27-07-11: Sandefjord (h) 1-1 (HT 0-0) Crowd (4,500)

The huge following of Leeds supporters followed and provided more than half of the attendance of 4,520 as the main squad moved on to Norway for their fixture with Sandefjord on 26th July 2012 and lined up: Paul Rachubka; Paul Connolly, Patrick Kisnorbo, Leigh Bromby and Aidan White; Adam Clayton and Michael Brown; Alexandre Mendy, Jonathan Howson and Lloyd Sam; with Ross McCormack in the strikers' role. Sandefjord were in the middle of their season but after initially calling the shots they had to give way to United as they started to dictate the pace of the game. Ross McCormack was the first to show that United were getting on top as he sent a shot just wide and was then adjudged to be offside after being put through by Alexandre Mendy. They should have taken the lead just before the thirtieth minute when the lively McCormack was pulled down in the box as he was trying to get on the end of a Leigh Bromby cross. Unfortunately he took the spot kick himself and fired wide and minutes later he had more misfortune when he got on the end of a Jonathan Howson pass to score only for it to be ruled out for offside. It was McCormack again that laid on a cross for Lloyd Sam to shoot, but his effort was blocked, and just on half-time Alexandre Mendy headed over following a free-kick. Simon Grayson made just one change at half-time, bringing on Alex Bruce for Patrick Kisnorbo. United continued to have the major part of possession and Ross McCormack shot over the bar, then Michael Brown had an effort blocked, before Alex Bruce headed clear at the other end. Leeds rang the changes with Ramon Nunez replacing Michael Brown after fifty-five minutes and seven minutes later Billy Paynter came on for Alexandre Mendy and a minute later Tom Lees replaced Leigh Bromby. Ramon Nunez hit a post after making a chance for himself, Adam Clayton had a shot tipped over the bar and both Billy Paynter and Tom Lees headed over. United sent on Max Gradel for Ross McCormack with four minutes left. Just when it seemed the game would end in a stalemate, the home side took the lead with three minutes to go. Max Gradel was caught offside and a quick break from the Norwegians ended with substitute Benjamin Stokke smashing the ball home. It seemed that that was the end but Ramon Nunez had other ideas and after good work from Jonathan Howson he was put in possession and scored as his long range shot was deflected past the keeper to preserve United's unbeaten start to the season, as Alex Cairns remained unused on the bench The Sandefjord substitutes were: goalkeeper Colin Burns, midfielders Martin Torp and Orjan Royrane and forwards Benjamin Stokke, Fredrick Gulsvik, Martin Brekke and Cato Hansen.

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Teamsheets Photo Report & Ticket: Courtesy Mark Ledgard