Monday 12 January 2009

Will weekend success Leed to further glory?


Can Carlisle United's heroic-like 2-0 success at League One big cheeses Leeds United kick start their otherwise flailing season?

It'd be nice to think so. But I wouldn't hold my breath.

Continuing murmurs that leading scorer and main goal threat Danny Graham is on his way out of the club are not appeasing the cynical Cumbrian sides faithful followers, especially as he has settled into a groove with partner in crime Michael Bridges.

It was these two who put the 'mighty' Elland Road outfit to the sword. After surviving Leeds' 20-odd goal bound efforts, Tim Krul's goal lived a charmed life.

It was Krul who was the stand out player. A point blank save from a Luciano Becchio header, a smart save onto a post from the same player and umpteen fantastic aerial claims when under siege maintained a calm feel to the Blues' defence, which in the last three games has unbowed to pressure.

The problem with Krul is that he is on-loan from neighbours Newcastle United and is due to return after this weekends clash against high flying MK Dons.

The three successive clean sheets are of no coincidence to his coming of form. His aptitude is there to see, an imposing yet flamboyant figure, he has obvious class.

Will his current understudy and deputy Ben Williams be able to step back in and perform anywhere near as admirably as the lanky Dutch stopper?

My necks firmly out and from me it's a resounding 'No'.

Hopefully manager Greg Abbott will be able to conjure up a new deal with the Geordies to keep him that bit longer - until League One survival is guaranteed.

Away from the goalkeeping situation, solid performances from the back four can only breed confidence. Peter Murphy was calm, Danny Livesey strong in the challenge, David Raven cautious and Michael Liddle, although at times a little naive, was generally composed.

Cleveland Taylor, under pressure by the signing of fellow right winger Joe Anyinsah, set up the first goal and was at times, instrumental in the teams best moves, Jeff Smith looked sharp, Paul Thirlwell played the much sought after Fabien Delph out the game and Graham Kavanagh showed his class and experience, breaking up play and orchestrating from the centre.

Onto the match winners - Graham and Bridges - who both incidentally played for Leeds.

Graham held the ball up well and made several clever runs in behind the opponents back line. His efforts were rewarded with another goal, his fourteenth this term. Bridges is looking more fluent now he is getting games under his belt and scored after a swift and concise move against the side he starred for during their successful Champions League campaign eight years ago that saw them reach the semi finals.

With this in mind and the frequent chants of: "You're not famous anymore" and "Champions League and you f***** it up," would suggest to me that Leeds still are a renowned and dare I say it, famous club.

Of course they aren't scaling them dizzy heights of eight years ago but tradition, history and their high crowds are constant reminders of their prestige.

Perhaps it's time for the fans of Carlisle United and their other League One rivals to realise that Leeds are a big club but currently of no greater size or importance than the rest of those currently occupying positions in the third tier of England's professional league.

For Carlisle, long may this turn in fortune continue.

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