Leeds United claimed West Yorkshire bragging rights in their Coca-Cola Cup derby clash with neighbours Huddersfield Town.

But apart from the result, courtesy of Danny Pugh's 21st minute goal, Leeds had little to crow about after being dominated by the Terriers.

United, playing in the first round for the first time in 43 years, struggled to make an impression against Peter Jackson's lively side.

They were outmanned in midfield as newly-promoted Huddersfield opted for a 3-5-2 formation which earned the visitors' the bulk of possession.

Town, sharp in the tackle, put together some good approach work but lacked punch in attack.

Apart from a string of rejected penalty appeals Huddersfield could not breach United's central defensive partnership of Paul Butler and Clarke Carlisle.

They were able to mop up most of the danger, leaving Neil Sullivan with a relatively quiet night in then United goal.

Much could be said of his opposite number Ian Gray who was equally well protected by Nigeria international Efe Sodje

The only goal came midway through the first half when Michael Ricketts planted a firm header against the Town bar. Pugh reacted sharply to jab a shot at goal which Gray blocked but the ball ran free for the Leeds midfielder to slot home.

Town were giving as good as they got and the narrow margin between success and failure was illustrated eight minutes after the United goal.

Huddersfield attacked down the left and almost levelled when York-born Pawel Abbot flicked a Tony Carss cross on to the bar with his head. This time the ball dropped kindly in the Leeds area and the relieved defence were able to hack clear.

Leeds were pushed back in the second half but their defence refused to buckle with Carlisle and Butler winning a succession of headers and tackles.

"Sometimes you have to battle and scrap to win games and we did that tonight," said Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell, whose side have recorded three clean sheets in five games.

"We expected a tough game and it was a war of attrition."

The supply line between the Leeds midfield and attack was virtually severed until the arrival of substitute Jamie McMaster for Steve Guppy, who had looked like a fish out of water in the pell-mell of a Yorkshire derby.

McMaster, who had been loaned out to Chesterfield last season, made an immediate impact and almost doubled United's lead when his ferocious long-range shot was tipped over the bar by Evans.

A second Leeds goal would have been rough on Town, whose camp felt hard done by the result.

"When you have four penalty appeals you expect to be given one of them," said a rueful Jackson.

Carling Cup - First round

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United 1, Huddersfield Town 0

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Carlisle, Crainey, Richardson, Wright, Pugh, Guppy (McMaster 72), Ricketts, Joachim. Subs (not used): Carson, Duberry, Walton, Hignett. Goal: Pugh 29

Huddersfield Town: Gray, Holdsworth, Clarke, Sodje, Mirfin, Edwards (McAliskey 75), Worthington, Carss, Brandon, Abbot, Booth (Mendes 75) Caution: Edwards

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne and Wear). Att: 30,115

Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, August 25, 2004