Milestone man Becchio is spot on to be Leeds United’s match-winner again (From York Press)

Milestone man Becchio is spot on to be Leeds United’s match-winner again

10:23am Monday 8th October 2012 in Sport

MATCH-WINNER Luciano Becchio notched a landmark 75th goal in Leeds United colours to settle a spiky Yorkshire derby with Barnsley at Elland Road, writes Martin Jarred.

The Argentinian striker may not be blessed with dazzling footwork or blinding speed but epitomises everything about Neil Warnock’s side. He always gives 100 per cent.

He has played through the pain barrier in recent games and it’s that kind of spirit that has helped United win games when they have not played well – as was the case against the Tykes on Saturday.

Even when he is not at his best, Becchio continues to work non-stop and make life difficult for defenders. Saturday was one of those afternoons when he lost possession too often, but won the game with a surprising piece of finesse.

Dominant Barnsley should have been way ahead before erratic referee Darren Deadman gave Leeds a 40th minute penalty for a bodycheck on Lee Peltier which looked outside the box. Becchio coolly chipped the ball from the spot down the middle as goalkeeper Ben Alnwick dived to his left.

It was Becchio’s ninth goal of the campaign and maintains an excellent strike rate with his 75 Leeds goals coming in 160 starts and 42 substitute appearances.

Predictably, Barnsley boss Keith Hill blasted Deadman for the decision – which came minutes after he failed to award Leeds a better claim for handball – but the Oakwell men only have themselves to blame for not taking their chances in the early stages.

The visitors’ slick football, stemming from the in-form Craig Davies, certainly deserved a goal but Leeds dug in to earn their first win against Barnsley in seven attempts.