On the way to glory

CARDIFF CITY TICKETS SELLING QUICKLY.

28 March 2013.
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Tickets for Saturday selling fast.



Our ticket office has confirmed that tickets for the game against Cardiff City on Saturday are selling quickly.

The ticket office did confirm earlier today that 25,000 tickets have already been sold, and more are expected to be sold, before the 3:00pm kick-off on Saturday.

Both us and Cardiff City will be trying our hardest for three points on Saturday, we will be looking for three points to help push for promotion, while The Bluebirds will be looking for three points, as they look to avoid relegation this season.

We have already played The Bluebirds once this season in the league, with us winning 3-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium, thanks to a brace from Luciano Becchio and a Davide Somma strike.

30 March 2013
Last updated at 18:10


Cardiff City came from behind to secure all three points today at Elland Road, with striker Joe Mason scoring twice.

Leeds United came into the game today on the back of a 2-1 win away at Watford in there last match, and manager Phil Walker made four changes from that match, out went Sam Byram, Monty Gimpel, Ramon Nunez and Aidan White, with Tom Lees, Jason Pearce, Paul Green and Jerome Thomas replacing them.

Cardiff City came to Elland Road desperate for all three points, and manager Gareth Southgate made three changes from the 3-0 win at home to Birmingham City, out went Matthew Connolly, Etien Velikonja and Kim Bo-Kyung, with Ben Turner, Craig Bellamy and Jordon Mutch coming in.

The home side had the first opportunity of the match, and found the net with it, with Luciano Becchio scoring from the spot. The penalty for The Whites was won by midfielder David Norris, he was found by a pass from Paul Green, before being brought down in the box by Jordon Mutch to win a penalty, and striker Becchio then stepped up to take the penalty, which he smashed low and hard into the goal, sending David Marshall the wrong way.

The lead for the home side did not last very long, with Joe Mason equalising for the visitors eight minutes later. The move for the goal started from a clearance by David Marshall, he hit a long ball which was flicked on by Filip Kiss into Craig Bellamy, he then spotted the run of Mason and played it into him, and he took a touch to get beyond Jason Pearce, before firing home a shot from just inside the box, into the bottom corner of the net.

The home side won another penalty just two minutes after that Cardiff City goal, but this time Luciano Becchio fired his penalty wide. The second penalty of the match for The Whites was this time won by Michael Tonge, he was found on the edge of the box by Jerome Thomas, after he exchanged passes with Danny Pugh, Tonge then skipped away from Jordon Mutch, but was then brought down by the Cardiff City man, who gave away his second penalty of the afternoon, up stepped Becchio to take the penalty, but fired wide with David Marshall beaten.

The Bluebirds made it 2-1 just three minutes before the break, with Joe Mason scoring for the second time today. The assist for the goal went again to Craig Bellamy, he was found by a pass into the box from Don Cowie, and with Paddy Kenny committing himself to his near post, the Cardiff City striker pulled the ball back for Mason, and he slotted home a low shot into the net.

The next chance in the match did not come until the 63rd minute, with David Norris missing a fantastic opportunity to equalise for the home team. The chance for Norris was created from a corner by Ross McCormack, he whipped a cross in which was cleared by a header from Ben Turner, that fell to Danny Pugh who whipped the ball back in to find Norris, and he brought it down but fired wide from eight yards out.

The visitors had a great chance to make it 3-1 with just five minutes left, but Don Cowie was denied by a good save by Paddy Kenny. The chance for Cowie was created by team-mate Peter Whittingham, he received the ball from a Eric Lichaj clearance, before playing the ball into the run of Cowie, who skipped past a challenge from Patrick Kisnorbo, before hitting a low shot towards the far corner, which Kenny did well to tip round the post and wide.

At the final whistle the Cardiff players were delighted to win all three points, as this will move them away from the drop zone, and give them victories in successive matches for the first time since January. Meanwhile the Leeds United fans did not look too pleased, with this there third defeat in five games, and if they carry on like this, then there push for promotion to the Premier League could be over.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the defeat. "Another disappointing defeat for us here this afternoon, and if we are not careful then our promotion dreams could be over for another season, which is something we hope does not happen, because this division will definitely be stronger and tougher next season."

Cardiff City manager, Gareth Southgate, on the surprise victory. "This was a great three points for us this afternoon, many tipped them (Leeds United) to win today, but my lads did extremely well today, and did great to win three points.

"We have now had two good victories in crucial games, and this is encouraging for me to see, and with seven league games left, I am hoping we can avoid relegation and stay up."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Lees, Kisnorbo (c), Pearce, Pugh, Green, Norris, Tonge, Thomas, McCormack, Becchio.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Thompson, Drury, White, Byram, Brown, Antelmi.
Goal. Becchio pen 8.

Cardiff City starting line-up (4-4-2). Marshall, Lichaj, Turner, Hudson (c), McNaughton, Cowie, Mutch, Kiss, Whittingham, Mason, Bellamy.
Subs not used. Lewis (gk), Salgado, Connolly, Bo-Kyung, Velikonja, Clarke, Noone.
Goals. Mason 16, 42.

Attendance. 28,862.
Referee. Eddie Ilderton.
Man of the Match. Joe Mason (Cardiff City), rated at 8.8 over 90 minutes. The Cardiff City striker fired both goals for his club today, in their 2-1 victory here at Elland Road.

Awards for March are announced in the npower Championship.

Last updated: April 1, 2013 10:00am.





The winners of monthly awards for March have been announced in the npower Championship, with two of them going to players from Midlands based clubs.

The Manager of the Month award has gone to Bolton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy, after he guided the club to four wins in five league games in March, which was his first full month in charge at the club. The Player of the Month award has gone to Wolves striker Kevin Doyle, who was in deadly form in March, scoring in excess of a goal a game, something which has guaranteed his club at least a play-off place this season. The Young Player of the Month award has gone to Birmingham City winger Nathan Redmond, after the 19-year-old turned in a number of eye-catching performances last month. Finally the Goal of the Month award has gone to Watford midfielder Fernando Forestieri, for his goal away to Birmingham City, one where he picks the ball up in his own half, dribbles past two opposition players, before hitting a poachers effort from 18 yards.

At the beginning of April, it is Wolves and Leeds United who are in the top two yet again, with Wolves 13 points clear of the lads from West Yorkshire, and having secured at least a play-off place for this season. In the play-off places are Hull City, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool, with all them looking to catch Leeds United in second, and Hull City have a great chance of that, with them just two points behind their rivals in the table. The relegation places at the start of this month are the same as last month, with Leicester City, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday all down there, but just nine points separates 18th placed Watford and bottom club Sheffield Wednesday.

