Tranmere Rovers manager John Barnes admitted his side could have been on the wrong end of a six or seven-goal defeat at the hands of Leeds United on Saturday.

Goals from Bradley Johnson, Jermaine Beckford, and Luciano Becchio were enough to secure Leeds a 3-0 win at Elland Road, but the visiting manager said he was thankful the scoreline wasn't greater.

"The positive is that it was't six or seven because it should have been," said former England international Barnes. 

"They are a very good side, probably one of the best, and we were second best to everything.

"From the first minute we made a mistake which allowed Jermaine Beckford through and our keeper kept us in it.

"They are physical, strong and have lots of quality, but we had to be braver. Not until we went 2-0 down did we pass the ball.

"But at 2-0 down we were chasing the game and their tails were up. Leeds were first to everything. They had a collective and individual desire which we didn't display at all.

"We didn't get what we deserved because they should have had more three."

See extended four-camera coverage from 5pm on Sunday plus all the reaction - only on LUTV...