The “FA Cup minnows” once again threw a spanner in the works at White Hart Lane coming from behind twice against a strong Tottenham Hotspur side to setup a replay at Elland Road.

Jermaine Beckford was the man of the hour once again, scoring both of Leeds United’s goals including a dramatic 96th minute equaliser from the penalty spot, after a silly challenge on him late on from Michael Dawson.

Penalty drama was ripe throughout the tie. Casper Ankergren saved Jermaine Defoe’s effort from the spot early on and both teams had good shouts for another penalty each. The one Leeds did get was also a bit hard to call as Dawson may have got something on the ball first. However, Spurs should be questioning why he threw himself so clumsily at a Leeds United player inside the box with just seconds to go.

Leeds United once again played brilliantly against Premier League opposition. Harry Redknapp was under no illusions of what to expect after seeing the Manchester United game and took no chances with his starting selection, but Leeds battled hard throughout. Casper Ankergren had a much busier game than the opposition keeper, but came up with several great saves to keep the tie alive, leaving the Leeds fans wondering if this was the same team that we’d just seen drop valuable league points against Exeter and Wycombe.

Grayson had dropped Luciano Becchio for the tie, playing Robert Snodgrass behind Jermaine Beckford. The changed proved a valuable one from Grayson with the extra man in midfield helping Leeds United to battle well in the centre of the park.

No one had forgotten Manchester United throughout this great FA Cup tie with chants of “Are you watching Manchester?” aimed at those who branded us FA Cup minnows. In a roundabout way, a League One side, no matter how big really should be considered minnows in the FA Cup, but Leeds United have almost single-handedly restored some magic to the competition this season and made it exciting and unpredictable once more.

Whilst I’m immensely proud of the lads efforts once more and relishing the replay at Elland Road, the extended run continues to leave a bittersweet taste in my mouth. If our form in the league is going to suffer as these runs continue, I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking it’s not really worth it. At 2-1 last night, I was actually happy to bow out of the competition with dignity, even though the Roy of the Rovers ending was incredible.

The most concerning thing is that whilst Leeds have been busy shaking the Premier League teams up a bit, Norwich have quietly continued to pick up the points and have now replaced us at the top of the league. Sure, it’s only on goal difference and we have two games in hand, but in the second half of the season, I can’t help but feel our minds have been a little elsewhere lately, evident from the poor form in the league.

What we’ve learnt from Tottenham

• We can score penalties! When was the last time one of those went in for us?
• Casper Ankergren is immense in the big games.  (Even if his handling does terrify us at times)
• We really can compete with anyone on our day. Shame our days aren’t coming often enough in League One at the minute.
• Premier League fans are getting quieter. Sure, the Spurs fans had their moments, but much like Man United there was large portions of the game where they didn’t make a peep and sat quietly munching on their prawn sandwiches.
• Jermaine Beckford can play in the Prem. That’s three goals against two Premier League clubs now. Still doubting he can make it in the Prem? (You are aren’t you? “Takes him six chances etc… etc…”)
• Danny Rose isn’t bad. The ex-Leeds academy star had a pretty good game, putting himself about the pitch well.

TSS man of the match: Casper Ankergren.

Doesn’t the result make Manchester United’s taunting all the more enjoyable? When I first read the headline of ‘Manchester United draw FA Cup minnows’ on their official site, I couldn’t help but laugh. Clearly they still held a soft spot for us and felt us worthy of such taunts. Had it not been Leeds United they drew, I imagine the official site would have been much more respectful of their opposition but this is one of those rivalries where there’s no love lost, so what would be the point building bridges?

On the approach to Old Trafford I came across a man with a masterplan to make money by selling those cup game scarves you see baring the colours of both teams with a 50/50 divide. Clearly he’d underestimated how much we both hated one another as I can’t see many Leeds United fans buying a scarf with Manchester United’s name and colours on it (and vice versa). He didn’t look to be having much success as I passed that’s for sure.

By this point there was Police everywhere as you may well expect. Apparently there’d already been some trouble between the fans in the station and a couple of fights outside the ground, but on the whole and considering the occasion, it wasn’t as bad as may have been expected. I didn’t encounter any problems with the opposition fans anyway and all the Leeds fans I saw were being their usual charming selves. I guess if anything was to kick off, it’d have likely happened after the game but there’s a funny thing about winning that makes our naughtier few better behaved.

The security element of the tie was doing their best to treat us all like animals. As the Police warned some fans to calm their passions “or else” I moved by swiftly before another unjustified altercation with the law that I could do without. Travelling away often presents itself with instances where the Police decide you have less rights than a terrorist and very little right to complain thereafter – regardless of whether you’d done anything wrong or not!