Manager of the Month. Mick McCarthy (Bolton Wanderers).
Player of the Month. Kevin Doyle (Wolves).
Young Player of the Month. Nathan Redmond (Birmingham City).
Goal of the Month. Fernando Forestieri. Birmingham City v Watford.

POLEON RETURNS FROM LOAN SPELL.

1 April 2013.
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Striker returns from the South Coast.



Striker Dominic Poleon has returned to our club this morning, after his loan deal at Portsmouth expired.

The 19-year-old striker, who made his debut for us this season in the Capital One Cup victory over Port Vale, has spent the last two months at Fratton Park, gaining some valuable first-team experience with them.

Poleon made a total of seven appearances for the League One strugglers, finding the net with three goals, with one coming on his debut away to Hartlepool United.

1 April 2013
Last updated at 18:30


Leeds United suffered back-to-back home defeats for the first time this season today, with Nottingham Forest running out 3-1 winners, with Robert Snodgrass scoring on his return to Elland Road.

The Whites came into the match today on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City, and there was six changes from that defeat, out went Danny Pugh, Patrick Kisnorbo, Paul Green, Jerome Thomas, David Norris and Michael Tonge, with Adam Drury, Sam Byram, Ramon Nunez, Aidan White, Rodolph Austin and Simon Lenighan coming in.

Nottingham Forest came into the game on the back of a 2-1 away win at Birmingham City, and boss Sean O'Driscoll made two changes from that match, out went Dan Harding and Simon Cox, with Greg Halford and Billy Sharp replacing them.

The first opportunity of the match fell to the hosts, with Luciano Becchio forcing Shwan Jalal into a save. The chance for the Argentinian striker was created by fellow striker Ross McCormack, he was found in the box by a cross from Aidan White, and then knocked the ball down into Becchio, who hit a shot down low, which Shwan Jalal saved.

The Tricky Trees opened the scoring with just four minutes left of the opening half, with Robert Snodgrass firing home a shot, to score on his first return to Elland Road. The goal for the away side was created by Dustley Mulder, he broke forward from the right-back position before playing the ball into Snodgrass, who then skipped past two Leeds United players, before firing home a shot beyond the reach of Paddy Kenny, and into the net.

The home side equalised six minutes into the second-half, with Ross McCormack finding the net with his 20th goal of the season. The move for the goal started with Aidan White, he picked up the loose ball out on the left and ran forward with it, before pulling the ball across the pitch to find Simon Lenighan, the central-midfielder then hit a fierce shot from distance, which Shwan Jalal could only push away, and McCormack slotted the rebound into the roof of the net.

Leeds United were only on level terms with the visitors for 12 minutes, as Simon Cox put Forest back into the lead, just two minutes after being brought off the bench. The assist for the strike went to Henri Lansbury, the ex-Arsenal midfielder made a run from the halfway line, before slotting it into Cox who was in the area, and he hit a shot into the top left corner of Paddy Kenny's goal.

Nottingham Forest wrapped the match up just 13 minutes later, with Chris Cohen finding the net. It was Dustley Mulder who yet again got the assist for the goal, he was found out on the right by a pass from Lewis McGugan, before whipping the ball into the penalty area, which found the head of Cohen, and he looped his header past Paddy Kenny and into the net.

At the final whistle, the Nottingham Forest fans were jubilant while the majority of the home fans had left the ground, with their team having yet another match today, and making it an Easter weekend to forget for them, as they have suffered two successive defeats.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on another defeat. "Well yet again we have suffered a defeat this afternoon, and this is our second defeat in as many games, something we have to put a stop to, if we are going to achieve promotion this season, back into the Premier League.

"I believe though injuries have a big part to play in our form at the minute, we are still without Lee (Peltier) and Luke (Varney), Davide (Somma) made his comeback from the bench today, and Michael (Brown) has not played first-team football since last year, so all this has affected us and our form."

Nottingham Forest manager, Sean O'Driscoll, on the win. "This was a good win for us this afternoon, Leeds United might be struggling with form at the minute, but Elland Road is still a tough place to take three points from, and we did that today with a good win.

"With six games remaining in the league this season, we now have to push on for the play-off places, something I believe the lads can secure a place in."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Byram, Lees, Pearce (c), Drury, Nunez, Austin (Norris 77), Lenighan, White, McCormack, Becchio (Somma 77).
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Thompson, Pugh, Brown, Antelmi.
Goal. McCormack 51.

Nottingham Forest starting line-up (4-3-3). Jalal, Mulder, Ayala, Halford, Collins (c), Cohen, Moussi (McGugan 63), Guedioura (Herd 75), Snodgrass, Sharp (Cox 61), Lansbury.
Subs not used. Evtimov (gk), Moloney, Ephraim, Regan.
Goals. Snodgrass 41, Cox 63, Cohen 76.

Attendance. 21,271.
Referee. Richard Townsend.
Man of the Match. Dustley Mulder (Nottingham Forest), rated at 8.6 over 90 minutes. The right-back had a game to remember this afternoon, not only did he help his defence to keep Leeds United out at one end, he helped make two goals at the other end.

1 April 2013
Last updated at 21:10


Gianfranco Zola has tonight been sacked by Watford, just hours after drawing away to Millwall.

Italian Zola, 46, was sacked by The Hornets board earlier tonight, with the club down in 19th place in the table, and just four points above the relegation places, with six games left in the npower Championship this season.

The ex-Chelsea striker only arrived at Vicarage Road in the summer, with the clubs board hoping for a successful season under the new man, and they was in the top half of the table early on in the season, but that good start did not last, and they have been fighting relegation for most of the season.

The rumours are already starting as to who will be the next boss at Vicarage Road, with Dave Jones being tipped as the favourite for the job, but other names including Dave Brown, Peter Houston and Graeme Souness being linked with the vacancy.

close for automatic promotion good luck !

Cheers for the comment George. Yes were defo looking strong for automatic promotion, and with six games left Leeds could gain promotion back to the Premier League.

Hope you will keep on following my story by the way, and hope you will comment on it from time to time.

4 April 2013
Last updated at 12:25


Kenny Jackett has today been named as the new manager at Watford, just three days after the sacking of Gianfranco Zola.

