Bristol City 0 Leeds United 3: Redfearn delight at Whites victory

THE post-Simon Grayson era at Leeds United began with a victory as goals from Ross McCormack, Luciano Becchio and Robert Snodgrass punished an indisciplined Bristol City, writes Richard Sutcliffe.

The Robins ended the game with nine men after James Wilson and Yannick Bolasie were sent off at Ashton Gate.

Leeds had been far from their best in the first half before Snodgrass opened the scoring but once they had a numerical superiority there was no way Neil Redfearn was going to be denied a win in his first game as caretaker manager.

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Already a man down following Wilson’s red card for a professional foul on half-time, the Robins’ numbers were reduced even further on 57 minutes when Bolasie collected his second yellow card in quick succession.

On both occasions, the bookings followed fouls on Adam Smith and the Bristol man could have few complaints.

With so much space to exploit, Leeds took control. They twice had the ball in the net only for Ross McCormack to see both efforts ruled out after straying offside, while only a last gasp clearance from Liam Fontaine prevented Robert Snodgrass from capping a weaving run with a goal.

McCormack finally made United’s superiority pay 11 minutes from time with a crisp finish after being picked out by Adam Clayton.

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Becchio then added a third in stoppage time after exchanging passes with Aidy White to cap a memorable afternoon for United and their caretaker manager.

Afterwards Redfearn remained cool on the prospect of being the next Leeds manager.

He said: “I feel I am capable of doing the manager’s job and have the necessary experience in the game.

“But the decision will be made from above and I am not stupid. I realise some big names are being linked with the vacancy.

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“I will just keep doing the job the board have asked of me and if I am teeing things up for someone else to take charge then so be it.

“For now I am just delighted to have helped the players get a great result and rebuild some confidence.”

For match reports and reaction read Sports Monday free inside the Yorkshire Post.