Leeds strike 4 to sink Scunny

Leeds were back in action in the league as Scunthorpe arrived at Elland Road. Simon Grayson made one change from the side that drew to Arsenal, with new signing George McCartney replacing Ben Parker in the starting eleven.

Both sides were searching for a win, with the two sides not recording a victory in their last 5 games in all competitions. Scunthorpe would also be looking to get revenge for the previous league encounter when Leeds conquered Glanford Park, skipper Jonny Howson earned his first hat-trick for the club that day, guiding United to victory which sparked a 12 game unbeaten run.

The opening ten minutes were as dire as the weather with both teams struggling to play flowing football. The atmosphere didn't have a spark to it, which you would expect to get from a derby. Soon enough Sanchez Watt gave the Leeds fans something to shout about on 16 minutes when his fierce shot was failed to be kept out by Joe Murphy, Watt who has looked confident in recent games will not be giving up his starting place anytime soon.

It was a matter of minutes before Max Gradel skillfully went past Murphy to make it 2-0, Scunthorpe barely had time to digest the Whites first but after being thread through by Snodgrass the Ivorian outclassed the keeper leaving himself the enjoyable task of rolling the ball into the back of an empty net. Leeds were walking it.

The Elland Road faithful found their voice as a home win looked inevitable. Leeds have been prone to throwing 2 goal leads away but when Scunthorpe casually gave Snodgrass the ball in the final third it was soon 3. He twisted and turned on the edge of the box before the ball popped out to Bradley Johnson who unleashed a thunderous drive which silenced the travelling fans.

Scunthorpe just weren't at the races. Leeds cruised through the remainder of the first half creating several chances meanwhile the Iron just produced thoughtless long balls, which Andy O'Brien and Alex Bruce used as practice for Wednesday's clash with Arsenal, which should be a much sterner test.

At the break Grayson swapped Paynter for Becchio as United aimed to take Scunny to the sword. McCartney made some explosive runs down the left hand side, but after picking out team mates in the box United couldn't capitalise on a disjointed Scunthorpe.

The Whites had nothing better to do than to go for the kill... enter Ross McCormack and Davide Somma. Leeds were playing with freedom which granted the visitors a couple sights at goal. Firstly Jonathon Forte saw his effort graze the outside of the post, and then another powerful strike was deflected off Bruce onto the top of Kasper Schmeichel's crossbar.

Billy Paynter nearly snatched his first goal for the club but his smart shot was blocked on the line by team mate Davide Somma, Billy's wait to get of the mark at Elland Road goes on! Somma made amends though as he sent the fans into raptures to put the icing on the cake for Leeds in the 89th minute.

Leeds showed their ruthlessness as they won a vital 3 points with competition for a play-off place hotting up as a lot of teams are gathering pace. Attentions now turn to Wednesday's FA Cup Replay at home to Arsenal which is a welcomed distraction from a high pressured league campaign. Most importantly though it was all smiles at the final whistle today as United keep their Premier League dream return alive.

Att. 25,446

Leeds 4-0 Scunthorpe

Watt 16 - Leeds
Gradel 20 - Leeds
Johnson 29 - Leeds
Somma 89 - Leeds