THE FIRST HOME MATCH OF AUGUST; traditionally a day for topping-up suntans, reacquainting one’s self with the molten lava that fills meat pies and, often to the greatest detriment to long-term health, indulging in rampant optimism. Elland Road did its best to conform to the stereotype, yet the occasion was muted, the weather chilly and the enthusiasts were reluctant to make fools of themselves.

Leeds United began their second consecutive year in the Coca Cola Championship playing in front of their lowest league crowd since May 1989. The absence of Millwall supporters had a role in that, but only a partial one, given that last season’s smallest attendance — for a midweek match against Watford in late November — was more than 4,000 bigger. Marching on Together in reduced numbers.

So while Kevin Blackwell’s side opened their account with a 2-1 victory against dishevelled opponents, elements of which were moderately promising, there was a meaningful context to be considered. Under the chairmanship of Ken Bates, the Leeds debt — which once nudged £105 million — may have fallen to a more manageable figure, but the dreams of an entire generation have been punctured.

When it was announced that 20,440 people had not found anything better to do yesterday afternoon, there was jeering, although the target of the boos was unclear. The figure is a measure of decline, even if season-ticket prices have risen by an average of around 25 per cent and this match was broadcast live on television.

In his programme notes, Bates described his opinion of the ground on his arrival six months ago as “shabby, decrepit and almost seedy.” No one had noticed — or cared greatly — whether the paint was peeling when the Champions League was enrapturing the club and leading it to ruin, but the venue looks tired when half-empty.

“I think a lot of crowds have been down this weekend and I’m told that this week is the biggest holiday time in Leeds, but I can’t be at fault for that, I just deal with the football,” Blackwell said. “But this is a massive club and a great support and there are no worries there.”

Colin Lee, who has been the Millwall manager for 13 chaotic days, did not receive the antagonistic welcome he expected. “I thought there would be more noise,” he said, “but there weren’t many fans, were there? This has always been a hostile place, but it didn’t really generate that.” Jody Morris, whose brief spell at Leeds was mired in unpleasantness, was one of the few Millwall players who could have disagreed.

Lee pronounced himself “pleased but disappointed,” with the outcome, an entry for Colemanballs that, in the circumstances, was understandable. Since being asked to replace Steve Claridge, who had not presided over a match of any consequence, Lee’s existence has been altered fundamentally. “I was a little bit nervous, actually,” he said. “I was stepping into the unknown. I didn’t know what to expect.”

What he got was a measure of defiance, epitomised by Millwall’s response to David Healy’s 28th-minute goal. Don Hutchison, signed on a six-month contract last Friday, could not clear a darting corner delivered precisely by Eddie Lewis and Healy finished with an overhead volley from close-range. Yet the floodgates remained locked and Hutchison’s terrific shot from 13 yards, after being fed by Alan Dunne, brought parity.

Healy, the Northern Ireland centre forward, restored the Leeds advantage in the 72nd minute, converting the penalty awarded for Marvin Elliott’s trip on Eirik Bakke, who completed his first 90 minutes since the fag-end days of the Barclays Premiership. Bakke was proficient; Blackwell described him as “an exciting capture”, which gives an indication of how badly the midfield player has struggled with injuries.

Excitement and excellence were in limited supply, but there was merit to some of the football played by Leeds. “Last year, we wouldn’t have won that,” Blackwell said. Healy was partnered in atack by Robbie Blake, whose signing, for £800,000 from Birmingham City, showed that the club’s financial position has stabilised. There were also debuts for Lewis and Dan Harding, the England Under-21 player.

In all, Blackwell has made six signings, a splurge in comparison to previous cost-cutting, although not quite a return to the rented goldfish of the Peter Ridsdale era. “The chairman has said we’re not a selling club any more,” Blackwell explained. “In my time here, I’ve sold everything — at times it was an auction — but if we still had the fish, we would keep them now. That’s how far we’ve improved. Unfortunately, we had to eat them.”

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