action.

Dougarry, who enjoyed an intriguing duel with fellow World Cup winner Junior throughout, demonstrated his quality touch and level of vision when his expertly weighted back-heel set Forsell away to win the dubious penalty and although Dunn saw his original spot-kick saved by Robinson, it was he who then delivered the defence-splitting pass which enabled Forsell to hit a second.

Gallagher walked off the pitch protected by a ring of security guards. Some fans clearly have such short memories.

Leeds United: Robinson; Kelly, Camara, Junior, Harte; Pennant, Morris, Olembe, Sakho (Lennon 81); Smith, Viduka.

Birmingham City: Taylor; Johnson, Cunningham, Upson, Clapham; Dunn (Morrison 90), Savage, Clemence, Lazaridis; Dugarry (Cisse 85), Forsell (Tebily 88).

Referee: D Gallagher (Banbury).

Leeds man of the match: Olembe.