Leeds: Countdown to the Cup

After a thirteen match unbeaten run, Leeds United suffered their first defeat in the league yesterday, falling to a 3-1 reverse at Brunton Park against Carlisle United.

Indeed, their manager Dennis Wise seems somewhat upset by what he described as poor defending - especially from set plays.

Whether a Hereford United side at the top of their form will be able to exploit this apparent weakness, we will have to wait and see.

Wise saw his side grab a 28th minute lead when Jermaine Beckford (pictured) snatched his eighth goal of the campaign, but Carlisle were a rejuvenated side after the break, capitalising on some inexplicable Leeds defensive howlers.

Leeds visit Dean Court for another League One fixture on Tuesday, and Wise told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus he wants to put things right straightaway:

'There is a lot to think about and look at before we take on Bournemouth.

'I was disappointed that we conceded three goals from set plays, because that is something we don't expect, but full credit to the lads - one defeat in 14 is a fantastic achievement and we have to try and get another run going as soon as possible.

'It is good that we have a game straightaway because we need to start performing again and not making those mistakes.

'You don't want to be waiting a week for the next game. You want to get the horrible things out of the way as soon as possible.

'Bournemouth will be difficult but we will pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and do what we were doing in the 13 games before Saturday.'

Hereford United entertain Mansfield Town on the same night, and will be looking to maintain the superb form they showed against the Stags.

Mansfield have yet to win away from home this season, but under boss Billy Dearden their record has improved, so despite having one eye on the Leeds result at Bournemouth, United's players must remain focused.

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