Leeds United v Ipswich Town 23rd December 2023 at Elland Road 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 After reaching rock bottom this week due to still recovering from a recent infection, I felt like I couldn’t look after others when it was a struggle to look after myself. Luckily as always, once I slept on things I was back to normal. Despite the fatigue and not wanting to get up this morning, I knew being at Leeds would help me. As it was, the first half certainly stopped me feeling sorry for myself as Leeds United put on a fantastic performance. Seeing our team battling, fighting for every ball and never giving up, especially Rutter, was the best tonic anyone could have. After hearing Farke’s pregame interview, I liked what he was saying and know we are in good hands. Before we went into the ground a group of us had one saying we’d lose, another saying we’d draw and another one saying we’d win. I said I’d go for the win too and we were definitely rewarded with that and three more precious points. Team: Meslier, Struijk, Rodon, Spence, Gray, Ampadu, Piroe, James, Rutter, Kamara, Summerville. Subs: Gnonto for James (61), Gruev for Kamara (73), Spence for Firpo (73), Joseph for Rutter (82), Bamford for Piroe (82). Subs not used: Darlow, Gelhardt, Poveda, Cooper. Leeds won the game 4-0 with goals by Struijk (8), Leif Davies (own goal 25), Summerville (penalty 45), Piroe (52). Attendance: 36,758, (1,970 Ipswich). Referee: Stephen Martin. Booked: James. To say Ipswich had been flying high in the table since their promotion, I was very surprised to see that they had only filled the top half of the West Stand and Leeds were in the bottom half. Within a stormy, blustery stadium, Leeds got off to a great start after winning a corner. Summerville sent the ball into the middle of the box and Piroe’s header was saved by their keeper, only for Struijk to follow up and head the ball into the net to put us into the lead. Leeds were seeing a lot of the ball and despite the wind affecting Meslier’s kicks, we went on the attack again. A great run down the left-hand side by Summerville towards the South Stand, saw him continue into the box beating two men and send a hard shot into the middle. Ex Leeds player Leif Davies stuck his foot out and the ball went into the net to see us two goals up. Thanks for the Christmas present and you finally scored your first goal at Elland Road! The nearest Ipswich came to scoring was shortly afterwards with a long range shot that hit the outside of the upright. A great move from Rutter through to James, saw Summerville run onto the final ball and was taken down in the box by Davies and Leeds were awarded a penalty. As Summerville had hold of the ball, we were expecting Piroe to take the penalty, but it was the former. He hit the ball into the opposite side of the net that I was expecting and what their keeper predicted, to score and put us three up before half time. What a welcome score to go in with at half time as no one predicted this. It certainly lifted the spirits. Back in my own seat in the Kop for the whole game since my recent operation, I didn’t have time to think about how I’d cope standing up as Leeds started where they had finished before the break. Another great ball from Rutter through to Piroe saw him send a fantastic shot at the goal from the side of the area only to see the ball hit the underside of the bar and rebound away. I was convinced that ball was hitting the back of the net when he first hit it but what a shame, as he deserved a goal. He reaped the rewards shortly afterwards as Leeds went four up when Piroe did score. Rutter picked up the ball and passed the ball forwards which came back off the Ipswich player’s foot. Piroe picked the ball up with his left foot, passed to his right and hit the ball into the net. Elland Road erupted with the fans going wild. It was bouncing as the fans revelled in the top of the table clash. When Rutter hit the crossbar, it had been Leeds clearly dominating the game with Ipswich hardly getting a look in. They should have had a man sent off after a diabolical tackle on young Archie Gray and their man was very lucky to receive a yellow card rather than a straight red. When the whistle blew, we didn’t leave the ground as first of all we were singing Summerville, Struijk and Piroe, then Marching on Together then another song. Leeds fans had been singing you should have gone Christmas Shopping to the Ipswich fans earlier which may have been good advice from their point of view. The Last Christmas song saw Daniel Farke replacing Pontus Jansson, and I replaced Don Revie in Oh me lads, you should have seen their faces, going down to Elland Road to see Dan Farke’s Aces. It was lovely to see such a comprehensive win at the start of the Christmas period with a clean sheet and a double over Ipswich. I realise there is a long way to go but we can enjoy the win over the next few days before we head to Preston on Boxing Day. As I’d worn tinsel around my beret today, I was told I’d have to wear it every game now. That reminded me of our 29 game unbeaten run in 1973 when I didn’t wash my scarf during the run. Superstitions …. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and say a big thank you to all my followers for their good wishes and support over the year which are greatly appreciated. For anyone struggling and going through their own traumas, please reach out to other Leeds fans in person, on social media or the message boards and they will do their best to help you. Please remember you are not alone. See you at Preston, 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 please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Thank you although I do get weepy from time to time lol. As I used to do in the 70s, have a cry, sleep on things then they never seem as bad the day after.
Just echoing what Marcus has said Heidi, I hope next year is a happier one for yourself, and anyone else on here who’s had struggles through 2024. Promotion would certainly help lift a few spirits
Wishing you and yours a happy Xmas and hopefully a much healthier new year Heidi. Galway whites over third week in January so hope to run into you that day
Thank you and yes it is Leeds United that keeps me going so they need to win all season now to keep the spirits up!
Hopefully will make it to the ground early enough!! Just remind me nearer the time when you are coming and hope to see you then.
Yes thank you it's been lovely. Would have been the icing on the cake getting a result today but not to be.
