Having gone behind to a Robbie Blake goal in the first half, the Bluebirds had new boys Koumas and skipper Darren Purse to thank for their 2-1 turnaround.
The first half saw some scrappy play, littered with trademark Sean Gregan big hoofs and some untidy passing in the final third from both teams. Neither midfield seemed to settle properly until the 22nd minute when David Healy latched on to a through ball behind City’s defence and fizzed an awkward cross across the Bluebirds’ 6-yard area, leaving Robbie Blake with a simple tap-in to give the visitors the lead.
Going behind has so often signalled the end for City teams in the past but under new boss Dave Jones there seems to be a new fighting spirit and ability to raise their game under difficult circumstances. As soon as they fell behind, Cardiff came to life with Whitley, Darlington and Cooper stringing some neat passing moves together and creating the first real opening for Willie Boland. In unfamiliar territory, the Irishman had a free header but found the only spot in which Neil Sullivan could safely gather. Leeds kept the ball well and managed to create a couple of chances, one in which Eddie Lewis blazed over when well positioned. Although things were slowly improving, the Bluebirds only managed to huff and puff to no avail and went into the half-time break 1-0 down. City’s main failings seemed to be in and around the opposition’s area, where they were in desperate need of an established goalscorer. News that Svetoslav Todorov is soon to be joining on a six-month loan from Portsmouth will be greatly received considering that the Bulgarian scored 26 goals at this level during Pompey’s promotion season.
Running onto the hallowed turf in the second period was a rejuvenated Cardiff side. A seemingly new team, there was zip to there passing, fluid movement all over the pitch and this confidence was evident to the crowd who became more and more involved in the match. The big change came in the shape of recent loan-signing, Jason Koumas, who made the ultimate impact on what would turn out to be a dream debut. Replacing Willie Boland early in the second half, the West Brom outcast received one of the most rapturous welcomes in recent memory. Within five minutes of his introduction, Koumas made the significant contribution of the night, strolling forward to the edge of the area before unleashing a wonderful left-foot strike to the corner of the net. An utterly fabulous effort considering it came from the weaker foot of a player yet to regain full fitness. The whole ground erupted at the sight of a new hero.
Having pulled level, City injected pace and panache into a now lively match. Most fruitful of attacking moves were those on either flank, especially down the left where Chris Barker, Neal Ardley and Koumas were running rings around the Leeds right side. It was one of these forays that led to the winning goal. Ardley whipping in a dangerous cross which young substitute Matthew Kilgallon handled. The referee was in prime position to point to the spot and hand the ball to captain Purse. With minimal fuss, the former Birmingham set-piece specialist took a simple run-up and drove the ball firmly beyond Sullivan’s grasp. It was just reward for home side’s relentless attacking impetus.
Victory did not, however come without any scares, as Leeds rediscovered their first-half form to fire some warning shots. Chris Barker had to take evasive action in clearing off the line and Jermaine Wright wastefully steering wide from close range. The Bluebirds managed to stave off these threats and held on for a memorable win, securing their status as Leeds’ bogey team