Football: Wallace plays leveller in Leeds' last stand

Leeds United. . . . . . 2

Sheffield Wednesday. . .2

LEEDS UNITED earned a last standing ovation from their fans for a grandstand finish at Elland Road last night.

Just when another of football's Kops seemed doomed to pass into history with a whimper rather than any echo of past glories, two goals in two minutes rescued a draw and restored the party atmosphere.

Their one point ensured that Leeds, who were still England's reigning champions a year and a few days ago, will end this season with the more modest title of Yorkshire's leading team.

Even that humble achievement seemed well beyond them in the first 70 minutes.

Wednesday had been well worth their lead, with the irrepressible Gordon Watson, who laid on the first goal for Chris Bart-Williams with a clever back-heel and then scored the other early in the second half, also going close on three occasions.

That second goal temporarily overshadowed the belated arrival of David White, Leeds' match-winner as a substitute against Everton on Saturday, and a significant contributor again last night.

The piece of floating bone in White's ankle might prevent him from playing a full 90 minutes, but if he continues to make this impact when he does appear, everyone will want one.

He was on the spot to force home a ball that went spinning across the goal off Rod Wallace to start the revival.

Within a minute, Brian Deane should have equalised when put through by Gary Kelly; within another, Deane had flicked on a through-ball from Gary McAllister, whose long-range shooting had comprised virtually all Leeds' attacking threat, and Wallace was there to send the last standing spectators at Elland Road home in an infinitely happier frame of mind.

Leeds United (4-4-2): Lukic; Kelly, O'Leary, Wetherall, Sharp (White, h-t); Strachan, McAllister, Fairclough, Speed (Tinkler, 42); Wallace, Deane. Substitute not used: Beeney (gk).

Sheffield Wednesday (4-4-2): Pressman; Coleman, Pearce, Walker, Worthington; Bart-Williams, Sheridan (Hyde, 82), Palmer, Jones; Bright (Jemson, 82), Watson. Substitute not used: Woods (gk).

Referee: A Gunn (South Chailey, Sussex).