Leeds United 1, Blackburn Rovers 0: A superbly-worked goal by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was enough to earn Leeds United their first victory of the season.

The Dutch hitman struck in the 18th minute after linking well with fellow striker Clyde Wijnhard to carve open the Blackburn defence before drilling a low shot under John Filan.

It was a just reward for some bright play by United in the opening exchanges although Rovers could count themselves unlucky not to come away with a point in an absorbing clash.

Both sides had run out to Robbie Williams' hit record 'Let me entertain you' and in an amazingly open game where play swung from one end to another, that was just what they did.

Alf-Inge Haaland, Lee Bowyer and Clyde Wijnhard all went close to doubling United's lead while Rovers were left to rue several spurned chances by Chris Sutton and a miscued clearance by Robert Molenaar which thundered against his own crossbar.

Leeds also had Lucas Radebe to thank for helping keep Rovers at bay with the United skipper producing a superb performance at the heart of the defence.

Three times Radebe flung himself at a goalbound effort as the Leeds goal led a charmed life, particularly in a 20-minute spell in the second half when Rovers took control.

United looked particularly vulnerable to low crosses from either flank and they will have to be much sharper if a challenge for a place in the UEFA Cup is to be maintained this season.

Going forward, Leeds showed encouraging signs with Hasselbaink producing the kind of form which saw him grab 22 goals last season. It was the Dutchman's determination which led to the goal and Leeds fans will have been heartened by the role played by Wijnhard. He cleverly played a return pass to Hasselbaink to create the opening and Leeds fans will be hoping it is a taste of things to come.

Goalscoring hero Hasselbaink said: "It is the second time we have played together. It can be a little bit better and we have to link with each other a little bit more. We need to be a little bit closer. We were a little bit too far apart."

United manager George Graham added: "I think the result was the most pleasing thing. In the first month or two months of the season, you have to pick up results because if you don't then you are soon under pressure."

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