This news has come as a shock for both Watford and Millwall fans, especially with the announcement coming so quickly after the sacking of Zola, which could indicate the Watford board had already made their mind up, as to who would replace the Italian in the manager's hotseat.

Watford-born Jackett, has returned to his former club for his third spell at Vicarage Road, one which has seen him rise through the ranks from player, to coach, to manager, to assistant manager and now back to manager.

The Hornets did have a good start to the league campaign this season, but have been struggling down at the wrong end of the table for most of it, while The Lions have been having an up and down season under Jackett, but have been doing better than what was predicted of them in pre-season, with the club currently lying in 13th, which has surprised people as to why Jackett has left the club, but it is thought that a return to his former club has persuaded him to leave Millwall, after over five years in charge there.

As to the contract that Jackett has signed at Vicarage Road, he has signed a deal worth £9,000-per-week, which will run until June 2016, with both the board of directors and fans hoping he can avoid relegation with the club this season, with six games left and then build on that next season, and maybe achieve promotion to the Premier League, something he did as the assistant manager at the club in 1999.

Jackett, 51, does have a tough final six games to try and keep the club in the npower Championship, with Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers his first two games, which are both at home, they then face a trip to South Yorkshire to take on Barnsley, before a home match against fellow strugglers Ipswich Town, they then face an away game at Leicester City who are also struggling, before facing Brighton at Vicarage Road on the final day.

5 April 2013
Last updated at 13:00


Leeds United have decided against offering Stephen McPhail a deal today, with the midfielder leaving with his trial period having finished.

McPhail, 33, re-joined the West Yorkshire club last month, after being handed a four week trial by manager Phil Walker, after being released by Cardiff City earlier this year, and the club have decided against offering him a permanent deal, with his trial period ending today.

There could be good news though for the London-born midfielder, as Phil Walker has confirmed he will take another look at him in pre-season, depending on whether he is still a free agent.

Phil Walker on Stephen McPhail. "Unfortunately Stephen has not earned himself a permanent deal with us yet, although that is more to do with the transfer window not being open.

"I have handed him a training regime I would like him to follow, and if he is still available as a free agent in the summer, then I will have another look at him, as he has impressed me and my coaching staff during his trial, and in the 90 minutes he played for the reserves."

Six games left and all to play for in the Championship.

Last updated: April 5, 2013 5:30pm.





With just six games left in the npower Championship this season, Sky Sports pundit Peter Beagrie has put together this report, on who will finish where in the table.

The former winger knows all about this division and getting promotion from it, having been part of the Bradford City side who won promotion to the Premier League in 1999, and he now gives his predictions on how teams will finish this season, with the last game of the season less than a month away.

Promotion.
I believe that Wolves are already up as champions, they may not have had promotion back to the Premier League confirmed yet, which is something that could happen tomorrow, but it will take some serious bad luck for them to not win the league this season. Finishing in second I believe will be Leeds United, what a great season manager Phil Walker has had, this is his first job as a manager in football, which is in charge of his local club. What a great achievement it would be for him to achieve promotion in his first season, especially with them not having the best of luck on the pitch at the moment, and having dropped out of the top two for the first time in months, but I believe they will still finish in second.

Play-offs.
The teams I believe will finish in the play-off places are Hull City, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool. All four of those clubs have played in the Premier League before, and despite it being tight around those four places, I believe it will be these four who finish in the places for the play-offs, with only one able to return to the Premier League, a division in which each of these four clubs have played in before.

7th to 12th.
The teams who I think will finish just outside the play-off places and in the top half are Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Hove Albion, Bristol City, Millwall and Barnsley. Most of these teams could make the play-offs, but I do not think they are strong enough to make it into the top six, unlike the teams in the section above.

13th to 21st.
The teams who will finish just outside the top 12 and avoid relegation are Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Burnley, Ipswich Town, Cardiff City, Watford, Derby County, Peterborough United and Leicester City. Some of these teams will remain in this league comfortably this season, while some will struggle to avoid relegation, and being down at the wrong end of the table will be a shock to some of these teams this season, with some being tipped to fight for promotion and not against relegation.

Relegation.
The three teams who I believe will be unlucky to be relegated in May are Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic. All three of these clubs have played in the Premier League in the past, but have been poor all season, with all of them tipped to avoid relegation, and Middlesbrough were even tipped to finish in the top ten, but things have gone wrong this season.

How the npower Championship will finish.
1st. Wolves.
2nd. Leeds United.
3rd. Hull City.
4th. Bolton Wanderers.
5th. Blackburn Rovers.
6th. Blackpool.
7th. Nottingham Forest.
8th. Crystal Palace.
9th. Brighton and Hove Albion.
10th. Bristol City.
11th. Millwall.
12th. Barnsley.
13th. Huddersfield Town.
14th. Birmingham City.
15th. Burnley.
16th. Ipswich Town.
17th. Cardiff City.
18th. Watford.
19th. Derby County.
20th. Peterborough United.
21st. Leicester City.
22nd. Middlesbrough.
23rd. Sheffield Wednesday.
24th. Charlton Athletic.

MILLWALL CLASH WILL BE TELEVISED.

6 April 2013.
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Elland Road clash to be shown live on Sky Sports.



We can confirm this morning that our clash against Millwall this month will be shown live on Sky Sports.

We face the South Londoners on the 20th of this month, and the match was supposed to kick-off at 3:00pm, but due to Sky Sports coverage, it has been pushed back to a 5:30pm kick-off.

The league clash earlier in the season at The Den was also played in front of the Sky cameras, with Millwall winning that match 1-0, thanks to a strike from ex-Leeds frontman Andy Keogh.

Good luck for the run in mate.

Thanks for the comment Rick, thanks it is going to be tough though we are facing teams who need to win, either to stay up or win promotion.

Hope you keep reading and commenting from time to time.

Nice layout mate and love the detail in the match reports with the managers post-match comments etc.

Having a good season so hopefully you can keep it up!

Cheers Charlie am glad your liking my story and the layout of it, and am having a great season so far, and hopefully we can clinch promotion at the end of it.

Cheers for the comment aswell, and I hope you keep reading my story and comment from time to time.

6 April 2013
Last updated at 18:25


Birmingham City and Leeds United played in their second 2-2 draw of the season, with the home side coming from two goals down to snatch a point.

Birmingham City came into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 defeat away at Hull City, but manager Gary Smith made just the one change, in came Chris Burke to replace Darren Ambrose in the midfield.

