Soccer gossip: Inquests on Leeds, Hull, Doncaster. Blades, Millers

LEEDS UNITED boss Neil Warnock labelled his players as ‘naive’ after shipping three soft goals in a 3-2 home derby loss to Hull City.

It was a miserable night for United, who haven’t won a home game in the league since August 2011 - ironically against Hull - with a downcast Warnock revealing after the game that all his loan striking targets to replace crocked Ross McCormack have gone elsewhere.

McCormack could be out for up to two months with an ankle injury picked up in Saturday’s defeat at Cardiff and may undergo surgery this week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On a tough evening, which saw fans again voice their anger in the direction of Ken Bates, said: “I’m disappointed. We started well and had good chances. We should have been two or three up, but the goals we conceded...

“I spoke to the players. They’re naive and green. We can’t continue giving goals away like that.

“If I was a Sunday League manager, I’d be disappointed with the goals we gave away. And I’m a manager in the Championship.”

On the quest to replace McCormack, Warnock, speaking after the game, retorted: “People ask me if I’m going to be on the phone tomorrow (Wednesday). I might as well go fishing. All my targets have gone.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In contrast, Tigers boss Steve Bruce was ebullient after his City charges won at Elland Road for the first time since September 1987, thanks to goals from Ahmed Elmohamady, Abdoulaye Faye and Robert Koren after Luciano Becchio’s controversial early penalty had put the hosts in front - Andy Gray netting a late consolation for the Whites.

Bruce, who has overseen the Tigers’ best start to a season since 2004-05, added: “We are open at times, but the players are enjoying it and I am enjoying watching them. You don’t win at Elland Road very often.

“The players can enjoy it. We have played well at home, but to come to a big stage and play the way we have is pleasing.”

The incident-packed derby at Elland Road was in marked contrast to the largely tepid affair at Bramall Lane, which saw Sheffield United record their fifth League One draw of the season - and second on the spin at home - in a 0-0 draw with South Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster Rovers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Clear-cut opportunities were at a premium for both sides, with Rovers boss Dean Saunders happy with another show of defensive steel from his troops.

The ex-Blades striker said: “It’s a point against the biggest club in League One. We played well in the first half and we had two great early chances. They switched to route one in the second half but our two centre-backs, Rob Jones and Jamie McCombe were outstanding.

“There won’t be many teams who stop United from scoring.”

And despite the stalemate, Blades boss Danny Wilson insists he wasn’t overly frustrated with yet another draw.

He said: “I’m not frustrated at all. I think more people get frustrated than I do.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was a typical derby game, nip and tuck. Apart from the first minute, when we made a little bit of a mistake and Mark (Howard) came to our rescue, I thought there was nothing in the game between two teams who were very committed.”

Meanwhile, Barnsley boss Keith Hill labelled it a ‘modern footballing tragedy’ after seeing old club Blackburn came from behind to beat his Barnsley side 2-1.

Jacob Mellis’ near-post effort gave Barnsley a deserved lead before Rovers grabbed an equaliser right on half-time through Jordan Rhodes’ shot on the turn and substitute Nuno Gomes tapped in to maintain Blackburn’s 100 per cent home record.

Hill saw his side dominate the hosts for long periods and found defeat hard to take.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “It’s a modern-day footballing tragedy. We’ve taken on the Kings of Saville Row if you like and we’ve taken the game to them, and to a certain degree, we have played the better football.

“But it’s not about playing the better football, it’s about getting results, and maybe I won’t be in the business too long if I can’t play football like that. I won’t change my philosophy.”

In League Two, there were more home comforts for Bradford City, who recorded their fourth Valley Parade win on the trot in a 3-1 success over Morecambe, to end the Shrimps’ unbeaten away record so far this term.

Goals from James Hanson, Kyel Reid and Gary Jones did the damage with boss Phil Parkinson left to hail a finishing masterclass.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “It was a tough game because Morecambe have got a really good away record. To be the first team to beat them on their travels is a really good feeling.

“We were nice and tight and competitive and you always felt we would cause problems when we got the ball. The quality of our goals was first class.”

Parkinson’s gushing sentiments contrasted with those of Rotherham assistant-boss Paul Raynor, who berated the Millers after their 3-2 home loss to Rochdale - who became the first side to take three points from the New York Stadium.

Veteran Dele Adebola put Dale ahead just before the break before strikes from Alex Revell and Danny Nardiello turned the tables in United’s favour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the Lancastrians levelled 15 minutes from time through a Bobby Grant penalty with ex-Doncaster Rovers man Kevin McIntyre hitting a late winner.

Raynor, who directed touchline operations with manager Steve Evans at home serving the second match of a six-match stadium ban, added: “We were below par for the first 45 minutes, we did not go about the job at the right tempo and we had to get to grips with a few people at half-time.

“There was a reaction and we got in front and it looked then as if we could go on. But we’ve conceded three and you simply cannot do that. We shouldn’t have to get four goals to win a home game.”

Sheffield Wednesday host Huddersfield in a Championship derby at Hillsborough tonight, while York - boasting a fine record on the road this calendar year - visit Burton in League Two.

Keep abreast of news from your club, plus complete live match data and stats, with our new FREE apps. Versions for iPhone and Android.