Norwich City v Leeds United

Saturday 1st October 2024 - Carrow Road, Norwich

2024/25 Season

The one thing I can say about Leeds United fans is that we have a fantastic camaraderie that has been built up over many years and we all look after each other. They are what keeps our club going through thick and thin and they are second to none. You all know who you are, but the love and support for my family and I can never be underestimated, and I thank you all. For anyone who missed by reel, my husband has been in hospital and is due home Wednesday and will be under the palliative care team going forward.

On arrival at Norwich, we were dropped off at the ground but had to wait outside whilst we waited for Nikki’s carer. We build up quite a rapport with the Norwich stewards especially one who supported Arsenal whilst we were waiting. It’s nice for football fans to be treated as human beings because as we all know, that doesn’t happen at every ground.

Team: Meslier, Struijk (captain as Ampadu out injured until Christmas), Bogle, Firpo, Rodon, Gnonto, Tanaka (making his first start), Gruev, Joseph, Aaronson, Ramazani

Subs: Rothwell for Gruev (injured 20), Piroe for Ramazani (70), Bamford for Joseph (70), Byram for Firpo (82), Gelhardt for Gnonto (82)

Subs not used: Darlow, Crew, Debayo, Chambers

Leeds drew the game 1-1 with Ramazani equalising for Leeds (60)

Attendance: 26,261, 2,022 Leeds fans.

Referee: Stephen Martin.

Booked: Struijk, Rothwell, Bogle, Gnonto

I’ve moved my tickets for the away games nearer the front of the stand, so it feels a different game watching it close up. Leeds looked lively at the start as we attacked the goal to the right of us. We won a corner but all I could see was Gnonto in the centre surrounded by giants. We nearly got caught out then as Norwich counter attacked us, but they were awarded a penalty not long afterwards. I had to watch replays to see why it was awarded as I wasn’t sure why it was given. I can’t wear my glasses and take photos at the same time so have to rely on the zoom to see the far side of the pitch. They duly scored from it, but Leeds nearly came back with an instant reply. Gnonto kept the ball in on the bye line and worked his way back into the middle of the box before unleashing a shot that came back off the foot of the post. Leeds won a free kick when Ramazani was brought down on the edge of the box. Rothwell’s free kick rebounded off the Norwich wall and Gnonto then saw his deflected shot on target saved by the keeper.

The second half saw Leeds still a goal down but trying to get back into the game. Rothwell’s shot was on target but easily saved by their keeper. The linesman in front of us was terrible, he was never up with play missing at least three offsides by Norwich plus he never flagged for any fouls in front of him that would have benefitted us. To be honest, he may well have stayed in the dressing room! I had to laugh when I saw a young Norwich fan to the left of us with his scarf tied around his head. It just took me back to my youth as it is something I used to do myself. It was also nice to spot some of our fans in that direction too. Leeds got an equaliser after Struijk picked out Gnonto and he put a perfect pass in for Ramazani to hit a sweet first time shot into the net. Gnonto then got booked for protesting when he was brought down in the area but realistically it should have been a penalty to us. Norwich were definitely quick off the break and at times looked like they would overwhelm us. At other times if felt like a bit of a practise game. Leeds were happy to settle for the draw in the end as we have another game on Friday at Sunderland, so I think we were all happy with a point as not getting defeated was the main thing. I know I didn’t want Aaronson back at Leeds, but I’ll give him his due, he is now letting his talking happen on the pitch as he never stops trying.

We had a decent journey back and I did manage to get some sleep on the coach having listened to music both ways. I am still hoping to make it to Sunderland on Friday as today has shown that I was totally exhausted and being able to get away has done me the world of good.

See you soon, LUFC – Marching on Together!