The temptation of asking the steward who searched me on the way into the ground if he’d at least buy me dinner first was hard to resist, such was the mans thoroughness and clear love of his job. I did resist however as there were more law enforcement officers around and they didn’t look like they’d need much of an excuse to arrest any fan they felt was being problematic, so it was through the turnstyles and in to Sold Trafford for the first time in almost six years.

You have to give credit to Man United’s manager for his approach to this game. As big a distaste for the bloke as we all may have, he rarely makes a mistake in his preperation for media frenzy matches like these and he wasn’t about to start now. All week he’d been stressing publically how big a match this would be for Leeds and the supporters of both teams. He’d told of how we shouldn’t be underestimated and warned his team for a battle and that’s exactly what they got.

From the off Leeds looked to take the game to ManU and it was clear we were in for a two-way battle. Most minnow teams like ourselves go to Old Trafford and look to leave with a respectable scoreline, but Simon Grayson was having none of that. If we’re going to play, we’re playing to win.

Chances fell both ways with Darren Gibson firing wide for ManU and Jermaine Beckford heading over the bar for Leeds. Danny Welbeck quickly settled into the game for Manchester United and was making a real nuisance of himself down the right. Andy Hughes was left wondering what had happened as Welbeck burst down the flank with pace and sent a good cross straight across goal, with no Man United player able to make a connection. Meanwhile, the older Donkey Brother was getting his usual reception from the Leeds faithful and was booed everytime he touched the ball.

Becchio had a good chance for Leeds with a headed attempt from Kilkenny’s cross but headed well over the top of goal. It was the best chance so far and Becchio knew he should have done better. Meanwhile, the crowd was in full voice as the Man United fans repeated “We all hate Leeds scum” again which they mixed with a song about Cantona and some nonsense about Rooney. Hard to hear them whilst munching Prawn sandwiches in all honesty. Leeds on the other hand had no time to snack and were busy working there way through a much wider range of songs. This was probably around the ‘we’re not famous anymore’ stage of proceedings.

On the pitch the exchanges were just as lively. Leeds were fighting for every ball and attacking at every available opportunity. Simon Grayson’s tactics of pushing men forward when in possession made for a brilliant end to end battle, but there were several nervy moments when the Reds countered and their pacey players like Welbeck broke free.

Beckford celebrates the goal of his career

It was roughly twenty minutes in to an action packed first half when Leeds countered quickly and took the lead. Jonny Howson picked out Jermaine Beckford who had been busy giving the over-rated Wes Brown the run around with an excellent long-range pass that landed nicely for Beckford. His first touch took him wide of the goalkeeper and his second was a tame shot that beat the goalkeeper and slowly but surely crossed the line! Cue crazy celebrations in Old Trafford and silence in the home stands. “1-0 in your cup final!” Wes Brown meanwhile may as well have been sat in the stands.

Man United quickly tried to get back on level terms and had it not been for a Jason Crowe goal-line clearence, Wayne Rooney would have done so almost immediately. That was about the best Man United could offer in terms of a reply in the first half and as tempers began to flair, the horrible Wes Brown got himself booked for a foul on Lucciano Becchio. One of several poor challenges he made in a game where it was a miracle he didn’t get sent off.

After a cheerful half-time for Leeds United fans, we returned for the second half and rather unsurprisingly, Man United were throwing bodies forward. Their whinging players futile appeals for a penalty were dismissed by the ref after Howson dispossessed Welbeck and just minutes later, the tempers flaired again as Micky Doyle was brought down for a free-kick. Jonny Howson – who played an absolute blinder - decided he could take on Gibson and Brown and as tempers flaired, the ref had to intervene and calm matters down before normal service was resumed.

The ref - who despite his reluctance to send Wes Brown off for a series of challenges where he never got anywhere near the ball - had to issue some more yellow cards as the tackles started to fly in all over the place. Both Naylor and Gibson found their way into the book, but in truth, both teams could have received a lot more yellow cards but a very good ref allowed the game to flow throughout and tried to keep his cards in his pocket.

Nayl’s was solid and hungry throughout, as was Kisnorbo. Even the usually criticised Hughes and Crowe were sticking the tackles in and making life hard for Manchester United. The midfield were closing down and challenging players whenever Man U were in possession and Becchio seemed to play the majority of the match back there with them. When we had possession, we were never afraid to pass it about and run with the ball, particulary Johnson and Howson who deserve a special mention. The whole team as one were performing brilliantly and you have to give full credit to Grayson who was tactically spot on.

Man United, who had started strongly enough with a good defence and near-on £60m in strikers decided to make some more changes to try and win the battle of the midfield. Giggs and Valencia came on, but surprisingly Welbeck was removed which was a bit of a relief as the lad’s pace had caused us problems throughout. Strange move, but I’m sure there was motive to the madness.

