Lakenheath Old Boys

We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Are Leeds Real Promotion Hopefuls?

My beloved Leeds United are likely on a hiding to nothing today against league leaders Newcastle. But if we can get something out of this match in front of a packed house at Elland Road, I'm going to start to believe we have a chance at promotion. Join me for all the action this morning!

164 Comments:

Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm getting to this one a wee bit late and watching on my phone using the link that UWS gave me yesterday.

8:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The teams news for today's match:

Leeds United
Green; Ayling, Jansson, Bartley, Taylor; O’Kane, Phillips; Doukara, Vieira, Roofe; Wood. Subs: Silvestri, Cooper, Sacko, Berardi, Grimes, Dallas, Antonsson.

Newcastle United
Darlow; Anita, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Colback, Shelvey; Ritchie, Gouffran, Perez; Gayle. Subs: Sels, Yedlin, Mbemba, Hayden, Diame, Atsu, Mitrovic.

Referee: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire)

8:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bugger! As I join the link, Rob Green drops a real spanner. A nothing lofted into the area by Jack Colback should have been routine for Green, but he drops it right at the feet of league top scorer Dwight Gayle, who says thank you very much.

Newcastle 0-1 up!

8:54 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Taylor gets into the box and stumbles over Anita, looking for a penalty. Nothing doing from Referee Scott.

8:56 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Leeds have a corner now - come on!

8:57 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Leeds are finally putting Newcastle under some pressure here toward the end of the first half.

8:59 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yet another corner - come on!

9:00 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Big shout for a penalty there against Colback. Nothing. And Jansson picks up a yellow card for protesting it.

9:01 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

One minute of stoppage time to come. Time enough for one more go at it.

9:03 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The half-time whistle comes and we're 0-1 down due to a calamitous howler by our keeper Rob Green on 22 minutes.

That Jack Colback hand-ball will be the talking point for half-time as the punters enjoy their pies.

9:04 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Hi Bob
My footer was cancelled today because of the snow. We don't have a lot but it is still snowing

I have the match on my phone too

9:22 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Great effort by Leeds
Nice save
Shame no one was there for the rebound

9:23 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We're back on at Elland Road for the second half now and the Whites are right back into the attack. Good signs for a push back.

9:24 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Leeds look to be on the front foot

They're going up!!

9:25 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Morning, UWS - thanks for that link. BEin isn't interested in this sold out fixture for some reason. But I've got it blasting.

9:25 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

uh oh
Sorry mate

9:28 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

It is good link
Only works on iPhone

9:28 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bugger! Just when we were pressing our claim, Dwight Gayle has added a second goal. A killer blow.

9:28 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Newcastle are the cream of the crop of this division. Even after a horrible start they are building gap!

Relegation did them a power of good

9:30 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - it seems so. Hanging on to Rafa Benitez was key for them. I think they'd probably finish mid-table in the Prem with this side.

9:32 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

It's good to see the entire stadium full
I always see blank sections behind both goals when watching highlights from ER

9:32 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's the first full house we've had all season.

9:33 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We need a goal back quickly in order to have a chance of turning this one around.

9:34 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

After yesterday's results, Leeds did drop to 7th but only 5 points off third and 3 points off fourth

Nine points off automatic promotion spot but 10 away from the relegation zone


Playoffs it is

9:35 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Sub for Leeds: Vieira off, and Hadi Sacko comes on. Looks like a change of formation too, perhaps something closer to a 4-4-2 with Doukara pushed further forwards.

9:37 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

In League 2, Colchester are seven points off the playoffs.... THEY ARE IN THE BOTTOM TWO!!
Exeter are bottom and are only one point worse off

9:37 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Let's hope so, mate.

9:37 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

ooh, Leeds blew that break!
Take a little off it!

9:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Kemal Roofe has been the standout for us today. I haven't seen much of him because BEin hasn't been showing us, but I'm impressed.

9:38 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

You have snow?
We have a dusting and it is still snowing
I think we are supposed to get 3-6 inches

9:39 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We had some lake-effect stuff last night for a couple of hours but it's warm and it hasn't stuck.

9:39 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

We were warm yesterday...not today!

What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

9:45 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Kate's mom is coming up from Virginia and we're doing a group Thanksgiving Dinner with friends.

9:48 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

About fifteen minutes left for us to pull this one out.

9:48 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Quieter few minutes. Now a change for Newcastle, as Gouffran departs and Mo Diame enters.

9:50 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's the difference there - a hopeful ball is lofted toward Wood and Gonzalo comes and claims it. Why couldn't Rob Green have done that in the first half. GRRRRR!

