Leeds United 2 Bristol City 1: Kisnorbo deserved red card, insists Grayson

Defeat was harsh on Bristol City, though they only had themselves to blame after wasting a host of chances during a second half when they were the better team.

Chief among these was the 64th minute penalty miss by Nicky Maynard.

The Bristol City striker had won the spotkick with a burst into the penalty area that was only ended when Patrick Kisnorbo clumsily knocked him to the floor.

Referee Fred Graham had no option but to send the Australian off but Leeds had a reprieve when Maynard stepped up and drove his penalty down the middle at Lonergan.

The ball then rebounded to safety to leave Maynard looking disconsolate in the United penalty area.

That was, however, nothing compared to the dejection on the faces of the visiting players four minutes from time when McCormack netted from close range after Luciano Becchio had flicked Leigh Bromby’s free-kick into his path.

Manager Simon Grayson said: “Ross was in the right place at the right time and showed a striker’s instinct. We could have been two or three goals up in the opening minutes but in the end we ground out the result. Andy’s penalty save came at a vital time of the match and I had no quarrel with Paddy’s sending-off.

“He’s the fourth player we’ve had dismissed this season but we are not a dirty team. We were unfortunate with the other three.”