Leeds opened the Ken Bates era with a fortuitous win at Stoke as Wayne Thomas'
own goal gifted them victory.
Former Chelsea chairman Bates yesterday bought a 50% stake in the debt-ridden
Elland Road club for a figure understood to be £10million.
But Bates was conspicuous by his absence in the Potteries, and so did not see
his side handed victory by the hapless Thomas in the 71st minute.
Much of the early pressure had been applied by the hosts with captain Clive
Clarke going close with a 25-yard free-kick which fizzed marginally wide of
goalkeeper Neil Sullivan's woodwork.
Leeds gave the hosts a scare in the 18th minute though when a David Healy
effort struck from the edge of the box was deflected narrowly wide by Brian
Deane before Akinbiyi squandered a glorious opportunity when Darel Russell's
pass put him clean through with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The striker's sidefoot effort was easily saved by Sullivan, who was soon in
need of treatment after being clattered by Clarke.
Leeds threatened again after the half-hour but neither Healy nor Deane could
connect with Aaron Lennon's cross from the right.
And it was that lack of potency which prompted Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell to
introduce Julian Joachim at the start of the second half as replacement for
Lennon.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis made a substitution of his own as Chris Greenacre
replaced Gifton Noel-Williams.
Then, in the 58th minute, Stoke dangerman Russell - clattered by a late but
unpunished Sean Gregan challenge during the closing moments of the first half -
clashed with Danny Pugh.
After dispersing the ensuing melee, referee Iain Williamson contented himself
with cautioning both players.
With order now restored, Joachim produced a potent effort from 18 yards which
Steve Simonsen saved down to his right but Williamson had more words with
Russell soon afterwards, following a late challenge on familiar adversary Pugh.
With the final 20 minutes approaching, Blackwell swapped Deane for substitute
Michael Ricketts, whose first duty was to fire a long-range free-kick low into
the Stoke box.
But from the aftermath of the set-piece Leeds worked the ball to Healy, who
crossed from the right wing to no-one in the Stoke six-yard box.
But Thomas failed to complete the most elementary of clearances as he swung
and missed the ball which ricocheted off his standing leg and past the helpless
Simonsen.
Pugh tried his luck late on but fired over after being teed up by Joachim and
although Carl Asaba as well as John Eustace joined the match as replacements for
Clint Hill and Dave Brammer, there was no way back into the game for Stoke.
Teams
Stoke Simonsen, Buxton, Thomas, Taggart, Hill (Asaba 83),
Russell, Brammer (Eustace 86), Jarrett, Clarke, Akinbiyi,
Noel-Williams (Greenacre 55).
Subs Not Used: Hall, de Goey.
Booked: Russell.
Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Pugh, Richardson,
Wright, Gregan, Lennon (Joachim 45), Deane (Ricketts 69), Healy.
Subs Not Used: Harrison, Einarsson, Spring.
Booked: Pugh, Deane, Ricketts.
Goals: Thomas 72 og.
Att: 18,372
Ref: I Williamson (Berkshire).
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