Leeds keeper admits mistake

Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan has admitted that Simon Church’s second minute winning goal against Reading on Saturday was his fault and could struggle to regain his starting place.

The 28-year old is currently fighting for a space with Royals loanee Alex McCarthy, who was unavailable for Saturday’s game at Elland Road. However, it is expected McCarthy will retain the number one jersey for Leeds’ next trip.

Lonergan told the Yorkshire Evening Post: ‘To be honest, I don`t deserve to. I was poor. I feel like I`m starting from scratch again and I`m upset because that was my chance to get back in the team. But I`ve played 250 games and I know I`m a good goalie.

‘It`s a minor blip. That`s life and these things happen. Someone else has come in and done well, so fair play to him. Maybe I could have retreated to my line so I didn`t get lobbed but that`s the thing you can`t practice – real match situations.’

The keeper signed for the Whites in the summer and was a regular in the team, until he broke his finger which led to Grayson loaning in McCarthy. The England U21 keeper then put in some fine performances to keep his spot.