Leeds United came into this trip to St. Andrews on the back of a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and manager Phil Walker made six changes again to his team, out went Sam Byram, Adam Drury, Ramon Nunez, Aidan White, Simon Lenighan and Ross McCormack, with Patrick Kisnorbo, Danny Pugh, David Norris, Jerome Thomas, Michael Tonge and Dominic Poleon coming in.

The visitors also played the match today wearing black armbands, with yesterday being the 13th anniversary of the murders of fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight.

The visitors made a flying start to the match and had the ball in the net after just three minutes, with Rodolph Austin scoring from a free-kick. The free-kick was won by Dominic Poleon, he was starting his first match since returning from a loan spell at Portsmouth, and was brought down on the edge of the box by ex-Leeds striker Marlon King, this allowed Austin to fire home a free-kick, which went in via the woodwork.

The lead for the men from West Yorkshire was doubled on the 27th minute, with Luciano Becchio scoring his 20th league goal of the season. The move for the goal started in the visitors half of the pitch, Patrick Kisnorbo won the ball in a tackle from Marlon King, the loose ball was then played forward to Michael Tonge by Tom Lees, he then slotted the ball into Dominic Poleon, who passed it into the run of Becchio, and he slotted the ball home between Jack Butland and the near post.

It took until the 39th minute for Birmingham City to create their first real chance of the match, with Paddy Kenny saving a Marlon King header. The chance was created by the hosts down the right side, Paul Caddis played a good ball down the line to Chris Burke, he then skipped away from Danny Pugh, before whipping a cross into the box to find King, and his header which was going into the bottom right hand corner, was saved by Kenny.

The next chance of the match came just before the hour mark, with Rodolph Austin going close to scoring his second of the match. The chance for the visitors was from another Austin free-kick, which was won yet again by Dominic Poleon, he was pulled down on the edge of the box by Jonathan Spector, and that allowed Austin to hit a drive down low, which cannoned back off the post.

The fight back for Birmingham City began on the 77th minute, when Peter Lovenkrands scored with a half-volley. The assist for the strike went to midfielder Morgaro Gomis, he headed the ball forward after a poor clearance by Jason Pearce, and the ball bounced just in front of Lovenkrands, he then kept the ball in the air, before hitting home a shot which gave Paddy Kenny no chance.

The Blues had a great chance to equalise on the 83rd minute, but Marlon King hit the post with a low drive. The chance for King was created by Hayden Mullins, he played a good ball into King along the deck, and the striker took a good touch before hitting a low drive, which came back off the post.

The pressure on the visitor's goal paid off for Birmingham City on the 88th minute, as Marlon King equalised from the penalty spot. The penalty was won by midfielder Darren Ambrose, he picked the loose ball up after Paddy Kenny had pushed a shot from David Murphy away, before being brought down by Danny Pugh in the box, King then put the ball on spot before sending Kenny the wrong way, to complete the comeback.

Full time at St. Andrews and Leeds United will see this as two points dropped today, while Birmingham City are delighted with this draw, especially as with 15 minutes left they were two goals down, but fought back to earn a point today.

Birmingham City manager, Gary Smith, on earning a point. "Another point this afternoon for us to help our fight against relegation, one that I believe we will succeed in doing, but this point is a great one and well done to the lads, especially with us losing going into the last 15 minutes."

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the draw. "Yet again another game without three points which is something am not pleased about, especially with the news coming to me that Hull City failed to win, which would of meant if we had won, we would have returned into the promotion places, so the match next weekend against them (Hull City) will be crucial."

Birmingham City starting line-up (4-4-2). Butland, Caddis (Gomis 74), Caldwell (c), Davies, Ben-Haim, Burke (Ambrose 62), Spector, Mullins, Murphy, King, Lovenkrands.
Subs not used. Doyle (gk), Redmond, Asante, Ibanez, Morrison.
Goals. Lovenkrands 77, King pen 88.
Booked. Murphy.

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Lees (Thompson 56), Kisnorbo (c), Pearce, Pugh, Norris (Brown 79), Austin, Tonge, Thomas, Poleon (Somma 60), Becchio.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Gimpel, White, Antelmi.
Goals. Austin 3, Becchio 27.
Booked. Norris.

Attendance. 14,432.
Referee. Neil Swarbrick.
Man of the Match. Dominic Poleon (Leeds United), rated at 8.5 over 60 minutes. On his returning match for The Whites, Poleon put in his best performance for the club, not only did he claim two assists today, but he was a constant pain for the opposition defenders.

Great to see your still doing this mate, doing well still and hopefully promotion is too far away from you!

Cheers Dan been a while since you commented but I am really enjoying this game, even though we are losing form at the wrong time, this is still a save am really enjoying, and one I will continue for a lot longer.

YORKSHIRE DERBY TICKETS SELLING QUICKLY.

12 April 2013.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tickets for the visit of Hull City selling quickly.



We can confirm that there will be a big crowd at Elland Road tomorrow, with promotion and Yorkshire rivals Hull City coming to town.

The match will be a crucial one for us, not only is it a Yorkshire derby, but both us and Hull City are involved in the race for promotion to the Premier League, with The Tigers a point clear of us in second place, and wanting all three points to move four points clear of us.

We can confirm this afternoon that just under 28,000 tickets have been sold for tomorrow, with more expected to be sold before the match gets underway.

We enjoyed our trip to The KC Stadium earlier this season, with us coming from behind to win 3-1, thanks to a brace from Luciano Becchio, and a strike from El-Hadji Diouf, after Stephen Quinn had given The Tigers the lead.

13 April 2013
Last updated at 18:10


Hull City have moved a step closer to the Premeir League this evening thanks to a 2-1 win at Elland Road, which has meant they have moved four points clear of Leeds United.

Leeds United came into this clash this afternoon on the back of a 2-2 draw at Birmingham City, and there was just one change from that game, out went Jerome Thomas whose loan spell ended during the week, and he was replaced by Aidan White in the team.

Hull City came into this trip to Elland Road on the back of a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City, and manager Steve Bruce made just one change to the team from that match, out went Ahmed Elmohamady to be replaced by Corry Evans.

The first chance of the afternoon fell to the visitors, with striker Nick Proschwitz forcing Paddy Kenny into a save, after just ten minutes. The chance for the German striker was created by Abdoulaye Faye, he was found by a pass from midfielder Corry Evans, before hitting a ball over the top into Proschwitz, who hit a powerful drive at the top corner, but Paddy Kenny was there to push it over the crossbar.