9:51 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Looks like Markus Antonsson is about to come on for us. Add a bit of firepower to the front line.

9:51 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Doukara is off - why pull him Gary?

9:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And for Newcastle, big Aleksandar Mitrovic comes on in place of Gayle.

9:54 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - half-chance for Wood - knocked out again.

9:55 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Free kick now....

Come on, you Whites!

9:58 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Ooh - Wood was nearly in there but the ball isn't rolling for us today.

9:59 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We're not really pushing for goals now - sad.

10:05 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Sorry about the score
I ve been running around a bit keeping one eye on the match

Losing to the leaders isn't the end of the world

10:06 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Into stoppage time now.

And that's it - Newcastle wrap up a 0-2 win at Elland Road. I didn't expect much.

10:09 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

all over
Sorry mate

8 wins in a row for the Toon
Second time in club history...only behind Kevin Keegan's sides of the 90s

10:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It isn't - as you say we're in seventh but within striking distance. We won't have to play Newcastle every weekend.

10:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'll be back for the Chelski match.

10:09 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

no team that has won 8 in row in the second tier hasn't been promoted since 1982

10:10 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Sorry, Bob. As you say,you won't play the Toon every week. I will join everyone for the late match.

10:33 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm settling in to enjoy the late one - Boro v. Chelski. Here is the team news:

Middlesbrough: Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Da Silva; Traore, Forshaw, Clayton, De Roon; Ramirez; Negredo. Subs: Guzan, Espinosa, Fischer, Nsue, Leadbitter, Downing, Rhodes.

Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Pedro, Diego Costa, Hazard. Subs: Begovic, Ivanovic, Terry, Chalobah, Fabregas, Oscar, Batshuayi.

10:50 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good morning, mate. Sorry about the result, but it should be easy in the remaining matches compared to today

10:54 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Teams in the tunnel now at the Riverside.

10:55 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Morning, MUR - great to have you on board for this one. Thanks for the condolences. I really didn't expect much out of that fixture. I would have taken a score draw ahead of time.

10:56 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It really is Autumn in South Texas. A morning low of 42 this morning, I needed to wear a windbreaker on walkies, but it looks to be a spectacular day today.

10:57 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A moment's silence since this is the closest home game for Middlesbrough to Remembrance Day.

10:59 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Remembrance Day ceremony is over now and we're away at the Riverside.

11:02 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

They're off from the Riverside.

11:02 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A through ball fro Gaston Ramirez was just too long

11:03 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

A win for the Blues today would put them on top of the Premier League again. To answer the question that came up yesterday, no one in the PPP pool has picked Chelski. Or Liverpool, for that matter.

11:03 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

WOW!!!! Between that and the mighty Leipzig, we all look set for a low points tally. Thanks for the update,.

11:05 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bright start for Boro here. They're giving it a go from the off.

11:07 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A Middlesborugh counter comes to naught as a shot from Negredo goes across the box after a deflected shot made it s way to him. Then Adama Traore wins a corner.

11:08 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ben Gibson with a nice slide tackle on Costa as Chelsea counter from the Boro corner

11:08 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - we'll be lower on the points scale this week. However, having Citeh drop into the CL slots allows everyone but you, me and Yellows to pick up 4-5 points in that category.

11:08 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Traore is looking lively at the start of this one. Chelski back on their heels right now.

11:09 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Today is our 23rd Wedding Anniversary, but we celebrated it Friday due to everything going on in our life.

11:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Jon Moss produces the first card of the afternoon - for our LUFC old boy Adam Clayton.

11:10 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Marvelous - congratulations, mate!!!

11:10 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Former Leeds player, Adam Clayton booked for rash challenge on Hazard. Did he l;earn that at Leeds or at the Citeh Academy?

11:10 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Thanks, mate. We're leaving as soon as the match ends to visit the in-laws because some elderly relatives that hasn't seen in years are visiting. Also, we do have a nice cool sunny day to go along with it. Supposed to be sunny and 72 this afternoon. Morning low of 42.

11:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Hazard is back on after having received some treatment.

11:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Sounds like a nice afternoon plan. Where are the in-laws?

11:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Hazard is still limping a bit - he may not be able to make the full 90 minutes.

11:13 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

AN illegal Sideshow on Negredo , rated PG_13 , for mature audiences only.

11:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Boro midfielders and defenders are certainly snapping into the challenges.

11:14 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Naughty by Matic on Traore.

11:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Another lightening run for Traore before he's finally upended by Matic.

