13-07-10: MFK Ruzomberok (a) 0-1 (HT 0-1) Crowd (3,559)

Programme:

United gave trials to two young Slovakians during their tour of that country as Tomas Brusko, a midfielder with MFK Dubnica, and Marian Jarabica, the twenty-one year old Slovakian Under-Twenty-One International central defender from Ceske Budejivice, were given permission by their clubs to train with and take part in United's first pre-season friendly with Slovakian Premier League side, MFK Ruzomberok. They both started in the game along with debutants Kasper Schmeichel, Neill Collins, Fede Bessone and Lloyd Sam, as United lined up for the first half: Kasper Schmeichel; Jason Crowe, Marian Jarabica, Neill Collins, Fede Bessone; Lloyd Sam, Jonathan Howson, Tomas Brusko, Aidan White; Mike Grella and Luciano Becchio. Neill Collins soon shone in defence, but Kasper Schmeichel showed uncharacteristic uncertainty as he failed to hold a low cross. Mike Grella was unlucky not to have won a free-kick as he looked to captalise on a good Leeds move, but the home side took the lead after sixteen minutes when Jan Chovanec was left alone to pick his spot and blast the ball past the surprised Leeds keeper. Leeds were lucky that he didn't double his side's lead but his shot was blocked. Leeds were showing rustiness against their better-prepared hosts as trialist Brusko shot wide after fine work from Lloyd Sam, who was becoming a threat to the homeside. Luciano Becchio got in a cross but it was too high for Mike Grella, who again failed to take advantage of good work and shot straight at the keeper. After thirty-three minutes United made their first change as Alan Martin took over in goal from Kasper Schmeichel and the young Scots keeper was soon in the action, firstly misjudging a cross which allowed Petger Styvar to head wide and then watched as Vladimir Kovac shot wide when well placed. As expected Simon Grayson made wholesale changes for the second half, giving debuts to Paul Connolly and Billy Paynter as they lined up: Alan Martin; Paul Connolly, Tom Lees, Leigh Bromby, Andy Hughes; Robert Snodgrass, Neil Kilkenny, Bradley Johnson, Max Gradel; Davide Somma, Billy Paynter. Davide Somma was soon in the action and almost equalised after being put through by Neil Kilkenny. At the other end Alan Martin was also making his mark, diving to push a powerful free-kick from Vladimir Kovacs round the post before blocking another shot in quick succession. United were now more in the game and Max Gradel had the ball in the net after good work from Neil Kilkenny but was adjudged off-side and Davide Somma was unfortunate not to earn a penalty after being brought down in the box. United were falling foul of the home offside trap as both Billy Paynter, who shot over, and Davide Somma were both flagged for offside in quick succession. Shane Higgs was given a chance in goal as he replaced Alan Martin on the hour and was soon in the action as he parried a low shot. As the game progressed into the final quarter it was Leeds that started to get on top with Max Gradel proving to be a constant menace on the left flank. In their effort to equalise United were unfortunate when Neil Kilkenny fired over when well placed before Robert Snodgrass rattled a post with a smart effort from just inside the box. With six minutes left on the clock Davide Somma had the ball in the net with a powerful shot after a fine run, only to be thwarted once more by the offside flag in the most marginal of decisions and that was United's final effort as they went down 1-0. The home side's substitutes were: defenders Peter Maslo and Milomir Sivcevic, midfielders Ivan Kotora, Vladimir Kovac, Ardit Shaqiri and Peter Hoferica and striker Stefan Pekar.