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Mills makes Rae pay

Leeds kept up their early-season charge with an impressive comeback to beat 10-man Sunderland at Elland Road.

Second half goals from Lee Bowyer and Danny Mills gave David O'Leary's side victory - but only after Kevin Phillips had put the visitors ahead.

The turning point proved to be the dismissal of Sunderland midfielder Alex Rae two minutes before half-time.

Leeds were able to exploit their numerical advantage to the full extent after the break with a dazzling team display that threatened to rout depleted Sunderland.

Indeed, Leeds could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty three minutes from time, as Harry Kewell failed to put the seal on the victory.

Passionate performance

United were well worth the three points, as they continued their 38-year home dominance over the Wearsiders.

A rugged match saw nine bookings - including two for Rae, who was sent off for two fouls on Bowyer in a three-minute spell.

The dismissal was a major blow for Sunderland, who had gone ahead from the spot against the run of play in the 39th minute.

Nicky Summerbee's through-ball sent Phillips clear on goal - and when he was bundled over by Leeds skipper Lucas Radebe, he stepped up to convert the penalty.

It was the third goal of the season for Phillips, who also saw a shot on the turn graze the crossbar.

But at that stage the 0-1 scoreline did not reflect the balance of the game, as Leeds had spurned a host of chances.

Darren Huckerby twice made a hash of clear openings and Michael Bridges netted from close range against his former club, only to see the strike ruled out for offside.

United on terms

Rae's departure proved decisive - and seven minutes after the break Leeds were level.

David Hopkin and Bowyer had both gone close, before the latter found the target.

Huckerby's goalbound drive was blocked by Chris Makin, but the rebound fell at the feet of Bowyer, who scored from just inside the area.

Leeds continued to pile on the pressure and Sunderland succumbed again in the 71st minute.

Huckerby wasted another great chance, but the ball bounced straight to £4m defender Mills, who pounced from close in.

The left-back's first goal for Leeds left both player and home fans in jubilant mood, as he twirled his shirt above his head in triumph.

Leeds could have had further goals, substitute Alan Smith's effort disallowed for off-side, Hopkin's shot stopped by a superb Thomas Sorensen save and Ian Harte denied by the woodwork.

But the best chance of all came in the 87th minute after Smith was brought down by Darren Holloway.

Kewell took responsibility - but Sorensen saved the Australian striker's penalty.

Teams:

Leeds: Martyn, Mills, Woodgate, Radebe, Harte, Hopkin, Batty, Bowyer, Kewell, Huckerby, Bridges. Subs: Kelly, McPhail, Smith, Duberry, Robinson.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Helmer, Butler, Gray, Summerbee, Schwarz, Rae, Ball, McCann, Phillips. Subs: Quinn, Dichio, Holloway, Oster, Marriott.

Referee: P Alcock (Halstead)

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