Steve Bruce's Hull City bounce back to put more pressure on Leeds chairman Ken Bates
Leeds United 2 Hull City 3
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Bruce does not really jig, but his delight carried him onto the Elland Road pitch three times last night.
Victory kept his side fourth in the table , they were worthy winners and the away section echoed to the sound of his name at full-time. Ten months since he left the vitriol of the Stadium of Light, Bruce is back enjoying his football again, leading Hull City to their first win at Leeds since 1987.
"Without question we deserved it," said Bruce. "Some of the football we played was very pleasing. Overall they're enjoying it and I have to say I'm enjoying it as well. I'm delighted for the players and I'm delighted for the fans.
"It's always nice to get off to a good start. The six new players have settled. I'm enjoying watching them."
There was much to admire in his team, including the performance of the on-loan Sunderland midfielder Ahmed Elmohamady, who, deployed as a right wing-back, scored an excellent opening goal in the 23rd minute. He created the second six minutes later with a delightful cross to the far post where Abdoulaye Faye crashed home a diving header, and then, with 14 minutes remaining, capped off a fine evening by teeing up Robert Koren to slot home the decisive third goal.
"I'm delighted I've got him," added Bruce. "I always knew at this level he would have no problem. The system suits him."
Bruce's mood contrasted sharply to the gloom among home supporters. Chairman Ken Bates may have admitted in his programme notes that the sale of this famous old club is "progressing slowly" but there were jeers at half-time, chants of "Bates out" just before the final whistle and, remember, we are only six league games into the season.
Leeds had gone ahead in the eighth minute, after El-Hadji Diouf tumbled under the challenge of Joe Dudgeon. The decision seemed to be that of referee Roger East's assistant, to the consternation of Hull's players and management team.
"It's not a penalty it was outside the box," said Bruce. Luciano Becchio scored from the spot. From there it was Hull's game, until injury-time as the game closed, when Andy Gray headed in a goal that was the merest of consolation for the home side.
"If I was managing a Sunday League team I would have been disappointed with the first two goals," said the Leeds manager, Neil Warnock. "They're naive for the goals we conceded. You have to grow up quickly in the Championship."
Leeds United (4-4-2): Kenny; Peltier, Lees, Pearce, White; Byram, Austin, Varney (Gray, 84), Tonge; Diouf, Becchio (Poleon, 61). Substitutes not used Ashdown, Kisnorbo, Pugh, Brown, Thompson.
Hull City (3-5-2): Amos; Chester, Faye, Bruce; Elmohamady, Koren (Rosenior, 87), Evans, Quinn, Dudgeon; Aluko, Simpson (Mclean, 89). Substitutes not used Oxley, Dawson, McShane, Devitt, Proschwitz.
Referee R East (Wiltshire).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments