Leeds continued with changes following the mid-week vict
ory over Northampton with Hughes retaining the right back spot over Frazer Richardson who was well enough to make the bench. Prutton also kept his place in midfield joined by Robinson, Douglas and Delph.
Leeds lined up 4-4-2 but as is becoming common, the midfield are enjoying an amount of freedom and continue to roam into different positions. This created problems for Hereford, especially down the right flank as Robinson and Hughes paired up well to deliver a number of crosses into the box.
Leeds were rewarded on the 14 minutes when Beckford directed the ball into the back of the net with a glancing header.Hartlepool were defending deep but breaking well with the ball and despite Leeds' dominance, they looked vulnerable each time Hartlepool came forward. All too often, 'Pool found men spare in the final third as Leeds failed to close the play down and it was no shock when the equaliser came on the 24th minute.
Leeds responded well though and pushed to take the lead again, Beckford going close and Lubo had one effort cleared off the line after a succession of corners. Becchio as well had a penalty appeal turned down after a push in the box.Into the second half and Leeds started as they ended the first, and took the lead again on the 50th minutes. Becchio did the hard work in the centre before setting up Delph on the edge of the area. A run and shot on the turn from Delph fired into the back of the net.
Hartlepool continued to break strongly though and each time, the amount of space they were given meant the fans could not settle. A better skilled opposition would have punished the Whites on a number of occasions and by midway through the second half, a score line of 6
-4 wouldn't have been surprising as Leeds seemed to work hard and carve out chances for themselves, and then gift them to their visitors.
It was Leeds that capitalised though on the 64th minute with a well worked goal by Becchio that seemed to take any remaining fight out of Hartlepool and the complimentary 4-1 score line was completed by Beckford on the 90th minute with an excellent goal taken round the keeper.
Despite the score line and possession, Leeds will have to work harder at defending if they are going to get out of this league this season.
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