*Villa and Leeds share spoils*

Leeds were fortunate to come away from Villa Park with their first draw of the season as the home side created the better chances but were scuppered by poor finishing.

Darius Vassell and substitute Juan Pablo Angel had opportunities to earn their side all three points but Leeds held on stoutly, despite rarely testing Villa keeper Peter Enckelman.

In a subdued atmosphere, both sides struggled to create anything to spark the crowd into life during the first half.

While Leeds were guilty of too many misplaced passes, Villa were only marginally better, though they did garner the two best chances.

Ulises de la Cruz sent over a right-wing cross which Dion Dublin headed just wide while Vassell fired a drive into the sidenetting which had Paul Robinson scrambling across his goal-line.

Leeds’ contribution was limited to an Ian Harte free-kick which Enckelman did well to save.

The second half began much more positively, to the relief of a frustrated crowd.

Villa manager Graham Taylor brought on striker Angel for the injured Oyvind Leonhardsen, himself a first-half replacement for Ronny Johnsen, and switched to a 3-4-3 formation.

But it was Leeds who engineered the first chance of the half, Harry Kewell finding an unmarked Lee Bowyer 12 yards out only to see the England midfielder sidefoot his shot inches wide.

Dominic Matteo was then forced to produce a superb interception to prevent Vassell connecting with Jlloyd Samuel’s low ball into the area.

And as Villa continued to press, Lee Hendrie worked an opening only to mis-hit his 15-yard shot which Robinson easily claimed.

By the hour mark, the home side had forced 13 corners but Leeds continued to defend stoutly.

With chances at a premium, Terry Venables took the opportunity to bring on Mark Viduka, starting on the bench for the second consecutive match, in place of midfielder Stephen McPhail.

But the introduction of the Australian striker failed to kick-start the Leeds attack and it was Villa who continued to create the better chances.

Angel volleyed over and Vassell appealed for a 90th-minute penalty after tangling with Matteo in the area, but earned a booking for his protests.

As the match meandered towards its conclusion Jlloyd Samuel shaved the post with a long-range effort but Leeds held on for a point.