HALF TIME: Leeds United 0 Aston Villa 0: Niggly contest goalless at the break

A NIGGLY Championship contest between Leeds United and Aston Villa is goalless at half time at Elland Road.
Pontus Jansson.Pontus Jansson.
Pontus Jansson.

It took until the 12th minute for either side to create any sort of attempt on goal with Rudy Gestede’s tame header from a Villa corner easily saved by Rob Green.
Leeds then wasted a 15th-minute free-kick awarded for a foul on Hadi Sacko which saw Mile Jedinak booked.
At the other end, Jonathan Kodjia then almost cashed in on hesitant Leeds play but Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley eventually swept up the danger.
From a misplaced Bartley header, Jonathan Kodjia was then an opportunity on the edge of the area but smashed a powerful effort well over the crossbar.
Villa then saw sclaims for a 21st minute penalty dismissed when Rob Green clattered into Albert Adomah but referee Peter Bankes waved away the appeals for a spot kick and replays show Green took the ball first.
Leeds hit back with Kemar Roofe hitting the side netting but United’s best chance yet arrived on the half four mark when Pontus Jansson put a free header over the crossbar from Charlie Taylor’s corner. The Swede held his head on the floor in frustration.
Leeds were gradually beginning to get going and the Whites were inches away from being awarded a 34th-minute penalty when Albert Adomah scythed down Charlie Taylor right on the edge of the box down the left hand flank.
Leeds wasted the free-kick and Pontus Jansson then saved Souleymane Doukara’s blushes with a strong block to keep out a low shot from Gary Gardiner.
Back at the other end, Leeds then United squandered another free header inthe 39th minute through Kyle Bartle whose effort from Souleymane Doukara’s cross flashed wide. 
Kalvin Phillips was then booked for taking down Gestede and Villa again threatened when Gardiner’s low effort was blocked by Bartley.
But Leeds squandered another potential opening in first half injury time when a wonderful pass from Kalvin Phillips picked out Sacko on the right wing but not for the first time a poor touch from the winger left the opportunity gone.
Leeds United: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor, Phillips, Vieira, Sacko, Roofe, Doukara, Wood. Subs: Silvestri, Denton, Berardi, Grimes, Mowatt, Dallas, Antonsson.
Aston Villa: Gollini; Hutton, Elphick, Chester, Amavi; Westwood, Jedinak, Gardner, Adomah, Kodjia, Gestede. Subs: Sarkic, Ayew, Cissokho, Bacuna, Tshibola, Grealish, Agbonlahor.
Referee: Peter Bankes.


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