High flying AFC Bournemouth came crashing down to earth as they faced a spirited Leeds team on a snowy night at Elland Road and once again Luke Murphy stole the show with a goal of the season contender. Leeds also survived yet another shocking referreeing decision as Bournemouth fluffed a late penalty to give Leeds their first double of the season.
The evening began with a tribute to former Chairman Leslie Silver, who passed away just over three-weeks ago. A minutes applause was dedicated to the man who was at the helm during some of the club's most troubled and successful times between 1983-1996, members of the Silver family who were in attendance were no doubt touched by the warm sentiment bestowed on our former Chairman on a bitterly cold winters night at Elland Road.
We seemed to take the game by the throat early doors and press and harass the league leaders, who initially seemed to take it in their stride and try and hit us on the break. Neil Redfearn opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, preferring the rejuvenated Steve Morison as a lone striker meaning Alex Mowatt returned to midfield and Mirco Antenucci dropped to the bench from the side that drew against Birmingham. Again there was no place in the squad for Adryan.
Our up-and-at-em policy finally paid off on 36 minutes. Shortly after Luke Murphy had tested Artur Boruc with a rasping right foot drive, Murphy tried his luck with his left and from 25-yards scored a future classic goal which no doubt will form part of the pre-match entertainment in years to come. It really was that good.
This stung an instant response from the Cherries and Brett Pitmann thought he'd equalised but his bundled goal was ruled out for offside, Silvestrii also did well to keep out the impress Callum Wilson's header from crossing the line. Despite the late first-half pressure, Leeds were good value for their lead, as well as Murphy, Lewis Cook shone once again in midfield and it surely has to be as much as a priority to tie-him down to a long-term deal as it is to bring in new faces.
Leeds continued to pressure their visitors but around about the hour mark I felt we looked a little battle weary. Redfearn did bring on a sub, Billy Sharp replacing hip-strain victim Morison, the former Norwich striker so often the target for boo-boys in the past got a standing ovation on leaving the pitch.
Bournemouth were capable of opening us up on more than one occasion but their shooting was wayward and once they did get something on target, they were denied by a post. However their inaccuracies in front of goal proved a sign of things to come when on 86 minutes they were award a penalty. I feel Leeds can have no complaints about the red-card dished out to Belusci but his cynical foul on Wilson was clearly outside the area. Fortunately justice was done when Yann Kermorgant smashed the spot-kick on to Silvestre's crossbar and 10-man Leeds held on for their first win in eight games taking us six-points clear of the relegation drop-zone.