Leeds United 4 Oxford City 0 – an inferno of wind. Leeds break their habit of winning 2-0 in the first half and use the inferno of wind blowing in the ground to breeze past Oxford City in the second half.
All the stats suggested a one-sided show – possession, winning second balls, defence – all pointed to an emphatic win for Leeds today. We were not disappointed. Leeds started on the front foot with a disallowed goal in the first minute followed by a James this time in the box to score instead of on the wing.
The main problem for Leeds at this point of the season is their poor away form with two away games in quick succession over the Christmas period. Dropped points could lead to Leeds going into January outside the promotion places. Whilst this victory was emphatic the next two matches are away.
The banana skin for Leeds this season has been the patient passing around the opposition box followed by a stray pass and a fast counter attack that Meslier inevitably concedes. Leeds then spend the rest of the match falling to break down a team that only rants to defend. That first goal changes the match. And James scored it.
This match saw Leeds score that first goal. But it could have all changed if Oxford City had then scored. Whilst they sprung the off side trap the forward then in a one on one with Meslier ballooned the ball into the stand. A big let off.
The rest of the first half was a dull affair. The conditions for football were awful. The corner flags were practically horizontal with the wind blowing. Lots of debris blew on the pitch. Most of the Oxford keeper’s goal kicks followed the wind into the West stand. Rothwell struggled with corners and free kicks as the ball wouldn’t stay put. The ball just would not go straight.
Leeds took advantage of the wind in the second half with patient play in the middle followed by darting runs down the wing. James was simply too good on the right. Solomon continues to grow in confidence and teased on the left.
Aaronson, not a natural fit as no. 10 keeps scoring to justify being started. With goals from Bogle, Solomon and Aaronson Leeds overwhelmed the Oxford defence. But Piroe struggled to assert himself.
In the last ten minutes the inferno of wind blowing around the pitch was added by swirling wind. Fans were also getting the worst of it and many left. But Joseph and Gnonto came on and peppered that Oxford goal, all but scoring.
Man of the match: Solomon who terrorised the Oxford defence.
