How the players rated v Cheltenham
YEP chief soccer writer Phil Hay gives his verdict on how United's players performed at Whaddon Road.
Casper Ankergren: Serious pressure was applied to Ankergren but the Dane never faltered. Two of his saves in the second half were vital and he was fairly safe under high balls - 7/10
Frazer Richardson: A high-quality display from Richardson, whose influence was a key factor in United's impressive start to the match. Made numerous penetrating runs - 8/10
Lubomir Michalik: Errors crept into his performance before the interval, but he was heavily involved in the resilient rearguard action which kept a marauding Cheltenham team at bay in the second half - 6/10
Paul Telfer: His pairing with Michalik is still not looking entirely watertight but Telfer was never far from the action after half-time and helped United's defence to stand firm - 7/10
Ben Parker: One of the best players on the pitch during the first 45 minutes, completing his defensive duties with the minimum of fuss and providing support on the left wing. Showed good fitness throughout - 7/10
Jonathan Howson: Howson's display in the first 45 minutes was one of his better showings this season. Took the game to Cheltenham with direct runs and swept up possession - 6/10
Jonathan Douglas: Once again, Douglas stood out among the midfielders. His range of passing was excellent and his defensive effort was vital, giving Gary McAllister's backline some welcome assistance - 8/10
Fabian Delph: Showed flashes of his vision and skill before the break and almost scored with a long-range shot. The youngster was soon drawn into a battle by Cheltenham but did not hide from it - 6/10
Neil Kilkenny: Had no success in his attempts to dictate the tempo of the game, but his closing-down of Cheltenham's players was committed and important, and his effort did not go unnoticed - 6/10
Luciano Becchio: Becchio's goal was as easy as they come for a striker with his ability, but credit to him for taking full advantage of the early opening. Found chances more difficult to come by after the break - 7/10
Jermaine Beckford: Beckford is stuck in a striker's rut at the moment and missed five or six chances, two of which he should have converted. Beckford is contributing plenty but needs a goal - 6/10
Substitutes:
Andy Robinson (for Howson, 55) - 6/10
David Prutton (for Kilkenny, 70) - 6/10
Robert Snodgrass (for Beckford, 80) - 5/10
Not used: David Lucas, Enoch Showunmi
Cheltenham Town: Higgs, Gallinagh (Spencer 69), Kenton, Diallo, Wright, Montrose, Payne, Ridley, Hayes, Murray, Connor (Caines 83). Subs (not used): Brown, Armstrong, Lindegaard.
Match facts
Goals: Cheltenham 0, Leeds 1 (Becchio 7).
Shots on target: Cheltenham 4, Leeds 11.
Shots off target: Cheltenham 5, Leeds 11.
Fouls: Cheltenham 14, Leeds 10.
Corners: Cheltenham 5, Leeds 2.
Yellow cards: Cheltenham 1 (Diallo), Leeds 2 (Michalik, Delph).
Referee: Fred Graham (Essex) – Applied common sense to his reading of Saturday's game - 8/10
Attendance: 5,726.
YEP