The Tigers had the next best chance of the match, with Abdoulaye Faye giving them the lead with a header. The assist for the goal came from a throw-in by left-back Joe Dudgeon, he put a long throw into the box which caused confusion for The Whites defence, and Faye beat Michael Tonge in the air, to power home a header into the net.

Leeds United had a great chance to equalise in first-half injury time, but Jason Pearce saw his header hit the woodwork. The chance for Pearce was created from a corner, it was Aidan White who whipped a cross into the far post to find Pearce, and from a narrow angle he tried a diving header, which beat Ben Amos but hit the post.

The home side had the first real opportunity of the second-half, with Dominic Poleon being denied his first goal for the club. The chance for Poleon was created by David Norris, he picked the ball up out wide after receiving a pass from Luciano Becchio, he then cut inside and slotted the ball into Poleon, and he hit a low shot which was well saved by the foot of Ben Amos.

Just seven minutes after that chance for Poleon the visitors doubled their lead, with Jack Hobbs scoring the second goal for them. The goal for Hull City was another headed goal, this time it was Stephen Quinn with the assist, he aimed a corner to Hobbs who was at the far post, and he managed to beat Tom Lees in the air, to place his header across goal and into the net.

The lead for The Tigers was halved with 12 minutes left, thanks to a strike from Luciano Becchio. The home side had Jack Hobbs to thank for the goal, he won the ball of Dominic Poleon with a good tackle, but played a terrible pass back to Ben Amos, which allowed Becchio to latch onto it, and he fired the ball into the back of the net.

As the final whistle blew at Elland Road the Leeds United players and fans looked unhappy, but the Hull City players and fans were delighted with this result, as this means The Tigers go four points clear of The Whites in the table, and with four games left of the season, this could be the game that secures a return to the Premier League for the East Yorkshire side.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the defeat. "Yet again we have not won a game, this run of not winning now stretches to four games, but we never looked like winning this game today, and we need to get out of this winless run as soon as possible.

"I believe they (Hull City) are now in pole position to finish second, we are now four points behind, and have the harder finish to the season, so it could be the play-offs for us."

Hull City manager, Steve Bruce, on the victory. "A great win for us here at the home of not only our Yorkshire rivals, but our closest challengers for automatic promotion, and it is a great feeling having won here today.

"What he (Phil Walker) has said is rubbish, we still have a tough run-in, okay we play three of the four games at home, but we face three teams who are fighting to finish in the play-off places, so both us and them (Leeds United) have tough finishes to the season."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Lees, Kisnorbo (c), Pearce, Pugh, Norris, Austin (Brown 78), Tonge, White, Becchio, Poleon (McCormack 78).
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Thompson, Gimpel, Byram, Somma.
Goal. Becchio 78.

Hull City starting line-up (4-4-2). Amos, Rosenior, Hobbs (c), Chester, Dudgeon (Dawson 67), Koren (Elmohamady 81), Faye, Evans (Cairney 73), Quinn, Fryatt, Proschwitz.
Subs not used. Jakupovic (gk), Stewart, Simpson, McShane.
Goals. Faye 27, Hobbs 57.
Booked. Faye, Dudgeon.

Attendance. 30,748.
Referee. Mike Dean.
Man of the Match. James Chester (Hull City), rated at 8.4 over 90 minutes. The Hull City centre-back did not put a foot wrong in their win this afternoon, putting in some well-timed tackles to stop the Leeds United attackers.

Wolves are the champions.

Last updated: April 13, 2013 6:40pm.





The champions of the npower Championship have been confirmed this afternoon, with Wolves being confirmed as champions.

The West Midlands club have bounced straight back into the Premier League this season, after finishing bottom and being relegated from the Premier League last season, with the club winning the league with four games left in the league this season.

Despite Hull City winning away at Leeds United earlier today, the 3-0 win for Wolves against Leicester City has won the title for them, which will mean even if Wolves lose their last four games and Hull City win theirs, they will finish top by three points.

This title win will delight manager Stale Solbakken, as he has won the title in his first season at Molineux, with the club tipped to finish 3rd this season, but the 28 league goals from Kevin Doyle has helped fire them back into the Premier League.

Wolves will lift the league title on the final day of the season, when they take on Bolton Wanderers at Molineux, on May the 4th.

Millwall appoint Jones as their new boss.

Last updated: April 16, 2013 11:20am.





Dave Jones has this morning been appointed as the new manager at Millwall.

Jones, 56, has been out of work since December, after he was sacked by former club Sheffield Wednesday, but he has been appointed as the new manager this morning at Millwall.

The South Bermondsey club have been searching for a new boss, since Kenny Jackett left the club 12 days ago, to take over as the new manager at Watford.

The Lions have been enjoying a good season so far, with the club tipped to fight against relegation at the start of the campaign, they have been around mid-table all season, with the club currently in 13th place in the table, and just three points away from securing their place in the npower Championship for another season.

In terms of the contract that Liverpool-born Jones has signed, he has signed a deal which will run until June 2016, worth £9,000-per-week, with the clubs board and fans hoping for survival this season, and to then build on their finish this season in the next campaign, which they hope will be their fourth successive season in the Championship.

Jones takes over Millwall with just four games left this season, first up is Birmingham City at home tonight, a game which Jones has confirmed he will be in the dugout for, they then travel to Leeds United on Saturday, before facing Hull City at home and then ending the season away at Blackpool.

16 April 2013
Last updated at 22:55


Leeds United suffered another defeat away to Blackpool tonight, with the home side winning the match in the 90th minute.

Blackpool came into the clash tonight on the back of a 4-1 defeat to Blackpool, but manager Stuart McCall made just two changes from that match, out went Neal Eardley and Angel, with Alex John-Baptiste and Tiago Gomes replacing them.

Leeds United came into the match after a 2-1 defeat to Hull City, and on their worst run of the season, so manager Phil Walker made four changes from their last match, out went Patrick Kisnorbo, David Norris, Michael Tonge and Luciano Becchio, with Sam Byram, Paul Green, Simon Lenighan and Ross McCormack replacing them.

The first good chance of the match fell to the visitors, with Dominic Poleon scooping a shot over the crossbar. The chance for The Whites came after a good passing move, Rodolph Austin was found in the middle of the pitch by Aidan White, before slotting the ball into the feet of Poleon, who turned away Craig Cathcart on the edge of the box, but scooped his shot over the crossbar.