Owen joined proceedings not long after but despite so many attacking options, Man U were still struggling in defence and Jermaine Beckford once again broke free to narrowly fire wide when one on one with the keeper. Hearts in mouths by now, as Rooney prowled and Owen looked to get in on the action.

Leeds would get another chance however, by which point Snoddy had joined proceedings in replace of the outstanding Jonny Howson. A free-kick in a good position had his name written all over and he struck beautifully, only to be denied by the bar. Despite leading, one more would have settled some nerves as we approached the end of the game and the inevitable five minutes of added time came. As the crowd mocked the officals with chants of ‘Fergy time,’ Man United looked for one final chance, but Casper, Nayl’s, Kis and whoever else could get their body in the way kept the Champions at bay.

The final whistle blew and Leeds celebrated a result we’ve not managed in 29 years. Victory at Old Trafford for the FA Cup minnows and third tier team. Every Man United fan you taunt over the coming days will inevitably claim it was a weak team or that the referee didn’t give them 29 minutes of ET and three penalties, but there’s no taking away from what Simon Grayson’s lads achieved today. They did us proud and thoroughly deserved their victory. A special day for Leeds United that I expect we’ll look back on in years to come as the first sign of our resurrection.

TSS man of the match
Jonny Howson for me. I could hazard a guess that ITV went for Becks and it wouldn’t be undeserved. He made Wes Brown look second rate throughout and was always a threat, but Jonny rose to the occasion like the Leeds lad he is. He knew what the rivalry meant and gave it absolutely everything. All the team played their part and all of them deserve the praise they’ll receive but Jonny grew today for me. He was like Leeds’ answer to Stevie G.

The draw for the fourth round gave us another trip down memory lane as we head for Tottenham Hotspur. Ken Bates will no doubt be delighted too at another obvious money spinner, which will once again undoubtedly be on TV.

A great start to 2010 I’m sure you’ll agree. Happy new decade for Leeds? Let’s hope we’re celebrating just as much in May! One things for sure now though. If Beckford does leave in the coming days, he’ll leave Leeds United a hero, in the meantime though, I’m sure you’ll enjoy his goal again!

For 200 minutes of play, Leeds made hard work of Kettering Town. In a sequence of events that could only happen in the FA Cup, over two legs Leeds dominated the tie, having endless chances saved by the Kettering keeper come manager and being thwarted by the wordwork numerous times.

Last night seemed as though it was all going to plan when returning striker Luciano Becchio converted Robert Snodgrass’ shot after twenty minutes, but Leeds couldn’t kill the Conference side off in normal time. Their keeper had another great game, issuing orders from the box whilst pulling off numerous saves to keep his club in the tie. Much like the first leg, the woodwork also played it’s part in keeping Leeds United back and as the tie continued to remain 1-0 on the night, you just felt Kettering might have a chance yet.

By no surprise whatsoever, it was former Leeds man Anthony Elding that scored the equaliser setting up another half hour of missed Leeds chances and nerves in Elland Road. With the scores remaining level at full-time, the tie went in to extra time. Kettering by this point will have been happy to take a penalty shoot-out, and given their keepers heroics so far, you wouldn’t have bet against them to win it.

Grayson made a change of formation leaving Kandol, Grella and Beckford upfront in search of goals. As half time in extra time passed, a penalty shootout beckoned. Leeds’ lack of success from the penalty spot didn’t fill any of the 10,000 supporters with any confidence, so it came as a relief when substitute Mike Grella smashed a shot home from close range to make it 2-1. Unlike the rest of the team that had seemingly run out of ideas and began shooting from anywhere, without taking any time to line their shot up, Grella was patient, controlled the ball and fired home with venom.

With less than fifteen minutes remaining, the floodgates opened. By now, Leeds’ superior fitness was playing it’s part and Kettering were undoubtedly disheartened from conceding so late. Kandol added a third within a minute, before Grella got a second with a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the area and Jermaine Beckford finished off the show, finally managing to hit the back of the net after a frustrating night. His celebration showed the relief for him in scoring.

A crazy night inside Elland Road. A game that should have been all too easy for the Whites proved to be massively frustrating and Kettering did themselves proud once more. Whether the scoreline reflects the game or not is debatable. Leeds must have had fifty chances, so in that respect, I guess it does, but considering how well Kettering kept us out, maybe it doesn’t.

Beckford had a frustrating night, but Lucciano Becchio showed why he’d been missed. Elsewhere, we dominated throughout although the defence looked a little shaky at times, especially when Capaldi was brought on to try and lose us the game. Such is the mans hopelessness, I’m actually starting to think Ridsdale sent him here to mess with us. Aidy White had a good game at left-back, but had to be taken off through injury, whilst Grella will deservedly grab the headlines.

