Well, I certainly got my miracle that I wished for with my pre-game message with Leeds winning the game here tonight 2-1. We’ve shown what we can do now we need to keep it up and build on it. Three very welcome points which after a very stressful emotional week, is just what the doctor ordered. Team: Meslier, Cooper, Struijk, Koch, Aaronson, Adams, Harrison, Summerville, Kristensen, Roca and Rodrigo. Subs: Bamford for Rodrigo (50), Gnonto making his Premier League debut for Harrison (72), Ayling for Summerville (90). Subs not used: Robles, Llorente, Firpo, Gelhardt, Klich, Greenwood. Leeds won 2-1 with Rodrigo (40) and Summerville getting the winner on the eve of his 21st birthday (90). Attendance: 53,274 with 2,936 Leeds fans. Referee: Michael Oliver. Booked: Summerville. Underneath the stands the atmosphere was electric and I hoped that we’d keep that up on the terraces which we did. I do like the safe standing terracing too. Liverpool nearly took the lead after Meslier and Cooper went for the ball and it came free to one of their players but luckily for us, we got back to clear the ball for a corner. We thought that was a let off, then Leeds got off to a fantastic start as we forced a back pass which was beating their keeper and Rodrigo got to it first to put the ball into the net for us to take the lead. When someone said 85 minutes of defending now, that was a no from me as that would invite Liverpool to attack us. We didn’t manage to keep them out as they equalised within 10 minutes. We had a good chance to increase our lead, but Aaronson’s shot came back off the crossbar before a Harrison shot was saved by the keeper. Meslier made a vital save with his feet as Liverpool looked clean through, before a further chance for Leeds saw Rodrigo’s shot saved by their keeper. My previous criticism of our fitness levels, had me keeping a watchful eye on how long we could keep going but the good thing today was, that there weren’t any signs we were fading away. The first half had been a good performance from Leeds as we went in on equal terms. I was glad we had the same team for the start of the second half, but Bamford came on after five minutes in place of Rodrigo although I’m not sure if he was limping when he went off. Leeds had a lot of possession and we had to battle hard, but everyone was stepping up to the plate and playing as a team which was good to see. We had Meslier to thank for keeping us in the game though with all the saves he made, and he was my man of the match. We started playing deeper once Liverpool made some changes and it took a while for us to get back on top again. With injury time on the clock, Gnonto making his debut worked hard and got the ball to Bamford in the box. His first-time pass to Summerville saw the ball hit the back of the net in front of the Leeds travelling support to give Leeds the lead with minutes of the game left. Everyone in the Leeds end went wild as well as the team as it looked like the wished-for miracle had happened. Despite the slow ticking down of the clock and Leeds battling to keep Liverpool out, it was such a relief when the final whistle blew. Getting the win as well as the welcome three points was a brilliant feeling as we hadn’t won at Anfield since 2001 and it was their first home defeat in 29 matches. Lots of ecstatic, singing Leeds fans who were kept in until the Liverpool fans had dispersed before being let out, meant we could enjoy the result. Realistically I wasn’t expecting us to get the win but it’s better to fear the worst and celebrate the unexpected. Well done lads, you know what you can do, and it showed today. Consistency and to keep going are what we need now which will be important factors going forward starting with the Bournemouth game next week. See you there, LUFC, Marching on Together! please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Mighty stuff Heidi. One of my highlights was our away support last night. All of the atmosphere throughout the game was created by our lot. What a night
That’s good to see from Leeds supporters. There were two sisters (Hicks) that lost their lives that day. They were from where I grew up and the elder sister used to drink in the main pub I spent many a good night in with Boris and Dave (some of you have met those two reprobates at meet-ups). Let’s not forget Leeds United fans came close to a crush disaster a couple of season before at Hillsborough.
Wonderful photos as ever Heidi Lots of faces I recognised in the crowd, haven't seen Phil Beeton so animated in a while. Wish I'd have been there to soak up the atmosphere, unfortunately missing out of the majority of aways as you know.
Its a shame it’s so hard to get tickets now but it was one of those moments to enjoy. My husband wished he could have been there as part of his bucket list to laugh at the scousers too. Can’t say I blame him as he was kicked unconscious there in his younger days.
How is your other half, Heidi. Please may I ask a favour, would you allow me to use your photos to post up elsewhere, if you refuse I won't be offended, Heidi I'm fine for home matches although the photos I take are nowhere near the quality of yours. A couple of my away pals often send me photos on their phone, something I always look forward to. Little things please minds eh Keep the photos coming, gives me a sense of almost being there & the atmosphere of course
Sorry I've only just seen your post. Feel free to use any of my photos home and away because to me if it helps fans to feel they are there with us, that means a lot to me. My other half is stable at the moment which is good considering he was given 9-12 months to live last November.
