A skilful and determined Leeds United had the edge over the Bees in this pre season friendly at sunny Underhill this afternoon. The 2-0 scoreline in favour of the visitors was a fair indication of the balance of play and Leeds gave a performance that justified their position as one of the favourites to head the League 1 table come the end of the season.

For the Bees the left footed midfielder Nicky Deverdics had a full debut described by manager Paul Fairclough as "exceptional" and his inventive play in the heart of the midfield augurs well for the months ahead. He has touch, technique and vision and also when the situation demanded it he was determined in the tackle.

An Adam Birchall effort had hit the post in the opening minutes, but Rob Beckwith had pulled off a couple of fine saves before he was beaten in the 36th minute with a right footed curler from Andy Robinson from some distance.

After the visitors had scored they began to dominate play with excellent ball retention, although a couple of efforts from Albert Adomah did threaten to reduce the arrears.

For Leeds in midfield the Makele like Fabian Delph, skipper Jonny Howson and able left winger Andy Robinson gave Barnet plenty to think about.

Early in the second half confusion between Kieron St Aimie and Deverdics allowed Leeds to sweep forward resulting in Howson scoring from outside the penalty area. The visitors had scored two fine goals, both of which drew generous applause from supporters of both sides.

Barnet could have narrowed the visitors' advantage when the lively Joe Tabiri, a late substitute, delivered an exquisite pass into the path of Luke Medley who subsequent lob went just wide of the target.

Two weeks from today the league campaign starts with a home fixture against Chesterfield, and naturally formations and personnel are uppermost in manager Paul Fairclough mind, but he can look back on a successful first Underhill performance by Deverdics. Early doors and all that, but he looks capable of making a major impact.

David Bloomfield.