'We're hoping for a sell-out,' confirmed Fry. 'Leeds fans are absolutely fantastic and I think Leeds have sold 4,200 tickets for an away game. They have been selling like hot cakes and there's loads of interest here.'

The ex-Birmingham City boss fully expects Gary McAllister's side to be celebrating a title triumph next May, and is anticipating a thorough examination for the Posh this weekend. 'This is a massive test for us,' he added. 'I anticipate Leeds to win the league this year, there's no doubt in my mind about that. They've got the fanbase behind them to roar them on.'

'I know Gary McAllister very well and thought he was a fantastic appointment. And he's the right man to lead them to the 'good old days' again. He's an excellent manager and has got a nice blend of youth and experience together. Despite all the club's troubles, Leeds fans have stuck by their team and remained very loyal and they, above all, deserve to go up through the leagues.'

'I had a little feeling that the keeper might do well, and he proved me right,' said McAllister. 'Steve Staunton took him into the Under 21's and had him part of the B International for the Republic (of Ireland), and said just keep an eye on the keeper, he's one that he rates. And when that gets said, I don't know it's sods law isn't it...he didn't disappoint, he's one that really impressed me today.'

On the goal that clinched the points: 'My initial reaction was the same as Andy's, I thought the keeper caught it from behind the line, but its nice to see people following up. It was another wonder save but it was nice to see Robbo get it over the line.'

'The facts are we had over 60% of possession, we had 31 efforts at goal to Hereford's four, but we could have been punished at the end. But i think over the piece we deserved to win.' The victory has made it a perfect month for the club, with six win out of six in all competitions, leaving them just one point behind leaders Oldham Athletic.

These (Leeds) are future champions aren't they, everyone is looking at that, and I think that they are a better team than they were last year,' confessed Ward. 'With people like Delph and Becchio that give them extra invention I think and composure with the ball. So they have got a real good crop coming through, we have had a good bench today but when you look at their bench as well they are good players.'

'I think that there have been two good teams here and they are absolutely delighted to get the win because they know that it has been a tough fixture. We are a wee bit behind them though and we have got to keep working hard to try to achieve that level if you like at our league.'

'I think that the better side won and I think that we were that little bit behind in passing and keeping the ball. Then the final part of the game, the clinical stuff, they have put two goals in the back of our net and we haven't. We have not been up to Leeds United's standards today. We have got to say that and accept it and work hard to be a bit better.'

The clubs met in last season play-off semi-final, with the Whites emerging victorious from a tie where both legs were won by the away team, and despite ultimate disappointment, both teams have shown no after-effects in putting together strong starts to the new campaign.

'I think it's our biggest game,' said Ward. 'With respect to all the other teams in the league we'll probably get the biggest crowd for Leeds United. They bring a big following, they still have the aura of the big club, the European (Champions League) team etc. We all remember that.'

'I think it's a big day and obviously the four games last year that we had against each other were a real good advert for the two clubs. Off the pitch we've got no chance of competing but on the pitch we're reasonably close, and hopefully that will be the case again tomorrow.'

'We both will try to go out to attack and that will provide for an open game and entertaining for people to watch.'

His latest brace, coming in yesterday's 3-1 victory at Swindon Town, being all the more sweet considering the Whites were forced to play over 80 minutes with only 10 men, following a deserved red card for full-back Alan Sheehan. After Simon Cox had equalised for the hosts on half-time, a Neil Kilkenny free-kick restored Leeds advantage.

It was a performance which proved Gary McAllister's troops have the ability to adapt their approach as circumstances dictate. Following the previous weeks sublime 5-2 demolition of Crewe Alexandra, United displayed tremendous guile and tenacity to wrestle the spoils and secure victory in relative ease.

Robins manager Maurice Malpas was furious, branding his team's defending 'pathetic'. Nevertheless he was forced to admit that 'Leeds just passed it about and were in charge'.

McAllister, understandably, was full of praise for the attitude and work rate of his side. 'We had 10 men willing to fight and kick for each other', he enthused. United's boss clearly believes he side are now moving up through the gears, having risen to 4th place as the league table begins to take shape, adding: 'That was the best performance since I've been manager'.

In a letter to the club's Members, Bates revealed exclusively that United officials are working closely with Leeds City Council to redevelop the area behind the East Stand, as part of the overall action plan in ensuring that international tournament football returns to Elland Road, following on from the success the city enjoyed during Euro 96.

In an upbeat message to supporters the chairman also reported that the Members Club continues to grow 'from strength to strength' with numbers now exceeding those of last season. In addition the clubs website has recently been extensively updated, and now receives the fourth highest visits in the country behind Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

More importantly to the fans however, will be how Gary McAllister's side equip themselves this afternoon against Bristol Rovers at Elland Road, with the Whites looking to secure their first home league victory and get amongst the early pace-setters.