Ipswich v Leeds United 26th August 2023 at Portman Road please log in to view this image After getting up at 6am, taking my dog for a 30-minute walk, hoovering up and taking my time, I did set off a little later than I intended. I was picking Nikki up and it was only when she phoned me to ask where I was (just reaching the M621), that she told me the coach was leaving at 8am and not 8.15am. Panic stations then ensued but we made it to Elland Road only a few minutes late thank goodness. With it being my friend Sue’s birthday today, it took me back to her 12th birthday when her dad took us to Elland Road on the Lowfields Road terraces for my first game in 1967. I’ve no idea of the score or who we played but hearing our names read out on the tannoy at halftime, saw us indoctrinated into becoming Leeds fans and we have been friends ever since. It was a lovely day weather wise, plus we had Lily the Pink by the Scaffold played for us! As the coaches parked a bit further away from the ground today, one lad was pointing out where the station was and mentioned a pub where the away fans go, so I said I remembered going in the Sporting Farmer in the seventies. We arrived early around 12pm and headed for the pub, only to be followed into there by a large group of Ipswich fans. I literally shook for 2-1/2 hours as they intimidated us, piling bottles onto the pool table in the middle of the room. They went out once and then proceeded to come back in with double the number of lads which scared me even more. Eventually the landlord chucked them out. Regarding Rutter, this is what I put as a response to “why Rutter will come good” on one of the message boards so it was good to see him score a great goal today. To be honest, I feel he will come good under Farke's coaching. I know I wasn't impressed with what I saw the first time where it was more of a damp squid performance than someone who could make a difference to the team immediately. Admittedly he was bought as one for the future by Orta which when we were crying out for someone now, was sacrilege and I don't think there were many of us who couldn't see what was needed. That in itself was the difference between staying up and being relegated. It isn't the lad's fault he has this high price tag on his head though. He has got his head down and training with proper coaches which will make a difference in time. A run of games getting his confidence up too will help. I know I’ve been very vocal in playing for the shirt and the fans and I still stand by that, but news that Farke has accepted an apology from Gnonto and a legal issue with Sinisterra, meant they were included in the squad today. News we’d signed Joel Piroe, a striker has been a very welcome addition. I will always support the team on the pitch and not boo them, but they have to make their football do the talking especially, as I am not one to forgive and forget easily. Team: Meslier, Struijk, Ayling, Rodon, Byram, Ampadu, Gray, Gnonto, Sinisterra, Piroe (making his first team debut), Rutter. Subs: Drameh for Byram (injured 25), Shackleton for Drameh (45), Gelhardt for Sinisterra (85), Cresswell for Ayling (90), Gyabi for Piroe (90). Subs not used: Darlow, Summerville, Greenwood, Hjelde. Leeds won the game 4-3 with Rutter (10), Gnonto (14), Piroe (19) and Sinisterra (75) scoring the Leeds goals. Attendance: 29,606, 2008 Leeds fans. Referee: Bobby Madley. Booked: Shackleton, Meslier, Ayling. Thanks to the Leeds fans around me who challenged an Ipswich female steward when she said I wasn’t allowed to take photos. I said I was the official Leeds United fans photographer and had permission from Leeds to take them. It wasn’t a lie as Jay Mooney had said to get a pass organised but sadly, that wasn’t forthcoming as apparently it couldn’t be done. Eventually she said it was copyright and they did things differently at Ipswich but then proceeded to let me take photos discreetly but not all the time! Thanks also for the cup of tea bought for me at half time which helped bring me round as I didn’t feel too good. I’ll blame the double dose of antibiotics that I am taking for an infection causing acid reflux. Well done to everyone who joined in the applause for the young Ipswich Town fan Mason, who died of a brain tumour. Leeds got off to a bad start when Ipswich took an early lead. Although their player was offside, the linesman at the far side kept his flag down and Rodon put the ball into the net for an own goal. After seeing two magpies this morning I was hoping it would bring us three points and our first win, so I hadn’t given up hope at this point. The linesman let at least another three offsides go for them in contrast to the one at the other end who flagged us offside numerous times. Rutter then equalised three minutes later with a low shot after sheer persistence saw him hold off four defenders with some great footwork. Leeds increased their lead after a fantastic cross from Byram saw Gnonto score as he came from behind the hesitant Ipswich player who was waiting for their keeper to get the ball. When Sinisterrra saw his shot fumbled by their keeper, Piroe was on hand to score on his debut to give us a 3-1 lead as the ecstatic Leeds fans celebrated in the stands. With six minutes injury time, I was willing the referee to blow the whistle, but even more time was added on. Sadly, a short backpass from Drameh saw Ipswich pull a goal back giving them a lifeline, I didn’t think they deserved. In the second half it took a while for us to get on top as Ipswich were rejuvenated by that goal. A fantastic run by Shackleton saw him pass the ball to Sinisterra, who shook off the Ipswich defender who fell over and sent a low shot into the goal for a fourth goal on the day. Ipswich then pulled a late goal back making is 4-3 but Leeds hung on to get our first win and three points. The Leeds fans had been in fine voice and had a couple of new songs and I’d really enjoyed the atmosphere today. It was great being amongst the Leeds fans heading back to the coaches still singing. Now we head to Salford on Tuesday for the second round of the Carabao Cup before the home game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. See you then, 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 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