The first real chance for the home side came 11 minutes before the break, with Barry Ferguson forcing Paddy Kenny into a save. The chance for the ex-Rangers midfielder was created by Matt Phillips, he picked up the ball from a superb pass by Ludovic Sylvestre, before whipping a cross into the penalty box to find Ferguson, and he forced Kenny into a save with his header, but it was at the right height for the Leeds United goalkeeper.

The next chance of the match saw the ball in the back of the net, but Gary Taylor-Fletcher saw his strike ruled out for offside. The chance for The Seasiders was created by a shot from distance by them, it was Ludovic Sylvestre who hit the shot for them, and he saw his shot hit the post with Paddy Kenny beaten, and Taylor-Fletcher tapped home the rebound, but the linesman had his flag up straight away and the goal was disallowed for offside.

The visitors had a chance to take the lead just two minutes later, but Ross McCormack fired his free-kick just wide of the goal. It was midfielder Aidan White who had won the free-kick, he had cut inside from the left before being pulled down by Ian Evatt, which allowed McCormack to step up and take the free-kick, one he curled just wide of the far post, with Blackpool goalkeeper Matthew Gilks beaten.

Blackpool continued piling the pressure on the Leeds United goal, and in the 90th minute they found a way past Paddy Kenny, with Elliot Grandin firing home a curling effort. The assist for the goal went to midfielder Matt Phillips, he was found out wide by Tiago Gomes, Phillips then skipped past Danny Pugh and Simon Lenighan before pulling the ball across goal to find Grandin, he took a touch to get away from Tom Lees, before curling a shot past Kenny and into the net.

At the final whistle this was a crucial three points for Blackpool tonight, which keeps up their fight for the play-offs, while Leeds United have suffered another defeat here at Bloomfield Road, which has made it four league defeats in five league games for them, something manager Phil Walker will want to change as quickly as he can.

Blackpool manager, Stuart McCall, on the victory. "This victory tonight has in my opinion been a key one, as it keeps us on the tails of the teams in the play-off places, and hopefully with a bit of luck in our last three games, we can make our move into the play-off places."

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on another game with a win. "Another very disappointing result tonight for us, especially with the Blackpool winner coming in the 90th minute, something which has disappointed me a lot.

"We now have to pick ourselves up for the match against Millwall on Saturday, and try our best to catch Hull City, who are currently in second place."

Blackpool starting line-up (4-3-3). Gilks, John-Baptiste (c) (Eardley 84), Evatt (c), Cathcart, Crainey, Sylvestre, Ferguson (c) (Grandin 78), Tiago Gomes, M. Phillips, Taylor-Fletcher, Ince (Angel 78).
Subs not used. Mucha (gk), Delfouneso, Robertson, Broadfoot.
Goal. Grandin 90.
Booked. Cathcart.

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Byram, Lees, Pearce (c), Pugh, Green, Austin (Brown 45), Lenighan, White (Tonge 68), McCormack, Poleon (Becchio 60).
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Thompson, Gimpel, Somma.
Booked. Lenighan, McCormack, Becchio.

Attendance. 11,553.
Referee. Steve Tanner.
Man of the Match. Matt Phillips (Blackpool), rated at 7.9 over 90 minutes. The Blackpool winger caused the away side problems all evening, with him grabbing the assist for the winner, in the last minute.

20 April 2013
Last updated at 20:15


Leeds United got back to winning ways at home to Millwall this evening, which ended a five match winless run and booked their place in the play-offs, on a soaking wet evening at Elland Road.

Leeds United came into the match this evening on the back of a 1-0 defeat away to Blackpool, so manager Phil Walker made four changes to that team, out went Tom Lees, Paul Green, Simon Lenighan and Dominic Poleon, with Patrick Kisnorbo, David Norris, Michael Tonge and Luciano Becchio coming in.

Millwall came into this game after making their npower Championship status safe for another season, and manager Dave Jones made just the one change from the 3-0 win at home to Birmingham City, out went Darius Henderson to be replaced by Josh Wright.

It was the home side who had the first opportunity of the match, with Ross McCormack firing his side into the lead. The assist for the goal came from David Norris, it was Rodolph Austin who got the move for the goal underway, he put in a good tackle on Liam Feeney before playing it to Norris, who then slotted the ball into the penalty box to find McCormack, and he then took a touch to bring it out of his feet, before smashing a shot past Kelvin Davis into the roof of the net.

The next chance of the match did not come until ten minutes before the break, with Liam Feeney going close for the visitors. The move for The Lions started down the left side of the pitch, Kelvin Davis played the ball long into Scott Malone, and he skipped past a tackle from Sam Byram, before playing it inside to Feeney, who curled a shot just wide of the Leeds United goal.

It took both sides until after the hour mark to have a chance worth reporting about, but it was the home side with that chance, with Ross McCormack having a great chance to make it 2-0. The move for The Whites yet again involved Rodolph Austin, he picked up a loose ball from just inside the Millwall half, before he ran at the Millwall defence and stuck a pass into McCormack, but with just Kelvin Davis to beat, the striker fired straight at the goalkeeper.

It was The Lions who had the next chance of the match, but Liam Trotter saw his effort cleared off the line by the Leeds United defence. The chance for Trotter was created from a corner, it was Liam Feeney who whipped the ball into the box to find Trotter, and his header beat Paddy Kenny in the Leeds United goal, but Patrick Kisnorbo was on the far post to clear it off the line.

The next chance came just six minutes after that clearance off the line, with Zac Thompson going close for The Whites. The move for the home side started with a Ross McCormack free-kick out on the left, he whipped a dangerous cross into the box which was cleared by Tamika Mkandawire, but the clearance was only as far as David Norris, who cut the ball inside to find Michael Brown, and he then slotted it into the path of Thompson, who saw hit low shot parried away by Kelvin Davis.

Millwall had a fantastic opportunity in second-half injury time to equalise, with Liam Trotter somehow missing from inside the box. The chance for the Millwall central-midfielder was created by Liam Feeney, he was found out wide by Nadjim Abdou, before whipping the cross into the box to find Trotter, who put his header over the crossbar.

The final whistle went at Elland Road, with the Leeds United players looking pleased and relieved, as they had to hold off the attacks from Millwall, to claim all three points this evening, but this win does end five games without victory for them, and it has also guaranteed them a place in the play-offs. Despite securing their place during the week for next season in the npower Championship, Millwall did not look happy with this result, after they could not find the back of the Leeds United net, despite all the pressure they put it under.

