Source: PA
Derby deny Leeds dream return
Leeds' return to the second tier of English football ended the same way as their last game in the division three years ago - with defeat to Derby.
It was a miserable start to the npower Championship campaign for Simon Grayson's men who, despite plenty of energy in attack, were indebted to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for a string of outstanding saves to limit Derby to a 2-1 triumph.
County manager Nigel Clough, given a frosty welcome by the home fans because of his late father Brian's relationship with Leeds, will not be too worried about his side's finishing just yet, though, as they got their season off to a flying start.
Backed by a 27,000-strong crowd, Leeds started with bundles of energy but Elland Road fell into near silence with just 13 minutes on the clock when former Leeds striker Rob Hulse drove home from an angle after Paul Green had robbed Jonny Howson of possession.
Howson scored one of the two goals that took Leeds up on the final day of last season, and he was soon making amends three minutes later, nipping in to intercept Robbie Savage's poor pass before squaring for the waiting Luciano Becchio to score.
But they soon fell behind again as Tomasz Cywka had too much pace for Lloyd Sam whose outstretched leg upended the winger, with Kris Commons stroking home the resulting penalty to condemn Leeds to their first opening-day defeat in 21 years.
