LUFC - Leeds held in cup

Leeds failed to beat Northampton Town in the FA Cup after the visitors were reduced to ten men for over an hour.

The Whites didn`t make wholesale changes like they have done so far in Cup competitions this season, only Andy Robinson and Robert Snodgrass replacing Neil Kilkenny and Jermaine Beckford who was suffering with a hip injury.

The first activity of the game was a terrible tackle by Town midfielder Giles Coke on Leeds defender Ben Parker which saw him lucky to get away with just a yellow card.

Northampton took a shock lead in the first ten minutes when with their first meaningful attack Scott McGleish found himself in plenty of space inside the six yard box, his shot beat Ankergren in the Leeds goal.

Leeds almost equalised soon after when Paul Telfer`s header was cleared off the line.

Leeds were controlling the game and enjoying the vast amount of territory and possession when Northampton were reduced to ten men with over an hour to go.

Fabian Delph made one of his powerful runs down the middle and Giles Coke who had already been booked gave the referee no option but to send him off when he hauled down the Leeds star in full flight.

Leeds were now in total control but still looked shaky at the back at times, McGleish had the ball in the back of the Leeds net again but was just offside.

They did manage to spring the offside trap once but Ankergren rushed off his line to intercept, the ball falling to McGleish again who was unable to find the empty net from 40 yards.

Leeds eventually got their equaliser when Jonny Howson was adjudged to have been brought down in the box.
Andy Robinson coolly blasted the ball into the roof of the net from the spot giving the Town keeper no chance.

Robinson almost gave Leeds the lead just before half time when his 20 yard shot cannoned back off the post.

Leeds created two or three more chances before half time with Northampton defending for their life and it looked just a matter of time before Leeds would take the lead.

The second half started in just the same manner as the first had finished, Robinson first fired over and then Robert Snodgrass hit a terrific shot which cannoned back off the post.

Leeds were peppering the Northampton goal but were unable to find the net; McAllister threw on another striker with fifteen minutes remaining, Enoch Showunmi replacing Jon Howson.

The clock was running down and the Northampton defence was holding strong with Leeds frantically trying to find a winner.

Leeds final effort fell to Robinson but his free kick from the edge of the area went straight into the keeper`s arms.

Leeds were left frustrated by the draw and now face a replay they could have done without in an already busy month.

The replay will take place at Sixfields Stadium on Tuesday November 18th, 7.45pm kick off.

The draw for the second round will take place on Sunday lunch time around 1.45pm with Leeds being ball number 39.

Robert Snodgrass 8
Best game I have seen him have for Leeds, caused the Northampton defence problems all night and was unlucky with a terrific shot which came back off the post.

Had very little to do apart from a couple of clearances from the edge of his box, couldn`t do much about the goal. Was beaten down the wing for Northampton`s goal which was the only bit of defending he needed to do all evening. Made some good attacking runs down the right wing. Still shouldn`t be in the Leeds team and doesn`t look comfortable on the ball, could have scored for Leeds in the first half. Not much to do in the game but could have done better with the Northampton goal, also unlucky to have a header cleared off the line.

Continues to improve at the back and looks like he`s cementing his place at left back. Got involved around the Northampton area, was fouled for Leeds penalty.

He didn`t really need to worry about his defensive duties much with Northampton sitting back and defending.

Made good strong runs at the Northampton midfield and was unlucky with a terrific effort in the first half; I`m sure he impressed the watching Premiership clubs. Had some good moments but drifted in and out of the game. Great penalty gave the keeper no chance.

Best game I have seen him have for Leeds, caused the Northampton defence problems all night and was unlucky with a terrific shot which came back off the post.

Missed having a strike partner playing alongside him, held up the ball very well but often found no support. (replaced Howson)
Got involved straight away and had a couple of good runs at the Northampton defence
(replaced Parker)
Not on long enough to make a dramatic impact, tried to get forward and provide the attackers with balls into the middle.

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