News

Manager Simon Grayson is confident that a repeat of Leeds United's early season form is "around the corner" as his side prepare to face Oldham on Tuesday at Elland Road (7.45pm).

Grayson's men are searching for a second league win of 2010, and know that victory against the Latics could prove the catalyst for the final push to secure promotion back to the Coca-Cola Championship.

United are three points behind league leaders Norwich City and go into Tuesday's game having beaten Oldham twice already this season.

The Latics went down 1-0 at home to Colchester on Saturday, but reports suggested Dave Penney's side were unfortunate to taste defeat against the third placed side.

"It just shows what can happen," said the United manager. 

"Oldham played very well against Colchester on Saturday and they were unfortunate. We have to make sure they are unfortunate again on Tuesday.

"It'll be a tough game, they want points and we have to remain patient and show a desire to succeed.

"After the results we've had people might fancy playing us, but teams didn't like it in the early part of the season and that performance is somewhere around the corner again."

And the manager was also quick to express his thanks to the Elland Road fans for their support as the race enters its final stages.

"Everybody wants the same thing," he said. "Everybody wants promotion for this football club.

"There'll be periods when you don't play as well as you can. It may be an honest mistake sometimes that is made and all we ask is that the players put that right.

"And all we ask is that the fans stay patient because they have been terrific all season - home and away - and keep behind the lads. They lifted us when we needed it on Saturday and they've been great at doing that.

"All you can say is 'everyone stick together and we'll get where we want to be.'

"The players have worked their socks off. We may have lacked a little quality at times, but any mistake is an honest mistake, no one is hiding away, and we'll get promoted as a group.

"They are disappointed with how results have gone, but they'll prepare properly and we'll go again on Tuesday."