Motherwell attacked the South Stand end in the first half and faced almost two thousand fans of the Whites behind the goal. We lined up with the same eleven that started midweek with plenty of attacking options in Humphrey (in pink boots), Murphy, Law and Higdon.
The visitors had the best of the early exchanges and Paynter was presented with the first of several chances in the third minute. He should have scored at the back post. McCormack’s free kick resulted in a Paynter head that missed the target.
Lasley raised the temperature of the game with an enthusiastic tackle as we tried to get involved in the game. Leeds were on top at this stage and it seemed that they had their just reward when Paynter found the net but we were saved when the assistant flagged. McCormack tried a chip but Randolph held it.
You’ll have noticed no mention of a Motherwell attack but we did make our presence felt. An effective series of short passes resulted in a Hammell effort that struck the post. Then the rain started. Law and Craigan sandwiched Sam in the box and Leeds had a penalty. McCormack stepped up but Randolph saved.
We made the best of the let off and scored a fine opener in 40 minutes. Jennings found Humphrey and our man’s pace left White for dead. He delivered a low driven cross for Murphy to dispatch.
We made two substitutions at the start of the second period; Halsman and Forbes came on for the loss of Lasley and Hammell while the visitors made four changes.
The lead might have been doubled when Murphy ran though the centre but Rachubka, in front of the empty Cooper Stand) dealt with the shot. We were under some pressure, particularly from set pieces, when the equaliser was conceded. Randolph dropped a corner kick (wet conditions to blame?) and Bruce scored.
Leeds pushed for the winner and they took the lead inside the last 15 minutes when Nunez finished off his good work with a fine goal. Higdon had been replaced by Smith moments earlier. Meanwhile the Leeds team bore no resemblance to their starting eleven.
Motherwell 1 Leeds United 2
Attendance 4798
Team: Randolph, Hateley, Craigan, Hutchinson, Hammell, Humphrey, Lasley, Jennings, Law, Murphy, Higdon
Saturday 16 July 2011