Leeds United v Sheffield United

Friday 18th October 2024 - Elland Road, Leeds

2024/25 Season

First of all, before I start my blog, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to send love and support to my family and I after my husband Phillip’s death from cancer last Sunday. We have been overwhelmed but knowing our Leeds United family as we do, this is them at their best. It’s been an emotionally tough and challenging time for us all over the last few months, but Phillip got his wish to die at home with us by his side. He is at peace now and no longer in pain. We will be having a celebration of his life with his ashes as he didn’t want a funeral, and I will share those details with those who want to attend shortly. We’ve also just received the great news that my baby granddaughter Pippa has just got out of hospital too, after being admitted again a couple of days ago due to RSV. We are in dire need of some respite as a family especially as my legs could hardly carry me this morning. The greatest therapy was being at Elland Road tonight amongst out fans, to see a great win.

Team: Meslier, Struijk, Rodon, Firpo, Bogle, Tanaka, Piroe, Gnonto, Aaronson, Rothwell, Ramazani

Subs: Solomon for Gnonto (68), James for Aaronson (68), Joseph for Ramazani (79), Byram for Firpo (90), Bamford for Piroe (90)

Subs not used: Darlow, Schmidt, Debayo, Crew

Leeds won the game 2-0 with goals from Struijk (69), Joseph (90)

Attendance: 36,695, approx. 2,900 Sheffield United fans

Referee: Lewis Smith

Booked: Firpo

My mothering instincts kicked in when the turnstile next to me malfunctioned with a man still outside the ground but his small son in tears already in the ground. I got through on my side and stayed with the boy until they let his dad into the ground through the gates after common sense took over. Lewis although distraught was very brave once he knew he wasn’t on his own and was reunited with his dad a few minutes later thankfully. After not seeing or hearing anything regarding the team after the international break I could only go to the game with an open mind and judge things on what I saw. There was a minute’s applause for a Sheffield United player, George Baldock who died recently. I took the opportunity to take on board my own poignant memories during this time before heading to my seat.

Sheffield started the game the stronger of the two sides, but it didn’t take long before Leeds got into their stride. We started to put together some good moves and Tanaka put his body on the line when he came under pressure. He started to build up a good relationship with Rothwell in midfield which was good to see. Ramazani had a shot saved by their keeper which was our best chance of the half.

We stayed in the stand at half time to see Lucas Radebe come out onto the pitch. It was disappointing to see the sprinklers put on before he left the pitch so we couldn’t see him properly. At least I managed to get a selfie with him yesterday at the Leeds United Supporters Trust meeting.

The second half saw Sheffield start on the attack again, but Leeds took charge very quickly as they continued to attack towards the Kop. We won a corner and Farke made a double substitution with instant results. Rothwell took the corner as Struijk met the ball in the middle of the box hitting a sweet strike into the top of the goal to take the lead. A great through ball from Piroe saw Joseph get in front of the defender and sheer persistence saw him put the ball into the net in injury time to give us a second goal. That put the game beyond Sheffield as Leeds took the three points and the win.

I thought we played very well tonight with some good football and didn’t really look under too much pressure. Thank you, Leeds, and that win was for you Phillip. See you on Tuesday for the Watford game.

LUFC – Marching on Together!