Leeds United 1 Walsall 2: Frustration grows as Leeds fail to close gap

The sign was referring to the annual Valentine's Fair that takes place on the Fullerton Road car park but there was no doubting the rollercoaster of emotions that Leeds United put their supporters through last night.

There was the frustration of a wretched first half that was followed by the agony of the visitors going ahead through Dwayne Mattis 48 seconds after the restart.

Then came the relief of a truly bizarre equaliser by Gary McSheffrey only for Clayton McDonald to plunge the home fans into despair by heading the winning goal nine minutes from time.

It all added up to a hugely worrying night for a club who seem to have forgotten how to win.

Certainly, there was little sign of the attacking verve that had characterised United's storming start to the season.

Even the return of top scorer Jermaine Beckford after injury could not inspire Leeds to a victory that would have put real pressure on leaders Norwich City.

The first half was notable only for a Bradley Johnson shot that stung the fingers of Walsall goalkeeper Clayton Ince and a curled free kick from Matt Richards that flew just inches over the crossbar.

Otherwise, neither side looked capable of making the breakthrough – although Leeds twice went close to handing Walsall the lead through sloppy defending.

First, Alex Nicholls took advantage of hesitation from Richard Naylor – the United captain's blushes being spared by Leigh Bromby.

Neil Kilkenny then had to come to the rescue of Jason Crowe after the full back had inexplicably headed across his own six-yard box when attempting to clear.

The game finally sprang into life 48 seconds after the restart when Walsall took the lead.

Julian Gray, a one-time target of Leeds several years ago, was the creator with neat control and a cross that Mattis volleyed into the net from 12 yards.

Leeds hit back nine minutes later in bizarre fashion when McSheffrey, after collecting the ball on the left flank, tried to float a cross into the centre.

Instead, he inadvertently sliced the ball to catch Ince out of position as the ball sailed serenely over his head and into the net.

Buoyed by his good fortune, McSheffrey then curled a free-kick for Luciano Becchio to bring a save from Ince.

The on-loan Birmingham City man then jinked his way to the by-line before chipping a cross that landed on top of the net before Max Gradel brought another good stop from Ince.

It proved to be a vital intervention with Walsall racing up the other end and forcing a corner that McDonald headed goalwards.

Casper Ankergren then made a hash of an attempted block, and by the time his second effort had scooped the ball away the linesman was flagging for a goal to cap a miserable night for Leeds and their fans.

Leeds United: Ankergren; Crowe, Naylor, Bromby, Lowry; Snodgrass (Gradel 60), Kilkenny (Howson 75), Johnson, McSheffrey; Becchio (Grella 60), Beckford. Unused substitutes: Martin, Doyle, Michalik, White.

Walsall: Ince; Vincent, Taundry, McDonald, Mattis; Westlake, Richards, Till (Bradley 46), Gray; Nicholls, Deeney. Unused substitutes: Sansara, Hughes, Smith, O'Keefe, Gilmartin, Grigg.

Referee: J Singh (Middlesex).