Injuries and tiredness are no longer excuses that Leeds can use. For now we have a two month break from the distraction of the Champions League and a subs bench containing full England internationals Batty, Martyn and Wilcox, U21 cap Mills and ....erm...Darren Ploperby.....I suppose 4 out of 5 aint bad !

This game was like a cup tie. Real shit or bust football. Not overly pretty but the best sort of entertainment us simple Yorkies know.

Kewell started on the left and he seemed to flit between midfield and attack. As the game wore on and Harry tired he seemed less inclined to drop back and help. We ended up 4-3-3 but at 2-0 up we could afford that luxury.

Sunderland are no mugs - with 5 wins on the bounce they make up for a lack of individual class with a phenomenal work rate and an agressive style that borders on thuggery. It was a good time for Leeds to meet the Wearsiders cos due to their recent successes they came out at Leeds with a genuine attempt to win the game. This gave Leeds the room that they so much crave for at Elland Road.

Bowyer, Bakke and Dacourt fought like demons in the middle of the park with the Frenchman in awesome form. His twists and turns are remarkable at times and indeed left one Sunderland player flat on his arse at one point like a fairy that had fallen off a Christmas tree. Kewell hugged the left touchline and bamboozled the visitors defence with his quick feet and accurate crossing. It was only a matter of time before Leeds scored.

Bowyer, Bakke, Smith and a be-gloved Viduka combined well to set up the opener for Bowyer. His angled drive from 12 yards giving the generally impressive Sorensen a chance to play statues.

Sunderland were not without their chances though. The Black Cats were exposing the space on Leeds' right well , particularly Micky "Gay Hair" Gray, and were cracking hopeful balls up to Floodlight Quinn for his knockdowns. One such scenario ended up with Quinn himself blazing over from close range, the ball catching his hoof-end no doubt. He should have scored, Killbane, the thinking mans Huckerby, then missed 2 half chances that Huckerby could only dream of on the bench. He'd have mis-kicked them too - without question.

Two people said to me at the match "Celtic are gonna buy Huckerby !" "How come ? has Martin O'Neill started taking drugs or something ? We couldn't give the prat away let alone sell him!"

Bowyer ran clear of the Sunderland defence following Viduka's neat flick and was bundled to the ground by Thome. Having already been booked the Brazilian should have walked. Instead the referee, who was dreadful throughout, booked another Sunderland defender. Facking c@nt !! For the millionth time Smith was twatted from behind and the ref ignored it. Facking c@nt !! Half Time - Leeds deservedly ahead but by no means having it all their own way.

2nd half and Leeds were well on top. Dacourt, Bowyer and Kewell led the Mackems a merry dance. Bowyer twice and Viduka wasted good shooting chances and Sorensen saved well from Viduka following a corner. Viduka then dummied his way through to the byline and his chip looked certain to be converted by the unmarked Kewell until Sorensen stretched up like an elastic salmon and denied the Australians.

Just when it seemed Leeds were themselves cruising, Robinson and Kelly contrived to completely f*ck up and leave a harmless ball alone which resulted in Quinn being allowed to poke the ball into an empty net. Luckily Quinn was offside when the impetuous Arken prodded it forward. Leeds breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Rio then nipped into deny Quinn when the equaliser seemed a formality. Leeds snapped back into life - Bakke hit the post after an excellent cross from Ferdinand - what the f*ck was he doing up there !? Bakke's backheel beat the keeper and the rebound eluded Viduka's pounce, paunch - the lot Leeds then sealed it with Viduka feeding Kewell, who popped up on the right like a glove puppet out of a box, and after intentionally dithering about for a second or two sent a measured cross onto Viduka's ample forehead and Leeds were 2-0 up.

Prodigal son Batty replaced Dacourt,who looked like he had a slight knock, and both players received unbelievable cheers from the crowd. What a player to bring on! Batty was instantly involved and was snapping about like a crocodile in a kids swimming pool. His trademark give and go passing was in evidence and he showed what Leeds have missed for the last year when he released Smith with a glorious through-ball which Smiffy lobbed in from an acute angle. The linesman's flag however had been raised but replays suggest he was wrong. So 3-0 to Leeds but officially only 2 ;-)

Credit to Sunderland who hit the bar in the last minute and had they had a lot more luck could have sneaked a point. Leeds however were in irresistible form at times and carved the visitors apart far too often for Monkey Reid's liking.

Scores

Robinson 7 Made some good catches from crosses. Kicking good.

Kelly 7 Gritty performance. Not helped by the fact Bowyer tucked in and left Kelly exposed a few times. Little chance to come forward

Matteo 7.5 Polished showing. Did the simple things well.

Woody 8 Gave rat face Phillips little room to manoeuvre.

Rio 8 Several gorgeous pieces of skill and self-assurance. Handled Quinn as well as he could have hoped.

Bowyer 8.5 Tireless running. Broke forward well and scored.

Dacourt 9 The black Batty. The lynch pin in the team.

Bakke 7 Great improvement of late. Plays so much better when the midfield is not crowded out. He's still learning.

Kewell 8 Ran well with the ball, crossed more than anyone else has all season. Still a bit rusty but looks even better than I remember ! Can't wait til he fires on all cylinders again

Viduka 7 Some lovely touches but drifts out of the game at times - maybe that's due to tight marking or tight underpants - who knows ? Took his goal wonderfully well.

Smith 7 Ran his testicles off. Has since had them sewn back on. Battled for little reward. Scored what should have been our 3rd

Subs:

Batty 8 Batty is back ! Hello ! Hello !

Huckerby I'm not marking that lemon.

Ref 1 Pathetic.

Sunderland 8 - gave 100% but finishing was w@nk

Crowd 8 - good atmosphere - "you're just a Newcastle suburb !" we teased.

Reporter: Stotty