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the first win in five games. "We were definitely lucky this evening to win, but we have been down on our luck in our past few games, so it is good to finally have some luck go for us.

"Our place in the play-offs for this season has been confirmed, which is where I think we will finish this season, as Hull City are just one win away from promotion, but if we win away at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, and Nottingham Forest slip up at Blackpool, then 3rd place will be ours."

Millwall manager, Dave Jones, on the defeat. "We were very unlucky to have lost the game tonight, as I believe we could have won the game, but it was not to be for us this evening.

"With us being safe against relegation this season, I can now look ahead at who to buy and sell this summer, and hopefully we can push for the play-offs next season."

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Byram, Kisnorbo (c), Pearce, Pugh, Norris, Austin (Brown 62), Tonge, White (Thompson 80), McCormack, Becchio.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Lees, Gimpel, Poleon, Somma.
Goals. McCormack 15.
Booked. White, Kisnorbo.

Millwall starting line-up (4-3-3). Davis, Jonsson, Mkandawire, Shittu, J. Robinson, Trotter (c), Abdou, Wright, Feeney, Keogh (Henderson 51), Malone (C. Taylor 61).
Subs not used. M. Taylor (gk), Ward, Smith, Osborne, Lowry.
Booked. Henderson, Jonsson, Abdou.

Attendance. 27,932.
Referee. Mike Jones.
Man of the Match. Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds United), rated at 8.2 over 90 minutes. The Leeds United centre-back put in a good shift in defence tonight, with him not only making some good challenges, but he also denied Millwall a goal by clearing the ball off the line.

Becchio signs a new deal at Elland Road.

Last updated: April 23, 2013 3:05pm.





Leeds United have confirmed that striker Luciano Becchio has put pen to paper on a new contract.

The Argentinian striker, 29, did have over a year to run on his contract at Elland Road, but Leeds United manager Phil Walker has handed him a new deal, which will see him remain in West Yorkshire for another three years.

The new deal that Becchio has signed is worth £17,000-per-week, which has seen him increase his wages by £6,000-per-week, to see him become the highest paid player at Elland Road, with his new deal running out in June 2016.

Becchio is currently having his best season since moving to Elland Road in 2008, with the striker having found the net 21 times in the league, and 22 times in all competitions, but even that amount of goals may not see him finish the campaign as top scorer at Elland Road, as Ross McCormack is just one goal behind him on 21 goals.

The West Yorkshire club could be on for their highest finish in the league since 2006, when they finished 5th in the Championship and reached the play-off final, where they lost 3-0 to Watford in Cardiff, and this news will delight everybody at Elland Road, and hope this can give them a confidence boost to gain promotion to the Premier League.

This news will also be a big confidence boost for the fans of Leeds United, who have seen a number of their key players leave the club in recent years, the likes of Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson, Jermaine Beckford and Fabian Delph to name a few, but the fans will be delighted with the news that Becchio is staying.

Leeds United striker Luciano Becchio on signing a new deal. "I am delighted to have signed a new contract this afternoon, I am having my best season goal scoring wise since joining Leeds United.

"Of course I miss Argentina and my family, but I feel this is the happiest I have been in my career, so why would I want to spoil that."

Leeds United manager Phil Walker on Becchio signing his new deal. "This news this afternoon is absolutely brilliant for us, as Luciano is one of our key players, so for him to sign this new deal is great.

"One word sums up this club tying our top scorer down to a new deal and that is ambition, it shows our fans we are ambitious in keeping one of our best players, when we try to sign new players it will sell the club, and also when trying to get current players to sign a new deal, as it shows we are moving forward as a club.

"I would also like to thank Luciano and his agent, I sorted the new contract out on Sunday night, and offered it to his agent at the training ground yesterday morning, so for them to sort out their side of things this quickly is great, as it did not mean a long drawn out process for the club."

EIGHT YOUNGSTERS SIGN YOUTH CONTRACTS.

24 April 2013.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Eight youngsters in while eight youngsters do not get a deal.



We can confirm today that eight youngsters have been handed deals with our academy, while eight others have not been handed youth contracts.

The eight youngsters have all been handed two-year deals with our academy squad, which will see them join us on contracts until June 2015, once they have completed their exams and left school.

We did have 16 players in total fighting for a youth contract for our academy, but eight of those have signed youth contracts, while the other eight who have not been so lucky have been released, after being accessed by our youth team boss Richard Naylor.

The eight players who have joined our academy are Lea Ashton, Steve Benjamin, Noah Broad, Andy Charles, Rob Cooper, Gary Fitzpatrick, Mark Kirkwood and Terry Spilman.

The eight players who have not been so lucky to be offered a deal with our academy are Phillip Duffield, Graham Grant, Bob Helliwell, Rupert Hollier, Bobby Huntley, Daniel Lacey, Akin Ndah and Louis Wheeler.

We would like to wish the eight players who have not been offered deals good luck for the future, and we hope they can earn a contract elsewhere.

Hull City secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Last updated: April 26, 2013 10:30pm.





Hull City have tonight secured their return back to the Premier League, with a 4-3 win away at Millwall.

The East Yorkshire club have secured second place in the npower Championship tonight, which has secured them a return back to the top flight, a division which they were relegated from three years ago, after winning promotion from the Championship via the play-offs in 2008.

The Tigers have secured their place in the top flight after a thrilling 4-3 victory away at Millwall, going into the final three minutes of normal time it was 3-2 to Millwall, but two goals from Aaron McLean, which completed his hat-trick, wrapped up a 4-3 win for City.

The promotion will come as a massive surprise for the fans of Hull City, as they saw their team start 2013 in 8th place in the table, but this year has seen them lose just twice in the league, and draw just five games, winning the rest of the games in the Championship to secure promotion.

This promotion for The Tigers will be a massive blow to local rivals Leeds United, who had held second place in the league for most of the season, but after winning just six league games since the start of February, Hull City capitalised and took over second place in the table.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce will be delighted with this promotion, not only were his side tipped to finish the season in 11th place, but he has won promotion in his first season in charge, he will now look to build towards next season, and avoiding relegation.

27 April 2013
Last updated at 18:15


Blackburn Rovers came back from a goal down to rescue a point against Leeds United today, with Ruben Rochina equalising in the 89th minute for Rovers.

Blackburn Rovers came into the match with their place in the play-offs secured, so manager Alan Curbishley made ten changes from the 2-0 win over Birmingham City, with only Grant Hanley keeping his place in the starting line-up.

