Leeds United v Cardiff City: Last five meetings at Elland Road

Leeds United have never had too much luck when it comes to Cardiff City, often struggling against the Bluebirds regardless of either side's on-field fortunes.
Kyle Bartley shows his frustration during the 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff City in February 2017.Kyle Bartley shows his frustration during the 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff City in February 2017.
Kyle Bartley shows his frustration during the 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff City in February 2017.

Looking back at Leeds’ previous matches with the Welsh side is therefore never much fun, however, as the Whites prepare to welcome old friend Neil Warnock back to Elland Road once again tomorrow, we take a look at how United have fared in their last five home matches against Cardiff City.

February 11, 2017 – Leeds United 0 Cardiff City 2

Former Whites manager Neil Warnock as well as former player Sol Bamba enjoyed memorable returns to Elland Road with promotion-chasing Leeds left “frustrated” after being kept at bay in a 2-0 loss to mid-table City.

Alex Mowatt in action against Cardiff City in November 2015.Alex Mowatt in action against Cardiff City in November 2015.
Alex Mowatt in action against Cardiff City in November 2015.
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Sean Morrison and Kenneth Zohore’s second-half goals sealed the victory for Cardiff and a bad day for United was made worse by Liam Bridcutt’s late sending off.

November 3, 2015 – Leeds United 1 Cardiff City 0

Amid the now regular managerial sackings and deepening fears around Elland Road of a relegation battle, this win provided a lot of solace for many reasons.

Manager Steve Evans admitted he was “welling up” after what proved to be his first win as Leeds manager.

Kalvin Phillips celebrates scoring on his home debut in April 2015.Kalvin Phillips celebrates scoring on his home debut in April 2015.
Kalvin Phillips celebrates scoring on his home debut in April 2015.

A superb long-range strike in the second half from Alex Mowatt was enough to earn a win that the Whites just about deserved, while Chris Wood should have done better after rounding the Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall but he only found the side netting from a tight angle.

April 11, 2015 – Leeds United 1 Cardiff City 2

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This match was only really memorable for the fact that no Cardiff City fans turned up, with their ‘derisory’ ticket allocation of 500 prompting them to boycott the game altogether.

And some of the Leeds fans may have been wishing why they had also chosen to sit this one out when Sean Morrison fired the Bluebirds in front early on. However, an early equaliser from a 19-year-old debutant Kalvin Phillips allowed Leeds fans to see the funny side, with the South Stand turning towards the away end and shouting “you’re not singing any more” at the plethora of empty seats.

Alex Mowatt in action against Cardiff City in November 2015.Alex Mowatt in action against Cardiff City in November 2015.
Alex Mowatt in action against Cardiff City in November 2015.

Cardiff however continued to be on the front foot and Leeds eventually conceded the winner on 62 minutes when Aron Gunnarsson tucked the ball away after a goal-mouth scramble.

February 2, 2013 – Leeds United 0 Cardiff City 1

A certain young loanee named Ross Barkley was amongst the Leeds United ranks for this game, however he couldn’t stop the Whites from once again coming unstuck against league leaders Cardiff, despite United turning in a strong performance.

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Barkley, as well as Tom Lees and Ross McCormack all kept the Cardiff defence busy throughout, however Malky Mackay’s side did give Leeds a late first-half warning when Craig Bellamy’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Kalvin Phillips celebrates scoring on his home debut in April 2015.Kalvin Phillips celebrates scoring on his home debut in April 2015.
Kalvin Phillips celebrates scoring on his home debut in April 2015.

Despite this, Leeds continued to look the more likely to score, but a defensive error from promising young star Sam Byram allowed Bellamy to find Frazier Campbell who duly beat Paddy Kenny to put Leeds behind against the run of play.

For all their continued dominance, Leeds could not find a way back, with the defeat adding to fans’ frustration about manager Neil Warnock whose prospects of getting Leeds promoted were looking more and more remote.

October 30, 2011 – Leeds United 1 Cardiff City 1

This was another match where Leeds could and should have come away with more, however they did manage to rescue a draw after their second-half dominance was rewarded by Robert Snodgrass’ strike.

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Another defensive mistake saw Leeds go 1-0 down after Darren O’Dea hesitated in the box to gift Joe Mason a chance that he did not miss.

From then on it was all Leeds as, not for the last time that season, they came up against a goalkeeper saving his best performance for Elland Road, as Cardiff stopper David Marshall saved two free headers from Andy Keogh and Snodgrass while also keeping out a powerful strike from Ross McCormack.

However, he could do nothing about Snodgrass’ leveller, as a header from Tom Lees found Snodgrass in space for a simple tap-in.

Leeds nearly got a deserved win towards the end through a Lees header, however this time he couldn’t get a good connection. Leeds also had a lucky escape of their own, with a late goalline clearance from Aidy White ensuring a disappointing draw for Leeds.