Leeds 1-0 Derby

Richardson strokes home the winner for Leeds against Derby

Frazer Richardson's second-half strike gave Kevin Blackwell's revamped Leeds an opening day victory against Derby.

Richardson curled home a wonderful winner from 20 yards with 19 minutes left to make it a winning start for a Leeds team comprising seven debutants.

Derby felt they were unlucky when Michael Johnson's header was ruled out for a foul late in the first half.

And Leeds were grateful for Neil Sullivan's injury time save from Junior after Ian Taylor hit the woodwork.

Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell:
"I think it was important because the side put together is brand new and the understanding and confidence can only come from winning games.

"It was a crucial win and that will give the lads the belief and more confidence but I'm thoroughly delighted.

"We looked rusty but we showed some determination. We may have finished the game off earlier and I told the strikers they had better finish off games this season so I don't have heart-attacks."

Derby manager George Burley:
"I thought we were unlucky. First game of the season at Elland Road was always going to be tough what with their supporters and all.

"Overall we deserved something out of the game. In anything you do, you need a bit of luck and we didn't get it.

"Decisions went against us and when you get four or five good opportunities away from home you're looking to score at least one of them. I was also disappointed with the goal we conceded."

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Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Duberry, Kilgallon, Richardson, Wright, Walton (Radebe 65), Pugh, Ricketts (Deane 73), Joachim. Subs Not Used: Carson, Crainey, Guppy.

Goals: Richardson 72.

Derby: Camp, Kenna (Reich 79), Mills, Johnson, Jackson, Huddlestone (Bolder 61), Taylor, Idiakez, Bisgaard, Smith, Tudgay (Junior 61). Subs Not Used: Grant, Peschisolido.

Booked: Kenna.

Attendance: 30,459.

Referee: M Clattenburg (Co Durham).