Leeds United came into this match on the back of a 1-0 victory against Millwall, and manager Phil Walker made just the one change from that match, out went Jason Pearce to be replaced by Tom Lees.

The visitors should have found the net inside the first minute, but Luciano Becchio saw his chipped shot pushed wide of the goal. The move for The Whites started from a goal kick by Paddy Kenny, he cleared the ball long and into midfielder Michael Tonge, who then brought the ball down and played it into Ross McCormack, and he slotted the ball into the feet of Becchio, who got away from Blackburn Rovers centre-back Henrique, before chipping the ball at towards the far post, but somehow Grzegorz Sandomierski got to the ball and pushed it wide.

The next chance of the match fell to the hosts, with midfielder Gary Gardner hitting the post from a free-kick. The free-kick was won by fellow midfielder Jason Lowe, he was brought down by Leeds United midfielder Michael Tonge, on the edge of the penalty box, and that allowed Gardner to hit a low free-kick, which went under the wall and beat Paddy Kenny, but hit the post and fell to Sam Byram to clear.

Leeds United went close again to finding the net on 36 minutes, with centre-back Tom Lees heading the ball across goal and wide. The chance for Lees was created from a corner taken by Ross McCormack, he crossed the ball into the far post to find the centre-back, and he sent a header across goal beating Grzegorz Sandomierski, but it went just wide of the far post.

The next chance in the match did not come until the 61st minute, but the away side managed to put the ball in the net with that chance, with Patrick Kisnorbo heading home. The chance yet again for the visitors was created from a Ross McCormack corner, he whipped the ball into the near post to find Kisnorbo, who flicked the ball on and into the net for 1-0.

Blackburn Rovers had a goal disallowed 14 minutes from time, with Jordan Rhodes being found offside. This time it was the home side that started an attack from a corner, midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen whipped the ball into the penalty area, but Patrick Kisnorbo headed the ball away, which saw Ruben Rochina fire a volley back in at goal, but Paddy Kenny could only push that shot away, and that allowed Rhodes to head home, but the offside flag was up to rule the goal out.

Just 13 minutes after that disallowed goal, the pressure on the Leeds United goal from the home side worked, with Ruben Rochina firing home an unstoppable shot via the crossbar. The assist for the goal went to Colin Kazim-Richards, the midfielder who was getting stick from the travelling fans all afternoon, as he is on loan at Ewood Park from Galatasaray, was found out on the right by a pass from Ryan Shotton, he then skipped away from Aidan White before cutting the ball inside, a pass which allowed Rochina to run onto the ball, and fire a shot which gave Paddy Kenny no chance, and found the goal via the underside of the crossbar.

At the end of the match it has finished all square here at Ewood Park, with Blackburn Rovers coming from behind to secure a point, after Leeds United had took the lead. The visitors did have the chance to clinch third place in the league today, but will now have to beat Barnsley next weekend to make sure they finish in third, and if they slip up Blackburn know they can sneak into a third place finish.

Blackburn Rovers manager, Alan Curbishley, on snatching a point. "It is a great feeling to have grabbed a point this afternoon, especially as we got the equaliser on the 89th minute, so we now go into the final day with third place in our reach, which would be a big boost in the play-offs.

"I felt though we were a little bit unlucky to only draw today, we hit the woodwork a total of four times, so to only get a point is unlucky, but we did well to equalise with us finishing with just ten men, after Jason Lowe limped off with just 12 minutes remaining.

"It was also good to clinch a point as we had a number of debutants out there today, especially Bradley Bauress who played at left-back, he is only 16 and did well for 51 minutes, but with us already clinching a play-off place, this has enabled to hand debuts out to players."

Leeds United manager, Phil Walker, on the draw. "Well I thought we was going to win the game this afternoon, so to concede a goal when we did is not great, especially as we could have wrapped third place up today.

"It was good to see Lee (Peltier) make his comeback today, he only featured for 12 minutes, but after two months out injured, it is important just to bring him back slowly, also I would like to congratulate Sanchez (Payne) on his debut for us today, he came on just before the hour and did okay on his debut."

Blackburn Rovers starting line-up (4-4-2). Sandomierski, Shotton, Hanley, Henrique (Dann (c) 45), Bauress (Olsson 51), Kazim-Richards, Lowe (c), Gardner, Rosado (Pedersen 45), Rochina, Rhodes.
Subs not used. Urwin (gk), Best, Etuhu, Cotton.
Goal. Rochina 89.
Booked. Lowe, Rochina.

Leeds United starting line-up (4-4-2). Kenny, Byram, Lees, Kisnorbo (c), Pugh (Taylor 71), Norris, Austin (Peltier 78), Tonge (Payne 58), White, McCormack, Becchio.
Subs not used. Ashdown (gk), Thompson, Brown, Somma.
Goal. Kisnorbo 61.
Booked. Austin.

Attendance. 27,151.
Referee. Phil Dowd.
Man of the Match. Patrick Kisnorbo (Leeds United), rated at 8.9 over 90 minutes. For the second match in a row Kisnorbo picked up this award, not only did he score a goal today he put in a good performance at centre-back, and this performance was watched by Australian national manager Holger Osieck.

Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday are relegated.

Last updated: April 27, 2013 6:50pm.





Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday have both been relegated from the npower Championship this afternoon.

Both The Addicks and The Owls have lasted just one season in the Championship, after winning promotion from League One last season, with The Addicks winning the league and Sheffield Wednesday finishing runners-up.

The news of relegation will come as a disappointment to both sets of fans, as they were hoping successfully fight against relegation this season, with us expecting them to succeed in that area, but that did not happen and they face next season in League One.

Charlton Athletic started the season off with Chris Powell as manager, but he was sacked in November, with Karl Robinson taking over after being brought in from League One side MK Dons, so The Addicks board will be hoping he will stay, along with a number of key players, to help bounce straight back into the Championship.

South Yorkshire side Sheffield Wednesday began the season with Dave Jones in charge, but he was sacked in the middle of December, with John Sheridan taking over in a caretaker role, he was then replaced by Michael Appleton in February, who had moved from Portsmouth to takeover, but he has failed to keep them up this season, despite the club having won three of their last four games. The Owls fans will be hoping for a success next season, they will also be hoping the big names will stay at Hillsborough, and help fight for a return to the Championship.

The fight against being the third relegated side will go into the last day of the season, with one of three sides looking to avoid relegation, with Derby County, Leicester City and Middlesbrough looking to avoid relegation.