I have a theory on the late goal blitz. Our third round opponents were playing away in Europe last night in a match with the same kick-off time. Clearly, the Scum fans will have been watching that game on TV, so Leeds held off ’til it finished in order to put the frighteners in them with our four goal flurry at the end. If Scum’s defensive problems aren’t resolved before we visit Sold Trafford, I reckon we could actually get something from there.

Bates has already had his calculator out and reckons the next match will net Leeds United around £750,000. Whilst that kind of money would probably only buy one player for the Whites, it would have kept a team like Kettering in business for years. Unsurprisingly, the next round will once again be shown live on ITV. The match will take place on Sunday the 3rd of January at 1pm and Leeds United will be accepting ticket applications from 10am tomorrow.

Kettering Town 1-1 Leeds United – FA Cup Second Round.

Not much of a match report today as the majority of you will have watched it on ITV and I’m ready for a few well deserved pints in the hotel bar, but for those other soggy and cold Leeds United fans that travelled alongside me today, the real joy came from the third round draw that followed the game.

The performance from Leeds wasn’t bad by any means, but Kettering’s determined defence and goalkeeper-come-manager nearly led to a repeat of Histon last season. One moment of poor defending and hapless goalkeeping from Casper Ankergren led to the mistake that put Leeds United 1-0 down. Unlike last year, I didn’t feel like we were out despite conceeding pretty late on. This Leeds United team doesn’t give in and Jermaine Beckford’s equaliser came as no suprise to me at all.

My major concern is how obvious Casper’s flaws were for the entire country to see. If you’re going to come out and punch the ball, there’s no room for error and once again, Casper made one. It’s so terrifying to watch any team get an attacking set-play against Leeds when he’s in goal that I’m sure the anxiety I’ve been subjected to must be having an adverse affect on my health.

Overall though, Leeds dominated as expected. One moment of madness can’t detract from the fact that Kettering’s goalkeeper performed miracles and their defence performed exceptionally. For a club in so much turmoil, their performance should inspire real belief in the side. Once more, Leeds’ heads didn’t drop either, which is a massive plus for me. We carried on fighting and got a well deserved equaliser which takes it to a replay at Elland Road. A replay that’s value to Kettering alone will be massive, but with the added lure of Manchester United, it’ll no doubt be competitive too. The biggest game of Kettering’s existence perhaps?

As much as I’m looking forward to a premature return to Sold Trafford, we’re back in action in the League on Tuesday away to Oldham Athletic and that’s where the concentration must be for now. Still, I’ve had more phonecalls from glory hunting “friends” now that it’s hard not to get carried away! I bet Kenneth’s counting the pennies already.

Unfortunately, I can’t offer much of a review for this game as I didn’t make it. My better half contracted Swine Flu and after spending the morning running about to get her the medicine, it was too late for me to travel and I decided it was probably wise to stay home and look after her.

I did watch the game over the internet through the FA’s streaming service, which was unsuprisingly poor. This country simply isn’t ready for mass streaming of live events. Until we’re covered from top to bottom in shiny fibre-optic cabling, it just isn’t going to work. The FA need to understand that and stop subjecting us to this nonsense. The game wasn’t unwatchable in fairness, but for me, it often felt like I was watching it in slow-motion.

From friends that did make the game I was very unhappy to hear the minute’s silence for Remembrance Day wasn’t observed by some Leeds United fans. I don’t know if they were intentionally being disrespectful or were simply unaware of the circumstances, but if they were aware of it then I can honestly say I’ve never been so ashamed of my fellow supporters.

Thousands upon thousands of brave men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice to give you the life you lead. It’s not a big ask to remain silent for sixty seconds to remember those that have died and think about the families they’ve left behind. I honestly can’t put into words how disgusted I am at the fans that disrepected the silence.

Earlier in the season I was proud to stand in the Kop and sing along with thousands of others to ‘there’s only one Bobby Robson’. The man was a true footballing great and we quite rightly acknowledged and celebrated that. Bobby was a legend, but one that lived a happy and long life. The men and women who have died at war for this country have often died young protecting us. Hero is a term that’s over used these days- No doubt many have used it to describe Bobby over the years, but he wasn’t a hero. He did a lot for the game and quite rightly deserves the praise he’s received, but the men and women who have died protecting me, you and this country are the real heroes. Some people are obviously too ignorant to understand that.

As for the game itself, it was indicative of every game I remember against Oldham. Never the most thrilling, but at least we won and progressed. I don’t think anyone can argue against the result. Leeds definitely deserved the win. Two great goals from Howson and Grella as well with nice build up play for them both. Ten goals scored with none conceeded in the last three games. Anyone expect that with Casper in the net?

A full review written by a well-travelled Leeds United fan can be found here at Travels of a Leeds fan.