All three West Yorkshire sides had contrasting results this weekend, but it was Leeds United’s humiliating 6-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday that took all the headlines.
Over 21,000 at Hillsborough saw Leeds’ worst performance of the season, with Reda Johnson opening the scoring after 20 minutes. Atdhe Nuhiu scored just before half-time, to send the Owls in 2-0 up at the break. Matt Smith was brought on by Brian McDermott to influence the game, and he did just that, but for all the wrong reasons, receiving his marching orders just 94 seconds after being substituted on. With Leeds down to 10 men, the home side could capitalise. Connor Wickham’s left-footed strike gave Sheffield Wednesday a 3-0 lead by the 50th minute, and the Owls looked dominant, and in control. It was 4-0 to Wednesday 15 minutes later, through Chris McGuire’s free-kick. Substitute Caolan Lavery got on the scoresheet in the 80th minute, before scoring again in injury time to complete the rout. Leeds managed just one shot on target in what was, as manager Brian McDermott described it, “public humiliation”. The last time Leeds United lost 6-0 was back in 1959, against Manchester United, and the players must prove that this result was a one-off if they are to win back the Elland Road faithful. Defeat for Leeds leaves them without a win in six games, including that embarrassing 2-0 defeat in the FA Cup last weekend at Rochdale, and they have slipped down to 11th in the Champtionship table.
Huddersfield needed a last-gasp winner from new signing Nahki Wells to secure a 1-0 win at home to Millwall. Despite having 63% of the possession, The Terriers could not break down a solid Millwall defence, under the leadership of Ian Holloway. Huddersfield did come under some pressure during the game, with Scott McDonald hitting the post, and Alex Smithies having to make a good save to deny Steve Morison. Wells, signed from Bradford on Friday, came onto the pitch in the 56th minute to make his Town debut, and latched onto Adam Clayton’s long ball forwards to beat Millwall keeper David Forde. Despite the result, Huddersfield lacked a cutting edge, and may have to rely on Wells if they are to succeed this season.
The third West Yorkshire side in action this weekend, Bradford City, drew at home to Bristol City in an entertaining 1-1 game. James Hanson opened the scoring for the home side after just 49 seconds, with a good finish after a goalmouth scramble. The visitors replied just 10 minutes later, through Scott Wagstaff’s finish. In the second half, 17-year old Bradford striker Oliver McBurnie, who grew into the game and performed impressively, produced a surging run to beat 4 Bristol City defenders, but couldn’t find the finish past Elliot Parish. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas unleashed a fantastic half-volley which struck the post, before Bradford skipper Gary Jones produced a similar shot which also hit the post. Bradford were on top in the second half, but couldn’t find a cutting edge to win the game. The draw leaves Bradford 12th in League One, although they haven’t won in 8 games.
