Leeds and Wimbledon shared the points in a disappointing end-of-season
encounter at Elland Road today.
But the sheer boredom of the first 80 minutes was broken by two bizarre goals
in the final 10.
Leeds have been dubbed 'The Entertainers' this season but their final match of
a successful campaign was only enlivened by Alfie Haaland's freak opening goal
in the 81st minute.
As Dons midfielder Brian McAllister attempted to clear from his own six-yard
box, he crashed the ball against the Norwegian and the rebound deflected past
Neil Sullivan.
Then with two minutes left, Wimbledon substitute Efan Ekoku rescued a point
for the Dons with a large slice of luck and the help of Leeds defender Gunnar
Halle, who forced home the Nigerian's header from Mark Kennedy's cross.
The first half had been particularly turgid. There was little to play for for
either side as Leeds had already secured a UEFA Cup place and Wimbledon a 13th
consecutive season in the top flight.
The Dons enjoyed more opportunities in the opening 45 minutes but neither
goalkeeper was seriously tested.
After 10 minutes, Ben Thatcher almost opened the scoring for the visitors but
his header went well over the Leeds crossbar from Kennedy's cross.
Four minutes later, Kennedy should have done better when he connected with
Andy Roberts' through-ball but the former Liverpool man could only shoot
straight at Nigel Martyn.
Not until the 28th minute did the home side enjoy their first real threat on
goal.
A long punt from Harry Kewell was chested down by Rod Wallace 30 yards from
goal.
The striker needed to look up only once before letting fly with a vicious
dipping volley. Dons goalkeeper Neil Sullivan somehow scrambled low to keep the
scoreline goalless.
But five minutes later, Leeds were almost caught out by Kennedy's pace.
Robbing possession from Lee Bowyer on the edge of the area, the Republic of
Ireland international raced forward into the Wimbledon half.
As he prepared to
shoot he changed feet and allowed Halle time to recover and block his effort.
The rebound off the Norwegian found Alan Kimble on the edge of the box but his
shot went well wide.
The second half was even more bleak as a spectacle and only a 47th-minute save
by Martyn produced any excitement among the crowd.
A long throw from Kimble was
cleared by David Wetherall but only as far as Roberts, who struck the ball
powerfully on the volley from 12 yards. Fortunately for the home side, Martyn
was quick to react and parried away the danger.
Then on the hour, Leeds finally gave their supporters something to raise their
spirits.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink cleverly left Gary Kelly's through-ball for Wallace.
The striker raced forward before finding Bowyer on the penalty spot. The former
Charlton man turned quickly but his volley was inches wide.
Five minutes later, the Dons were again fortunate to escape when striker Carl
Leaburn had to thrust out his right leg to block Lucas Radebe's effort from five
yards.
But then in the final 10 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken as Haaland
and Ekoku both took advantage of their huge slices of good fortune.
Teams
Leeds: Martyn, Kelly, Wetherall, Radebe (Jackson 82), Harte,
Halle, Bowyer, Haaland, Kewell (Hopkin 73), Hasselbaink,
Wallace (Lilley 73).
Subs Not Used: Robertson, Beeney.
Goals: Haaland 81.
Wimbledon: Sullivan, Kimble, Perry, McAllister, Thatcher, Ardley,
Roberts, Fear, Kennedy, Euell (Ekoku 73), Leaburn.
Subs Not Used: Hughes, Heald, Jupp, Francis.
Goals: Ekoku 88.
Att: 38,172
Ref: S W Dunn (Bristol).
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