Spirited Leeds cruise past Sunderland

Mixed emotions as Leeds celebrate Bowyer's goal

Leeds United 2-0 Sunderland

Leeds claimed the points in a frantic and highly entertaining clash with Sunderland after goals from Lee Bowyer and Mark Viduka.

Peter Reid had warned it would be played at a hectic pace and both teams did not disappoint.

Harry Kewell, starting his first game of the season, caused havoc throughout down the left side and after just four minutes almost created the opening goal.

His cross was deflected back to the prowling Viduka after Bowyer had held off the defence, but the Australian was denied by the legs of Thomas Sorenson.

  Elland Road action

4 mins: Viduka shoots at Sorenson

23: Bowyer stabs ball home

25: Smith heads over

29: Quinn wastes great chance

67: Bakke flicks on to post

78: Viduka heads home

81: Batty comes off the bench

Smith scores brilliantly but ruled offside

90: Dichio heads against bar

Smothered midfield

But the Elland Road faithful only had to wait until the 23rd minute to see their side take a deserved lead.

Eirik Bakke slipped a dangerous ball into the penalty box and after linking with Viduka, Bowyer pushed the ball into the net, taking advantage of some very messy and nervous defending.

Alan Smith almost doubled the lead after 25 minutes climbing above the static defence but headed over.

The visitors were smothered by the smart movement of the Leeds midfield, but they were still able to create a golden opportunity on the half hour.

We will play a lot worse than that and get a result

  Peter Reid, Sunderland manager

Julio Arca crossed from an acute angle on the left, and with the Leeds defenders struggling to cope with the swinging ball, Niall Quinn pounced on the loose ball but volleyed inexcusably wide.

Sunderland crept back into the game with Kevin Phillips, Gavin McCann and especially Kevin Kilbane missing good chances at the end of the first-half.

The second period started with equal venom and energy and Quinn had the ball in the back of the net, but an offside flag curtailed the Sunderland celebrations.

The game's temperature was rising and Rio Ferdinand, making a rare burst forward, strode down the left and his cross was back-heeled agonisingly on to the woodwork by Bakke.

Sunderland had their chances with Quinn denied by the sliding Ferdinand in the six yard box and Danny Dichio headed against the bar.

I'm so delighted to have David Batty back

  David O'Leary, Leeds boss

Viduka made the points safe with 10 minutes remaining, heading in powerfully from a Kewell cross from the right.

The home supporters' delight was also increased having witnessed David Batty stepping off the bench for the first time in a year and a flourishing performance from Kewell.

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Leeds United: Robinson, Kelly, Matteo, Woodgate, Ferdinand, Bowyer, Bakke, Dacourt, Kewell, Viduka, Smith. Subs: Martyn, Huckerby, Wilcox, Mills, Batty.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Williams, Craddock, Thome, Gray, Arca, Rae, McCann, Kilbane, Quinn, Phillips. Subs: Dichio, Marriott, Schwarz, Oster, Varga.

Referee: R Styles (Waterlooville)