London, Nov 09: Leeds were plunged deeper into the mire after a 6-1 battering by Portsmouth. It was Leeds' worst ever premiership defeat but beleaguered manager Peter Reid insisted he would carry on battling to turn the Yorkshire club's season around.
"I'm not sure if the players understand how serious the situation is," Reid said. "We need to pull our sleeves up and battle. We needed a kick up the backside."
Midfielder Gary O'neil scored twice for Portsmouth as Leeds collapsed in the second half at Fratton Park.
Pompey went ahead on 17 minutes when Serbian defender Dejan Stefanovic headed home a Patrik Berger corner from the right.
Alan Smith equalised for Leeds within two minutes but a 20-yard volley from O'neil on the stroke of half-time gave the home side the edge and they ran riot after the interval.



Australian Hayden Foxe made it 3-1 on 63 minutes, O'neil grabbed his second eight minutes later and Czech international Patrik Berger made it five on 75 minutes.



Nigerian Yakubu Ayegbini scored four minutes from time to wrap up a remarkable rout.


Bureau Report