Defeat offers opportunity for Leeds to bounce back

The 2-0 reverse at St James's Park was only United's second loss of the League One season, the first having come in October at Millwall.

United's response to being beaten at The Den was to go on a 17-game unbeaten run and Grayson believes his players are more than capable of repeating the feat in the coming weeks and months.

He said: "The defeat at Exeter coming on the back of the draw at home to Wycombe was disappointing, especially as before that we were on a high after beating Manchester United.

"But that is how football can be and we have to get on with it. We are still in a good position at the top of the division and you have to give credit to the teams below us (for putting pressure on Leeds).

"Norwich have taken 35 points from a possible 39 and in any other season ourselves and Norwich would be clear. But, instead, Charlton have also been very impressive.

"We can't play well all the time over a season and what matters is how a team responds to a set-back.

"After losing against Millwall, we went on a long unbeaten run and we have to do the same thing now."

United's attention will turn to cup competition this week with tonight's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final first leg being followed by the weekend visit to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round.

Leeds travel to Brunton Park for the Trophy return on February 9 and Grayson said: "We are two games from Wembley and are taking competition seriously.

"There will be a few changes from the weekend but not wholesale changes because we want to win it. Reaching Wembley would be a fantastic day out.

"We want to go up to Carlisle with a winning margin. They should be two great games to be involved in as we all know what is at stake."Casper Ankergren will start due to injury having ruled out three goalkeepers with Shane Higgs, David Martin and Alan Martin all troubled by thigh strains.