Heidi's Blog - Leeds Cup Journey Ends in Penalty Drama
Salford v Leeds United | 29th August 2023| Peninsula Stadium
I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no hope for me, as I realised just before going to the coach that I’d forgotten to get some cash out. Trying to find a cash machine that works was like trying to find a needle in a haystack but thanks to a local woman who pointed me in the right direction, I managed to get some. As usual things didn’t go quite to plan as the M62 became a parking lot, so instead of heading to our pub stop at Bury, we went straight to the ground. At least I managed to find a decent spot to hang my flag up.
I felt that we had put a decent side out for this cup tie as I don’t agree with throwing the towel in. With ex-Leeds players Cairns in goal, it was typical of him to play a blinder tonight and Matt Smith scored their goal. Leeds were creating chances and winning corners before Summerville was unlucky not to score as the ball rebounded off the post. Gray then had a great shot from outside the box that was tipped over by Cairns. Suddenly Salford had an attack and took the lead with a header against the run of play. Salford had two great runs down the far side towards the Leeds fans and had a couple of good chances to increase their lead. Summerville had another shot saved as we went into the break a goal behind.
Leeds came out attacking in the second half, and when Gnonto was brought down in the penalty area, it looked like a cast iron penalty. Wrong! The referee waved play on and ignored the calls for a penalty, so nothing changes there. Struijk had a header saved, Ampadu’s shot was deflected over, and Summerville was unlucky with another save from Cairns to deny him an equaliser. When Greenwood came on, I shouted at him to make an instant impact. Well, he certainly did that as his free kick ended with Struijk equalising giving us a fighting chance. Leeds were lining up chances but Cairns was standing tall and saved Sinisterra’s attempt on goal. Darlow made a save before Rutter and then Sinisterra both saw their shots saved by Cairns. With eight minutes of injury time added on, Greenwood’s free kick hit the crossbar which meant the game went to penalties.
Salford won the toss, and the penalties were taken in front of the Salford fans who proceeded to use phone lights to try and put our players off. When it got to 8-8, Darlow pulled off a great save to keep the score level only for the referee to say the penalty had to be retaken, which of course they scored from to win the game. I’d heard that his foot was on the line, and it should not have been retaken. That was the signal for the Salford fans to invade the pitch before some started coming towards the Leeds fans to goad them. Stewards were on hand to prevent them getting near us, but the Leeds fans stood where they were anyway so I’m sure they wouldn’t have come too close.
The temperature had dropped at the ground once the sun went in, but then it was freezing on the coach with the air conditioning on. I ended up putting my flag around me to warm up. We still had issues with the traffic coming home as the M62 went down to one lane and then nearer Leeds, the M621 was closed too.
I think we were unlucky to lose today and the good thing for me was that the team put up a fight. Thanks to those who were asking about my husband and daughter, but if it isn’t one of us, it’s the other, as my son had an accident over the weekend and has 12 stitches in a head wound. You really couldn’t make it up as there never seems to be a week goes by without something else happening to my family. I sometimes wonder what we’ve done to deserve it. The main thing is that things are stable, and it could have been much worse.
On Saturday we are handing over the monies we have raised from our LUFC fans CD recordings to the Leeds United Academy/Foundation so I will be getting to the ground early around 12ish. I’m still waiting for the itinerary and hoping I can still wear my Leeds things with being in the director’s box.
See you then, LUFC – Marching on Together
Follow Heidi @FollowMeAndLUFC or buy her book Follow Me & Leeds United at Amazon.
Leeds drew the game 1-1 but lost 9-8 on penalties. Struijk equalised (76). Greenwood, Struijk, Gnonto, Sinisterra, Hjelde, Cresswell, Ampadu and Summerville scored but Rutter and Shackleton missed theirs although the latter hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced back out again.
Team: Darlow, Struijk (captain), Shackleton, Gray, Hjelde, Summerville, Gnonto, Rutter, Ampadu, Cresswell, Gelhardt
Subs: Sinisterra for Gelhardt (61), Greenwood for Gray (76)
Subs Not Used: Meslier, Klaesson, Ayling, Drameh, Gyabi, Rodon, Bate
Attendance: 3,147 (1,238 Leeds Fans)
Referee: Oliver Langford
Booked: Gnonto