Resilient Leeds United hit back again

Leeds United's Noel Hunt celebrates with Luke Varney after he scored the first goal for Leeds United at Ipswich.

The Whites went one down to an early goal by David McGoldrick, but bounced back to win with goals from Luke Varney and in demand forward Ross McCormack.

It was the third time already this season that Leeds had won 2-1 after going behind and they also trailed to Sheffield Wednesday before battling back to draw.

Manager McDermott felt his side eventually deserved their win after a slow start.

He said: “They were on top for the first 25 minutes and we had to change our shape in the second half.

“We have been 1-0 down (in three league games) this season but that happens in football. There is good resilience and desire in the dressing room and I thought we were good value for the result.”

McDermott praised the contribution of striker McCormack, who celebrated his recall to the Scotland squad with an assist for the first goal and the winner four minutes after the restart.

He added: “Ross is a quality player who scored a quality goal.

“I don’t know how many bids we have had – I leave that to the owners and the player’s agent. But I want him to stay and Ross wants to stay.

“I think selling him to another Championship club sends out the wrong message.”

Ipswich, who could have been two up before Leeds got into the game with Aaron Cresswell hitting the crossbar, initially looked good to add to their impressive home record against United.

But their manager Mick McCarthy admitted that the Whites forwards had caused his side problems.

He said: “Leeds have got some good experienced players and the front three (Varney, McCormack and Noel Hunt) are a real handful.

“They defended doggedly in the second half, but we should have made them pay in the first half. If it had ended up 1-1, we would have taken that.”

Match facts

Ipswich Town 1

(McGoldrick 12)

Leeds United 1

(Varney 28, McCormack 49)

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Sky Bet Championship

Att: 18,322

Ipswich: Loach, Hewitt, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell, Edwards (Anderson), Skuse, Tabb (Tunnicliffe 65), Hyam, Murphy (Nouble 75), McGoldrick.

Leeds: Kenny, Peltier, Lees, Pearce, Warnock, Murphy, Green, Austin, McCormack, Hunt (Tonge 85), Varney (Poleon 75).

Referee: Mike Dean.