Crystal Palace broken by Leeds United

Leeds United 4 Crystal Palace 0 – Carling Cup 2nd Round

Gary McAllister made eight changes to the United side that misfired against Yeovil Town in the league on Saturday. The side included 16 year-old debutant Aidan White at left-back and 36 year-old debutant Paul Telfer.

Leeds took an early lead when Beckford flicked on a long ball for out-of-favour Jonathon Douglas to lob over the Palace keeper. Douglas had an excellent night and most in the crowd expect McAllister to rethink the midfielder’s future – he is out of contact at the end of this season.

Then it was Beckford’s turn to score, putting away a cross from Neil Kilkenny fresh from the Beijing Olympics with the Olyroos. That’s how the first half ended with a comfortable lead for United.

Shortly after the restart, exciting Argentinian striker, Luciano Becchio scored his second goal in a week with a headed in the 52nd minute. Becchio scored in the first minute of Saturday’s game against Yeovil.

It was Becchio’s replacement, Nigerian striker Enoch Showunmi, who scored United’s fourth with a curled shot.

After the game MacAllister said, “”I thought Luciano Becchio led the line fantastically, and that some of the combinations in the middle of the park and some of the movement in the final third was excellent.”

Palace manager Neil Warnock was magnanimous after the defeat at a stadium where he has enjoyed much success as Sheffield United manager: “Quite honestly we couldn’t cope with the front lads. Once the second goal went in it was disappointing to say the least.

“If you defend like that you’re going to get beat against any level of opposition and I thought the two centre forwards bullied our defenders from start to finish.

“I’m not used to coming to Leeds and losing. I usually enjoy coming here and putting one over on them but they thoroughly deserved it.”

So Leeds United reach the third round of the Carling Cup and the chance of a meeting with one of the top four Premier League sides which should guarantee a crowd much bigger than the disappointing one tonight which barely reached five figures.

Leeds United: Lucas, Richardson, Michalik, Telfer, Aidan White (Johnson 73), Hughes, Douglas, Delph, Kilkenny, Beckford (Howson 78), Becchio (Showunmi 57).
Subs Not Used: Martin, Marques, Robinson, Snodgrass.

Goals: Douglas 11, Beckford 32, Becchio 52, Showunmi 76.

Crystal Palace: Flahavan, Ertl, Lawrence, McCarthy, Hill, Soares, Watson (Fletcher 88), Carle (Hills 63), Djilali, Andrew, Moses (Ifill 66).
Subs Not Used: Speroni, Thomas, Oster, Griffit.

Att: 10,765

Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).