NEW year… same old problem for Leeds United.

Playing at Elland Road has been a puzzle for the Whites for several seasons now and once again the frustrated home fans were let down on their own patch.

Steve Evans’ side escaped with a 1-1 Championship draw against relegation-threatened MK Dons as visiting defender Antony Kay’s 87th minute own goal secured Leeds a point they didn’t deserve.

Kay headed beyond Dons goalkeeper David Martin when it appeared Rob Hall’s smart conversion of Nicky Maynard’s cross on the half hour would earn the Dons victory.

Leeds have won just three of their 13 home games this season, mustering a paltry 11 goals – two of those courtesy of the opposition.

In the last two-and-a-half seasons Leeds have lost 23 league games on their own turf, drawn 16 and only winning 20 – a poor return for fans paying for some of the most expensive tickets in the Championship

Before they opened the scoring Karl Robinson’s men were unlucky not to win a penalty when Charlie Taylor slid in on the lively Hall. Sol Bamba also saw yellow for a foul on Maynard when it could have been red with the striker striding towards goal.

The Dons pressed Leeds’ backline at every opportunity, forcing error after error throughout, and only a great save by Marco Silvestri on 70 minutes prevented Karl Robinson’s side from doubling their lead.

Jaded United’s only meaningful effort came when Taylor curled a free-kick onto the outside of Martin’s left-hand post. With time running out and Leeds failing to get a shot on target, Taylor chipped the ball into the box and Dons defender Kay’s misdirected header bounced beyond Martin for the equaliser.

Somehow Leeds had extended their unbeaten run to seven matches but they have drawn their last three and Evans knows reiterated plans were underway to bring in “three or four” new players in January. He is hoping to extend midfielder Liam Bridcutt’s loan from Sunderland and revealed Leeds were in talks with Norwich over the possibility of signing Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty, who watched Saturday’s game at Elland Road.

“We need to strengthen the group and we’re working really hard to try and do that,” said Evans. “We’re working hard to make that happen but we’re not going to be held to ransom on wages or fees.”

Leeds United: Silvestri, Wootton, Bamba, Cooper, Taylor, Bridcutt, Murphy (Antenucci HT), Dallas (Coyle 76), Byram, Doukara (Erwin 57). Subs (not used): Bellusci, Adeyemi, Phillips, Peacock-Farrell. Cautions: Bamba.

MK Dons: Martin, Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington, Potter, Carruthers, Hall (Walsh 90), Murphy, Baker (Bowditch 14), Maynard (Church 83). Subs (not used): Hodson, Reeves, Gallagher, Cropper.

Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire)

Attendance: 24,356