Grand Stand finish at ER

Simon Grayson watched his side dispatch Doncaster for 5 on Saturday with Max Gradel and Skipper Jonny Howson both scoring braces. The Leeds Manager made two changes from the last game. Leigh Bromby came in for Alex Bruce to make his first start of the season. Bradley Johnson returned from suspension to replace Davide Somma in the starting eleven, this allowed Grayson to revert back to his preferred shape.

Leeds were given a firm reality check last Saturday as Swansea eased to a 3-0 win against the Whites. It was a different side who turned up at Elland Road for this Yorkshire derby. Leeds were playing with skill and freedom and generally looked to be enjoying their football. Robert Snodgrass and Gradel were wreaking havoc once again. It was Gradel who sent the Leeds fans into raptures after scoring a screamer from 25 yards. This was Gradel's 4th goal in 5 games and his 14th in the Championship this term.

United were having a flurry of chances and it was Neil Kilkenny who was the next to come closest when Snodgrass slotted him in but Kilkenny's timid effort was comfortably saved by Gary Woods. As good as Leeds were, Doncaster were sloppy. A mix up in midfield allowed Howson to slip in Luciano Becchio but the Argentine dragged his shot narrowly wide.

More flicks and clever play from the men in white saw Snodgrass get slipped through but the Scot lost his footing at the vital moment as he tried to round Woods. Rovers couldn't handle Snodgrass and Gradel, Howson was influential as well.

The Elland Road faithful were laughing, it should have been 5 or 6! Billy Sharp and Doncaster would have the last laugh of the first half however. Kasper Schmeichel's poor pass gave Rovers possession, John Oster's through ball over the top of the defence gave Sharp the chance to level the game totally against the run of play.

Leeds went into the break with mixed emotions. Grayson watched his side walk the first 44 minutes of the half before Sean O'Driscoll's side levelled. The second period started brightly for Leeds when Snodgrass cut inside and fired wide. Incredibly Rovers were in front after 49 minutes when Dean Shiels headed the ball into the path of Frank Moussa who tucked the ball past Schmeichel. It was a body blow! Leeds now ruing their missed chances. But not for long. Captain fantastic Jonny Howson wasn't going to let 3 points slip away. He fought hard to win the ball in midfield and then advanced to smash the ball home. United back on terms within a minute.

The atmosphere was now electric! The fans attitude had reached the players and the game was suddenly wide open. Schmeichel made a fantastic save after Sharp was released. It was only a matter of time for Leeds as Gradel was not through on goal once but twice. The first time he capitalised on an error from Paul Keegan, but the defender recovered to ensure the Ivorian's shot went just wide. Moments later Gradel was in acres of space after being threaded through by Howson but Woods saved well.

Grayson was preparing for Davide Somma to enter the fray to try and win the game but as he stripped off Snodgrass' cross was chested down by Leigh Bromby into the path of Becchio who side footed his side into the lead. 5 minutes later it wasn't Somma but Billy Paynter who came on in place of the goalscorer Becchio. Paynter who is still in search of his first goal for Leeds came within inches when he nearly converted Snodgrass' cross. Luckily the rebound fell to Gradel who tucked away United's fourth to compensate for his earlier missed chances.

Leeds weren't about to stop at that. Snodgrass was the creator once more when he send Howson through the middle to cap off a superb afternoon for the Whites. Comfortable for Leeds in the end, it wouldn't be a true Leeds performance without a few scares.

Att. 27,027

Leeds 5-2 Doncaster

Gradel 12 - Leeds

Sharp 45+1 - Doncaster

Moussa 49 - Doncaster

Howson 50 - Leeds

Becchio 74 - Leeds

Gradel 82 - Leeds

Howson 90 - Leeds