INTIMIDATION is always a possibility when a callow midfielder such as Leeds United’s Fabian Delph comes in direct confrontation with a considerably more experienced campaigner as supposedly uncompromising or potentially hostile as Robbie Savage.

However, Savage didn’t seem to live up to either his name or reputation yesterday. He did not make a single tackle in the first half-hour, refused to get involved when 16 players plunged into an unsightly brawl a quarter of an hour from time and didn’t figure among the eight names taken by referee Carl Boyeson.

Delph, whose name suggests he has a future in France but was actually born in Bradford, was not so anonymous. The 18-year-old made one goal with his killer pace and delivery, and created another with vision and touch. He even caused the melee with a jinking run towards the Brighton penalty area that was eventually halted by the ugliest of tackles from Steve Thomson.

Manager Gary McAllister said: “He has such a lot going for him. I don’t have to tell him a great deal because he is so naturally talented but so much of what he does is so pleasing to the eye.”

Leeds took their time asserting their dominance, but with half-time beckoning Brighton were effectively killed off by two goals in little more than a minute.

The first came from a predictable route as captain Frazer Richardson, who had been allowed to surge forward throughout the first half, crossed to the left, where Argentinian striker Luciano Becchio was perfectly positioned to hit a drive. Somehow defender Andrew Whing blocked it, but as the ball spun down a determined Becchio was far more precise with his second effort to put Leeds in front.

As inquests ensued throughout the Brighton defence, Leeds struck again with their next attack and it was the sort of goal that would not have looked out of place in the Premier League. Neil Kilkenny won possession in midfield and sent Aidan White haring down the left flank. With the opposition hopelessly stretched, Delph’s accurate cross to the near post was glanced in by Jer-maine Beckford.

It seemed two goals would have to suffice, a travesty given Leeds’s superiority, but finally Delph threaded through another exquisite pass and Beckford rounded goalkeeper Michel Kuipers before scoring his 13th goal of the season.

After doing nothing for 90 minutes Glenn Murray broke clear to give Brighton a consolation goal, his sixth in three league games.

Star man:Fabian Delph (Leeds)

LEEDS UNITED:Lucas 6, Richardson 7, Marques 6, Michalik 6, White 7, Kilkenny 7, Douglas 7, Delph 9, Hughes 6, Becchio 7, Beckford 8

BRIGHTON:Kuipers 5, Whing 5, Hawkins 5 (Cox ht, 5), Elphick 5, Richards 6, Thomson 5, Savage 5, Livermore 4 (Thornton 47min, 5), Anyinsah 4, Murray 4, Virgo 5

Yellow cards: Leeds:Kilkenny, Michalik, Beckford Brighton: Elphick, Hawkins, Livermore, Virgo, Thomson Referee:C Boyeson Attendance:22,726