Leeds returned to the Championship as they left it three years ago with defeat against Derby County.

Whilst Leeds Rhino's celebrated yet more glory with a place in the Challenge Cup final, there was bitter disappointment across the city at ER.

If Leeds are going to make an impact in the Championship, then really they should have got at least a point against a Derby team who hovered between the relegation zone and midtable last season.

Simon Grayson handed debuts to Kasper Schmichael, ex Derby defender Paul Connelly, Fede Bessone and Lloyd Sam. Neil Collins and Sanchez Watt made second debuts after loan-spells last season. Other new recruits Alex Bruce and latest arrival Adam Clayton, on loan from Manchester City, had to be content with a seat on the bench.

Kris Commons fired over in the early exchanges and Leeds failed to heed the warning signs as on 13 minutes Common's turned provider for ex-favourite Rob Hulse to finish. It was a superbly taken effort by Hulse who to his credit did not celebrate in front of the Leeds fans.

However the lead lasted just two minutes, Leeds broke and Howson found himself in a good position in the box but surrounded by Rams' defenders - instead he wisely fed Becchio out left who gobbled up the chance.

Leeds then tried to batter Derby into submission and it was hands on heads time as Naylor struck the bar after finding space in the box.

However Derby looked very dangerous on the break and on 26 minutes Lloyd Sam was adjudged to have hacked down Tomasz Cywka and Kris Common's stroked home the penalty. Despite the protests, the TV replays showed referee Swarbrick got it right.

It could have been worse had it not been for Kasper Schmichael, who in the dying minutes smothered a dead-cert chance from Paul Green.

The second half saw Leeds press and create a couple of half chances, but we still looked very suspect on the break against the pace of Cywka and Commons and were grateful to Kasper Schmichael that our first opening day defeat in 21 years was not heavier. 

Photo: Action Images

Leeds United Polls