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Due to previous results between both teams and Burnley's ability to vary rapidly from utter brilliance to complete disaster, I wasn't so confident watching the teams set up prior to kick off. Other than my doubts, the build up to the game had been an enjoyable one; the population of the away end began to gradually increase and those in their seats were warming up their vocal chords. Of the home support, I must say for a club that boasts of the tremendous volume created on match days - we barely heard a peep all game from the surrounding stands.
My enjoyment ended once the whistle was blown to signal the start of the game. The 90 minutes of football that followed will be soon forgotten by myself, as well as other supporters there, who paid what can only be called extortionate prices to watch the game. Over the course of the match, I can remember just one clear cut chance for Burnley, and this fell to the feet of Michael Duff in the first half.
Upon receiving one of very few free kicks that afternoon, Tyrone Mears floated the ball into the penalty area aiming perfectly for the head of Chris Iwelumo. Now I'm no expert on the rules of the game nor have I any experience of officiating, but for a referee to simply stand and watch a player being wrestled to the ground yet not award a spot-kick is an appalling decision. In my opinion, of course.
After one of many debacles, the ball somehow found itself at the near post, where Michael Duff shot straight at Kasper Schmeichel's face with the linesman awarding a corner. Chance gone, but the game could have been so different if the man in black would have opened his eyes.
Eventually, when the clock read 33 minutes Ross McCormack received the through ball and cut in behind Duff and Bikey. On this occasion, Jensen couldn't get a hand on the ball and McCormack got his first goal of the season with a low strike into the bottom left hand corner. Looking in on the outside, Burnley looked to still have a chance of getting back into the game. Deep down, I knew the promotion hopes were over and I sensed the players felt it as well.
Half time came and went. When the teams entered the field of play once more, there was an air of desperation and hope that we could find inspiration from somewhere. It was not long before Leeds revealed their true selves' though, and violence managed to creep its way into the game. Chris McCann challenged Max Gradel for the ball, and in doing so caught the Leeds player on the back with the toe of his boot. The reaction of the home side was dramatic, and the fans were baying for a red card that never came. The Leeds players rushed from all areas of the pitch to prod and push the accused, with the referee once again watching the events unfold without taking any action. McCann, miraculously, managed to get away with just a yellow as did Neil Kilkenny and Eric Lichaj for their response to the challenge.
For the remainder of the game, there was really only one team in it. Leeds out-numbered, out-muscled and out-footballed Burnley in midfield and the only person managing the barrage on goal was Brian Jensen. Without him being on top-form, frankly it could have been embarrassing and he was most probably the only man that deserved applause at the end of the game.
The loss saw an end to the play off hopes and ambitions, and based on yesterday's performance, our league position is deserved. Although this year has been somewhat a disappointing one, mainly due to high expectations, I am thoroughly looking forward to watching Burnley, as a season ticket holder, after the summer.