Reid cheered up at last - but he is still unhappy

Leeds United 2 Blackburn Rovers 1

The future of Peter Reid as manager of Leeds was the subject of more questions last night despite the boost to morale provided by three desperately needed points and a substantially improved performance at Elland Road.

Reid was handed a vote of confidence by chairman John McKenzie last week in the wake of three straight defeats but did not appear at the post-match press conference, leaving head coach Kevin Blackwell to speak on his behalf - and reveal that his boss remains unhappy despite the apparent removal of the doubts surrounding his job.

Blackwell also hinted that Reid might not wait to be pushed if his position comes under review again so publicly. Yesterday's result, he said, put the manager "in a position of strength".

"The whole thing has not been handled in the right way," he claimed. "Peter's position has been all over the back pages every day. He felt he had been in the paper more than Tony Blair.

"We feel there is a culture change needed at this club, and it takes time to bring something like that about. With all the players that have left, gone are the days when we could win games out of nothing. Now we have to work for the rewards, and everyone needs to understand that.

"We are really proud of the players today - to have performed this way despite the pressure they have been under. We wanted to give Peter a chance to speak from a strong platform in any decisions that may need to be made. He can express himself from a position of strength."

Blackwell did not elaborate on what those decisions might concern, but said that Reid was "a fighter and said he will not quit". With games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal next up, Reid knows only too well that it may be some time before Leeds can drag themselves clear of the bottom of the Premiership table, if indeed they have it in them to do so.

For the moment, however, the beleaguered manager can go into the two-week break in the domestic programme with a good deal more peace of mind than he might have envisaged, after two first-half goals by winger Seth Johnson earned a deserved victory.

The Leeds supporters gave Reid a warm reception as he took up his place on the touchline, a reminder that, despite the worst start to a season in 22 years, there is still faith in him to pull the debt-ridden Yorkshire club out of trouble.

The unanswered question for Reid and his supporters, however, concerned whether the players could shake off the dreadful form that had seen them leak 10 goals and score none in their three previous Premiership games, including a brace of abject 4-0 defeats, at Leicester and Everton.

In the event, the response was the one Reid wanted. Although Blackburn, taken aback by the incisiveness with which Leeds cut through early on, made them sweat as they made a late effort to secure an equaliser after Dino Baggio scored with four minutes left, the result was entirely just.

It would be no exaggeration to say Leeds could have been three up even before Johnson deservedly gave them an 11th-minute lead. Blackburn were carved open with ease. Mark Viduka was in fine form, setting up chances for Alan Smith (twice) and Jody Morris before creating the first opening for Johnson with a shot that Brad Friedel fumbledbefore the midfielder pounced.

Leeds earnt further reward 16 minutes later. Again, Johnson was in the right place, driving home his second goal after Jermaine Pennant's header was helped on by David Batty - recalled for his first Premiership start in 18 months.

As Blackburn responded, Andy Cole was unlucky to see a good, clean strike hit an upright, and though David Thompson was on target twice, once from open play and then from a free-kick, Paul Robinson responded with two good saves.

But it was not until time was running out for them that Baggio, the second of three second-half substitutes, gave Graeme Souness's side hope when he headed home Emerton's pass. But Leeds survived the following barrage, perhaps to establish a turning point in their season.

Leeds United 2
Seth Johnson 11, 27

Blackburn Rovers 1
Baggio 86

Half-time: 2-0 Attendance: 35,039