City played a full part in a rousing cup tie played in front of one of the biggest crowds ever attracted for a match outside the final in this competition's history, but ultimately it was settled by two first half goals for the home side.

The tie was only eight minutes old when Robinson put United in front from the penalty spot after the assistant referee had spotted a handball by Paul McLaren.

Already by then City's Omar Daley had hit a shot into the side netting and Leeds' David Prutton had struck the outside of the post with a low drive. And the fast pace continued as both teams tested each other's defence out.

City's tactic of hitting the ball early to utilise the pace of speedy wingers Daley and Joe Colbeck looked like paying dividends and Daley brought a fine save out of home keeper David Lucas.

Jonny Howson was not far wide at the other end with a shot from the edge of the box before another big decision on 21 minutes went United's way as Frazer Richardson's clearance off the line rebounded back into the net, but a visiting player was deemed offside and the "goal" did not stand.

Leeds looked to make the most of their fortune and began to get their passing game going, but still had to be on their guard at the back and breathed another sigh of relief when Barry Conlon sent a header wide after meeting a perfect Colbeck cross.

There was plenty of action at the other end and after a one-two with substitute Becchio - on for the injured Enoch Showunmi - Robinson hit a fantastic shot that shook the crossbar.

Relief proved temporary for City, however, as from the resulting corner Becchio found himself unmarked to head home Leeds' second goal.

The second half saw the home side finally take control and they were unlucky when Richardson hit the post with a powerful shot. Becchio and Robinson, twice, were also denied by Rhys Evans saves.

Out of the blue City pulled a goal back 19 minutes from time after Paul Huntington gave the ball away with a poor pass in his own half and a swift switch of the play set up Kyle Nix to shoot home. They piled on the pressure for a spell, but failed to create any late chances as United saw out the remainder to book their passage into round two.

Match facts
Leeds United 2
(Robinson 8, pen, Becchio 42)
Bradford City 1
(Nix 71)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Johnstone's Paint Trophy, round one
Att: 20,128
Leeds United: Lucas, Richardson, Huntington, Marques, White (Delph 86), Snodgrass, Prutton, Kilkenny (Johnson 72), Howson, Robinson, Showunmi (Becchio 29)
Bradford City: Evans, Moncur, Lee, Bower, Heckingbottom, Colbeck, Furman (Bullock 86), McLaren, Nix (Boulding 88), Conlon, Daley.
Referee: A Taylor