CARDIFF CITY: BLUEBIRDS END ELLAND ROAD WINNING STREAK

CARDIFF CITY: BLUEBIRDS END ELLAND ROAD WINNING STREAK

Leeds suffer first home defeat in seven games.

Sky Bet Championship

Leeds United 0 Cardiff City 2 (Morrison 53, Zohore 71)

Former Leeds United manager Neil Warnock came back to haunt the Whites, masterminding a 2-0 victory for Cardiff City at Elland Road.

United head coach Garry Monk made changes from last week’s defeat at Huddersfield, with Alfonso Pedraza handed an Elland Road debut.

Stuart Dallas won Leeds an early free-kick when he was tripped on the edge of the box by Jazz Richards.  Pablo Hernandez could only hit the wall though, with his effort.

United who looked the brighter of the two sides again troubled through Dallas when he broke through on the right flank, he looked to lob a ball over to Chris Wood, free in the box, but a great interception by Sean Morrison denied Leeds an opportunity at goal.

Hernandez was then given space in the middle of the park, he utilised it well charging forward, before firing at goal, but he was unable to find the target with his low effort.

The Bluebirds’ best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute, Craig Noone delivered a free-kick from the left flank and Greg Halford with a free header could only direct his effort straight at Leeds goalkeeper Rob Green.

Pedraza, in his first start, then moved his way through the field, into the Cardiff box, but his effort on goal was blocked.

Hernandez then won Leeds another free-kick, central 25 yards from goal.  Wood fired the set-piece at goal, low, but couldn’t get the better of Allan McGregor who made a good save in the Cardiff net.

The visitors had an opportunity before the break when a Luke Ayling slip allowed Kadeem Harris to make a run down the wing, he tried to play in Kenneth Zohore, but Green made a crucial interception to keep the scores level.

Half Time: Leeds United 0-0 Cardiff City

After the break Leeds came close to a breakthrough, Dallas put a really good cross into the back post with Ayling lurking, but Harris made a fine diving header to clear the danger.

Leeds then again nearly went in front from a corner, Hernandez delivered and found Cooper, but the defender could only head over the bar.

It was Cardiff though who took the lead in the 53rd minute from a set-piece.  Noone delivered a free-kick and Morrison found the back of the net, to end Leeds’ record of six home games without conceding a goal.

Noone then went close to doubling City’s lead, he turned well on the edge of the box, before firing at goal, forcing Green into action.

The visitors then had another opportunity, when Zohore saw his header cleared off the line by Kyle Bartley before Green made a good save.

Cardiff doubled their lead in the 71st minute, Aron Gunnarsson made a really good run, before teeing up Zohore who slotted home.

Leeds almost pulled a goal back when Ayling found substitute Kemar Roofe in the box, he turned and shot, but McGregor saved.

Liam Bridcutt was then shown red, after picking up his second yellow card, before Roofe was denied in a one-on-one opportunity late on, as Leeds suffered a miserable day at Elland Road.

Full Time: Leeds United 0-2 Cardiff City

          

Leeds: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Cooper, Berardi, Dallas (Sacko 62), Vieira (Doukara 76), Bridcutt, Hernandez, Pedraza (Roofe 71), Wood.  Subs not used: Silvestri, O’Kane, Barrow, Coyle.

Cardiff: McGregor, Morrison, Richards, Ralls, Noone, Bamba, Halford, Connolly, Gunnarsson, Harris (Hoilett 87), Zohore (Lambert 87).  Subs not used: Bennett, Whittingham, John, Murphy, Healey.

Booked: Ayling, Cooper, Bridcutt (Leeds), Halford (Cardiff)

Sent Off: Bridcutt (Leeds)

Referee: J. Linington

Venue: Elland Road

Attendance: 31,516

X