There is no disgrace in losing away to Fulham. Jean Tigana's side may not have set the Premiership on fire in the first eighteen months of their tenure, but they have improved a great deal during their stay in the top flight. Their early season form was good and it is worth remembering that since their promotion, we have failed to score against them. Given our execrable recent form, an away match against an organised and committed mid-table team like Fulham offers no cause for optimism. I, for one, would have accepted a draw before kick off.

1-0

None of this can excuse the spineless performance that our players gave in the first half. With both manager and coach squirming in their respective seats the team turned in an anaemic display. Fulham were first to everything and worth at least the one goal they claimed when the excellent Martin Djetou headed the ball in from off Robinson's fists following a near post corner. Had Legwinski shown more composure - he struck the bar when it appeared easier to score - and Robinson not made up for his slight culpability in the goal with another display of excellent shot-stopping, Fulham could easily have led by three or four by the interval.

Venables part in this debacle is difficult to ignore. He had very little choice in the team he put out - although I'm not sure how anyone can justify selecting Harte and Kelly on current form - but the manager has to take responsibility for the attitude and shape of the team. The players simply looked like they didn't want to be there. The defence was too deep and while Bakke battled manfully he was cruelly exposed. MacPhail, as all too often these days, found the game going past him. One had to feel some sympathy for Paul Okon who, on his long-awaited debut, showed some neat touches and an appetite for the fight but was fighting against the prevailing wind. The best player in the world would struggle to shine in this team - and Okon is not that.

Fans

It is difficult to come up with any positives from yet another wasted afternoon but the fans themselves have nothing to be ashamed of. Their passionate support of a team who were less than committed themselves should be a source of pride for all Leeds fans. The current state of the team is not their fault. It is relatively easy for the players and coaching staff to talk about how the state of the club 'hurts' them too, just as it is easy to cope with such hurt when you are being paid £20,000 a week. The first dissenting chants of 'Terry it's time to go' were not heard until deep into the second half, by which time the depressing tone of the day had been well and truly set. If the chairman continues to ride roughshod over his 'fellow supporters' he runs the risk of losing Leeds United's greatest asset. The fans.

Second half

To be fair, the second half was much better. It couldn't have been worse. Michael Bridges, who had been lively throughout, was partnered for the second period by Robbie Fowler. Fowler replaced a disappointing Alan Smith who was clearly struggling with flu. Despite his failure to make an impact on the game, Alan deserves credit for giving it a go, he is the spirit of the club.

Fowler was also clearly not fit but his determination and movement gave us an extra dimension and seemed to bring the bast out of Bridges. Until he tired, Bridges was looking like his old self, all intelligent running and sweet first touch. He also seemed to become physically stronger as he worked himself more into the game. Grounds for optimism in the middle term.

Chances

In the short term, the pair looked like they could have rescued the game for united. First Bridges fashioned himself a gilt-edged chance. He showed strength and vision to work the ball out to Harte. The full-back, hitherto ineffectual, swung a peach of a ball into the box where Bridges had found space through tireless running. Unfortunately he just wasn't able to turn the ball goalwards and it slammed wide of Van Der Sar's right hand post with the keeper beaten.

Minutes later, Jamie Milner (on as sub for the ineffectual MacPhail) did extremely well to squeeze the ball back from the left hand by-line and Fowler showed tremendous commitment to meet it with his head, eight yards out. His header was powerful and true but straight at the keeper. And that was that.

Fade out

Missing those chances seemed to squeeze the life out of United. As Bridges and Fowler understandably tired, we seemed to lose impetus. Replacing Harte with the returning Mills had more of an impact on the left - where Harte's left foot was missed - than on the right. As we slipped back to defending on the edge of our box, Fulham managed to hit the woodwork twice more and missed a succession of excellent chances. The isolated Woodgate and battling but limited Duberry where all that stood between us and a proper hiding. Amid muted cries of descent from the loyal Leeds following, the final whistle was more of a relief than anything else. The end to another dismal day following United. Thursday's UEFA cup game is now make or break for El Tel.