When you compare the two last two rounds on the FA Cup for Leeds, I feared a demolishing at Tottenham more than I did at United. Tottenham are a great attacking side and I wasn’t sure if we had enough to keep them out. Add to that Leeds’ horrid recent form and you have a very worried Leeds fan.
Right from the off Leeds were on the back foot. Spurs started off the game with a great desire and tempo and it didn’t take long for Spurs to get rewarded for their endeavour. With less than 10 minutes on the clock they were rightly awarded a penalty kick when Rose was poleaxed. Defoe took the spot kick, shot low to the right hand corner, but thankfully Ankergren was up to the task, and made a great save.
Just as it looked like it was going to stay that way until half time, Crouch pounced on a long rebound to give Spurs the lead. Leeds had their chances but looked demoralised going in at the break. The team talk for Grayson was easy. “You’re Leeds United! You’re playing at White Hart Lane with a chance to go further in the competition! Don’t leave the pitch with any regrets!”
Leeds came out after the break with much more freedom, and when the Tottenham defenders floundered trying to clear a corner, Beckford quickly swivelled to shoot the ball below Gomez. Game on!
Spurs retook the lead on the 75th minute. Some great one touch passing got Pavlyuchenko free in the box and the Russian, who was a substitute for Crouch, slotted the ball passed the Leeds keeper. Spurs looked set for the fifth round.
Enter Johnny Howson. In the fifth minute of injury time he produced a fantastic 50 yard diagonal ball to the feet of Beckford in the Spurs box. One clumsy challenge later and Leeds had an opportunity to force a replay from the penalty spot.
Beckford took the kick that he’d earned… slotted it passed Gomez… 2 for Beckford, 2 for Leeds. Great team performance.
Before the replay happens Leeds have some vital league games that they can’t afford, literally, to lose. First up is Swindon at The County Ground before we have Colchester at home.