Mac: Leeds fans deserve something this season - but we’re no closer to finding striker

A crowd of almost 6,000 away fans watched Leeds succumb to deadly goals from Papiss Cisse and Yoan Gouffran as Newcastle United eliminated McDermott’s side from the third round at St James’ Park.

United were stung by sharp finishes in either half, sustaining a 2-0 defeat and losing out on the chance of a home draw against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup’s next stage.

McDermott was happy with the performance of his players and critical of last night’s referee Mick Jones for refusing to award a penalty for a foul on Matt Smith shortly before Gouffran’s 67th-minute strike killed the tie.

United’s manager said: “I was happy with the performance as a whole.

“The performance of the fans was top drawer as well.

“As we walked off the pitch I said to the players that we have to give them something this season. They deserve something.

“Newcastle’s first goal was a bit of quality, although maybe we could have done better in that situation, and their second goal was a great finish.

“But having said that, at 1-0 Matt Smith’s been bundled over in the penalty area and because he’s a big lad the referee didn’t give it.

“It’s a certain penalty, no doubt about that. It was galling not to get it but that’s how it is.”

McDermott’s mind turned quickly to Saturday’s visit to Millwall following three defeats from four league matches.

The Leeds boss, who attended Hull City’s clash with Huddersfield Town on Tuesday with the intention of assessing Matty Fryatt, admitted he was no closer to securing a new striker on loan.

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