Leeds 2 Watford 1 - report

By Andy Baggott
March 3 2006

Leeds came back from a goal down to record a vital 2-1 victory in an extraordinary match last night. With Reading and Sheff Utd drawing, Blackwells men knew a win against 3rd placed Watford was imperative.

The first half was evenly matched, Blake and Lewis denied by good saves, and Gregan hitting the bar, as both teams showed touches of form. Just before the break though, Watford drew first blood – Ashley Young firing in an unstoppable free kick in front of the kop.

Leeds came out for the second half a different side. They changed to a 4-4-2 formation and took the game to the visitors. Blake had a goal disallowed for offside, before we deservedly got level. Hulse ceased upon a weak back pass, and rounded Foster in the Watford goal, before being hauled down. A penalty was awarded, as was a red card. Foster, who had looked impressive could have no complaints about the dismissal. Blake stepped up and fired an unstoppable penalty into the corner. Four minutes later and the game swung further Leeds’ way, when Darius Henderson was rightly sent off for an elbow into the face of Gregan. It was 11 against 9 now, and only one team was going to win it. Watford though showed why they are the divisions form team, as they dug in and defended heroically. Eventually though the winner came. Sub Cresswell broke down the left and squared to Healy-his mis kick bounced to Blake who rifled it into the roof of the net from 8 yards.
There was still time for Cresswell to have an effort ruled out for offside, before the final whistle blew, and Leeds knew that the race fro second was firmly on.