11:14 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Her parents are at their house, her sister lives a quarter of a mile away, a niece and nephew have flown in with their kids from Chicago, she has an aunt and uncle coming from Atlanta, a cousin came from San Diego on Tuesday , and the girls are staying up there till Thanksgiving. Need a scorecard, mate?

11:17 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Victor Moses wins a corner off of one of the United twin rejects. The corner from Hazard is headed away

11:19 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Barragan finds Ramirez, who overran it out of play.

11:19 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

LOL! I think I've got it.

11:20 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Moses jinks inside and rifles a shot that is deflected out.

11:20 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Victor Moses did not part the Red Sea with that wild effort.

11:20 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I've been meaning to ask if you've heard anything from our old LHS pal JDLC. He unfriended and blocked me on FB a while back during some heated banter about the election and his support for Trump, which I still don't understand. Any news?

11:21 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Gaston Ramirez appears to be covering every blade of grass.

11:22 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Glad o help. Sadly , her mom still has ovarian cancer and her dad is in the beginning stages of Alzheimers, so he is not able to help her too much. That is way Elizabeth has been up there a good amount of time. It's been a difficult year, but we are managing and do quite a bit of improvising.

11:22 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I can't believe he did that. That was horrible and ridiculous. I'm somehow, still one of his FB friends. According to his status, he's engaged! That's all I know.

11:24 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I should be just a few miles away from JDLC when we go to visit the in-laws. I think he's been living with his sister since he got divorced. I think she got custody of the kids, which may explain the turnabout of recent events. I think he's upset at the world.

11:27 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The Side Show got away with one with a poor back header, but a handball by De Roon saved his blushes.

11:29 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow! What a save from Valdez from Pedro there - wow!

11:30 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!! Victor Valdes acrobatically tips over an effort from Pedro, his former BArca teammate off run and pass from Moses that did part the Red Sea.

11:30 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Valdes clears a deflected effort as Chelsea turn up the screw just a gear or two.

11:32 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Costa did well to pick out Pedro after a blocked pass from Moses, but it was a tame effort easily saved by Valdes.

11:33 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Some handbags at five paces between Negredo and Sideshow.

11:35 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's a reasonable analysis of JDLC's situation. Sad.

11:35 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Agreed. Did you see the update about Elizabeth's family posted a minute before JDLC?

11:37 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Negredo heads wide from a cross from Barragan . He should have had that on target.

11:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Negredo should have done better there from Traore's fabulous cross.

11:39 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Great save by Victor Valdes from Marcus Alonso. Play is stopped as he was injured by a stray boot from one of his teammates.

11:39 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Valdes is down injured after a nasty clash there when he saved from Alonso.

11:40 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Brad Guzan is warming up in case his services are required. He should have better protection than he did in Costa Rica on Tuesday. Vlades is up and appears to be okay, so Brad won't have to worry about any necessary protection.

11:40 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Looking likely that this one will go in 0-0 at the interval. A draw, btw, would keep Chelski in third level on points with the Arse but with better goal difference and two points shy of Citeh in second.

11:41 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Victor Moses with an effort well wide. A corner is awarded as it appeared to clip Fabio.

11:42 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Famous last words from me as Diego Costa appears at the backpost to volley home his 10th goal of the season.

0-1 Chelski.

11:43 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!!! COSTA SCORES WITH A GREAT FINISH OFF THE CORNER. THE CORNER WAS TAKEN BY HAZARD , HEADED INTO THE AIR BY ADAM CLAYTON AND COSTA WAS FIRST TO REACT AS HIS LEFT FOOTED VOLLEY LANDED IN THE CORNER.

11:43 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Nearly a goal a game record for Costa right now. At present he's on course for a 30+ goal season in the Prem. Impressive!

11:44 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Sorry to say, but your old mate, Adam Clayton needs to do a better job with defensive headers from set pieces.

11:44 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Agreed.He seems set to be GBB this year and perhaps PFA Player of the year and Footballer of the year

11:45 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Two minutes of stoppage time.

11:47 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Chelsea is one up at the half thanks to a predatory goal by Costa off a corner a few minutes ago. Chelsea is comfortably in control and appear to be set to top the table.

11:49 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Half-time! Middlesbrough 0-1 Chelsea

Diego Costa’s goal is the difference at the break.

11:49 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The second half is underway from the Riverside.

12:04 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Back on at the Riverside then. Chelski in the driver's seat but Boro have had something about them today.

12:04 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - nearly a second one there from Alonso. Great save Valdez!

12:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Superb reflex save by Valdes from MArcus Alonso from a nice run and pass by Hazard then Callum Chambers clears for a corner, but a goal kick is awarded/

12:05 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Welcome back, mate. How was your halftime break?

12:06 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Naughty by De Roon on Costa, who was none too pleased about that challenge.

12:08 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Azpi is booked for a foul on Gaston Ramirez, who received a deflected pass.

12:10 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The free kick is into the wall by Ramirez.

12:11 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chelsea are so, so comfortable. They are barely breaking sweat and Boro could be doing a lot more to pressure them.

12:14 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That said - Boro are still in this one. Ramirez was nearly in there for an equalizer.

12:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Just over by Ramirez after a nice dummy by Negredo.

12:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Welcome back, mate. Were you eating lunch?

12:15 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gaston Ramirez fouls Hazard , who showed several Boro players some moves.

12:16 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chelski are risking an equalizer with Sideshow as part of a back three.

12:16 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Not quite yet - just trying to do some half-time chores.

12:17 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Then Adama does the same before winning a free kick in midfield.

12:18 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I see. I hope you were able to complete some.

12:19 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The match from ER is BEIN shown at 1 PM , just in case you want to watch or record the match.

12:21 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - great move from Chelski ends with Pedro rattling the bar!

12:22 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I don't think I need to live through that one again, but thanks.

12:22 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!!! A rocket from the edge of the box from Pedro crashes off the bar. Somehow , Boro are still in this match

12:23 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I completely understand and don't blame you.

12:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Chesea counter off a Boro corner and Costa puts through Moses, who sees Valdes rushes out and block his close range effort.

12:24 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Will you be around for any of the action this week?

12:25 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I did enjoy watching it on my phone this morning; we played reasonably well but were outclassed in the end. Newcastle are easy title favorites.

12:26 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I should be. I don't know about tomorrow. WBA v. Burnley doesn't inspire me very much. But I'm up for some CL action on Tuesday.

12:27 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Stuart Ten Downing Street is on for not so fab Fabio.

12:30 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I'm off all week. Sounds great. Unfortunately, United play on Thanksgiving due to their participation in the EL. I may need to record that. Otherwise, I should be around for all the action.

12:31 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Former LUFC favorite, Adam Clayton is replaced by Danish international , Victor Fischer, who was signed from Ajax cleaner this summer.

12:33 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ben Gibson is booked for a rugby tackle on Costa. An easy decision for Jon Moss.

12:33 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - huge chance for Boro but a poor finish from Traore.

12:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Talking about rugby, that effort from, Adama Traore , was so far over that it would have been worth something in a rugby match

12:34 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

A shame that you may have to miss the Baggies vs Burnley. Sounds like a classic, LOL!

12:35 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

This one is still in the balance going into the last 15 minutes.

12:37 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

OH!!!! A spectacular volley by Negredo is pushed around by Courtois after Traore was put through on the counter. Courtois punches away the corner then well over by Ramirez. Better from Boro.

12:38 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nat Chalobah is on for Pedro, who takes ages to come off.

12:38 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Ramirez fouls Hazard just outside the Boro box.

12:43 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chelski have a golden opportunity to kill this match off.

12:44 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Sideshow rifles it just over the bar. Close call.

12:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The free kick from the Sideshow is kind of dull as it goes a couple of feet over the goal.

12:44 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It looks like Chelsea will be grinding out a result unless there is a late equalizer by Boro.

12:46 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's now or never time for Boro. Come on!

12:47 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The final roll of the dice from Karanka and a change from Conte as Ivanovic is on for Victor Moses and Grant Ledbitter is on for Adam Forshaw.

12:48 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I wonder who will top the PPP. Somehow , I think the standings will be similar, but with fewer points for everyone.

12:49 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Into four minutes of stoppage time.

12:49 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The final roll of the dice for Conte as Oscar is on for Hazard. Sounds like time wasting.

12:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Hazard's had enough for one day. He's off and Oscar is on for a short cameo.

12:51 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Come on, Boro - long ball now!

12:51 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It's over and Chelsea go top in typical Italian pragmatic fashion, grinding out a 0-1 result at the Riverside.

12:54 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chelski hold on for a narrow win that keeps them top of the pops. Valiant effort from Boro but they didn't have their shooting boots on today.

12:54 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's it for me today, mate. Thanks for joining me for this one.

Enjoy the time with the in-laws and the rest of your anniversary. Congrats!

12:55 PM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cheers, mate. I enjoyed the pleasure of your company. A great way top spend an anniversary. Thank you very much and enjoy the rest of your day.

12:56 PM  

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