United came under fire after the drubbing in East London left a bitter taste in the mouths of 1,500 Toon fans who made the trip to the capital. It left those back home on Tyneside open-mouthed after a full-strength side was outclassed by League One opponents. However, Smith feels that, while United failed to defeat another third-flight team, they helped erase those painful memories of Saturday. He said: “I don’t really know what happened at Orient. “Everybody was left scratching their heads, but we have put it to the back of our minds. “We should have won by four or five against Leeds. “Sometimes in the face of adversity people stand up to be counted. “I am sure that will help us in the long run, and I am sure that result can help us.” Smith was roundly booed last night against his boyhood heroes Leeds but, after picking up the sponsors’ man of the match award, claimed he was not affected by the abuse thrown his way by the 5,000-plus Yorkshire following. He added: “I was expecting stick, I am not a silly lad. “I understood when I left what the repercussions would be. Everybody did really, but I am a Leeds lad. “I will never hide from the fact I am a Leeds fan, but it was still a good occasion for me. “I relished every minute of it, a little bit of stick never hurt anybody. “I hope Leeds are promoted, because they are a big football club like us. “Newcastle and Leeds are two big teams who should not be where they are right now. “My main focus is Newcastle and getting us promoted. “This was the first time I have ever played against Leeds. “They were relegated when I left, and it was a nice occasion.” | 
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