In the end it was three goals that took Leeds through to round three of the League Cup against a plucky footballing Oxford side, once the white machine got going we comfortably cruised home.
As expected Neil Warnock rang in the changes, Jamie Ashdown made his full United debut in goal. Tom Lees moved to right back to allow injury-prone Paddy Kisnorbo his first start of the season alongside captain for the night Jason Pearce. Youngsters Aidy White and Sam Byram marshalled the left and right flanks, whilst tough-tacking Michael Brown partnered Man of the Match Rodolph Austin. Upfront, El Hadji Diouf operated in the "hole" with Andy Gray making his second Whites' ebut.
Oxford arrived in the north with a reputation for playing some neat, one touch attacking football and they most certainly gave the Leeds backline something to think about early doors as they probed the home penalty area although it has to be said Ashdown was not overly troubled.
Leeds eventually clicked into gear and edged in front on 26 minutes, a fine run down the left from Aidy White was rewarded when Diouf chose to forfeit his cross allowing Rodolph Austin to smash home his first goal in Leeds colours past the despairing grasp of Clarke.
Less than 10 minutes later, the home fans were acclaiming a contender for goal of the season from Sam Byram. Having skipped past two Oxford defenders, in a moment of sheer impudence, he chipped Clarke to claim his first goal in Leeds colours and ensured a bursting throb of pride rippled through Elland Road and seeing yet another one of our home grown academy products excel on the big stage.
We will have to work on some Sam Byram songs though! "There's only one Sam Byram!" is hardly original and the best that I can come up with, eg "Sam Byram is having a party....so bring yer jelly and yer ice cream!" will hardly trouble the Geldered top 100 tunes!
A satisfying first forty five minutes and the second half followed in similar fashion with Oxford playing the more positive probing football, but Leeds looking ruthless and capable of finishing the game off. Byram should have doubled his tally, but smashed Diouf's pinpoint delivery over the bar whilst Austin tried his luck from 40 yards only to see his drive smack the crossbar.
Our third finally arrived on 76 minutes, Diouf who's future typically seems uncertain expertly made himself some space to deliver the perfect cross for Tom Lees to head home.
Diouf left the field to a standing ovation shortly after, but a bigger roar of approval greeted Rodolph Austin, when he was replaced by Zac Thompson on 84 minutes. Austin literally covered every blade of grass on that pitch and what a bargain Warnock looks to have uncovered.
Overall an excellent evening all round for Leeds United. Warnock rested many of his "big guns" and still managed to put out a very strong side who looked more than capable when they eventually got going, young Byram underlined his growing reputation with a wonder goal. Diouf received a fantastic reception which hopefully will persuade him to put pen to paper on the deal which has been offered to him. Austin was awesome and we came through without any further injury worries or woes.