THE curtain came down on football at Bootham Crescent for the season a week earlier than planned after Leeds United announced they have switched their final two reserve fixtures to Elland Road.

United's second-string drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough at the Crescent on Thursday but were unhappy with the state of the pitch.

The switch is bad news for City, who not only receive a lump sum from United for allowing use of the ground but also keep the gate receipts.

The final two United reserve games were expected to prove especially lucrative for City, with Manchester United and Newcastle United the scheduled rivals.

Last season's clash between Leeds and Manchester United's second string attracted a crowd of 4,190 to Bootham Crescent. The games will now take place at Elland Road on April 25 and April 29 respectively.

Updated: 11:02 Saturday, April 20, 2002