Poleon ends losing streak against 10-men Cherries As Leeds Edge Past Bournemouth

Substitute striker Dominic Poleon struck 10 minutes from time to ensure Leeds finally saw off 10-man Bournemouth.

 
Poleon’s powerful 15-yard volley ensured a happy end to an edgy night at Elland Road in which Leeds had a one-man advantage for an hour and missed a penalty. 

Brian McDermott, the home manager, made it clear before kick-off that his expectations entirely match those of Leeds supporters anxious about a slump in form.

Four successive defeats, including an exit from the Capital One Cup and with only one goal scored, was certainly not acceptable to the Elland Road boss, either.

Saying so, and in no uncertain terms, was in his best interests for the visit of a side punching above their weight. 

Bournemouth are not even bantamweights at this level, yet arrived two points better off.

McDermott knew his team would be well adrift unless they arrested the slide. Yet promotion must still be his undiluted aim from his first full season.

‘I’m in a hurry to achieve success,’ he said in the match programme. ‘This is a frustrating period.’ 

So was the first half, capped by a penalty miss from top scorer Ross McCormack. Or, put another way, a sensational save from the visitors’ substitute keeper Darryl Flahavan with his first touch.

Noel Hunt, escaping the Bournemouth back line, was brought down by Ryan Allsop diving at his feet. Allsop was sent off before Flahavan swooped to his left to keep out McCormack’s under-hit shot.

Clanger: Bournemouth keeper Ryan Allsop (left) is sent off for a foul on Noel Hunt

Fluffed: Ross McCormack misses a penalty after the Bournemouth keeper was sent off

The likes of Bournemouth are not supposed to enjoy coming to Elland Road. But with Ian Harte back in their line-up on a return to his old club, Eddie Howe’s men made an unruffled start.

Leeds aroused some agitation from the crowd. They might have settled better had McCormack picked out the unmarked Hunt in an early break. Later came a series of misses, notably by Rodolph Austin. 

Cherry picker: Lewis Grabban equalises for 10-men Bournemouth in the second half

But it was a big ask for Bournemouth to survive the second half with 10 men and their resistance was swiftly broken.

A fast Leeds attack saw Stephen Warnock cross low from the left and McCormack timed his run perfectly to glide in his fifth goal of the season.

Lewis Grabban made Leeds sweat when he capitalised on poor defending to volley Bournemouth level in the 73rd minute.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2440313/Leeds-2-Bournemouth-1-match-report-Poleon-ends-poor-run-10-men-Cherries.html#ixzz2gVqCJCE7