The penultimate away game of the season for Leeds United against a Middlesbrough side who now had nothing to play for, would that make them more dangerous? Could Boro put a dent in Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes, or could Leeds go 2nd with 2 games to go?
It was played at The Riverside Stadium
1st Middlesbrough goal – Jones centre of goal
After seven minutes, a early goal for Boro as they broke at pace after Gnonto gave ball away, ball through middle for Lath flicked away by Gruev which allowed Jones to nip in and score into a open net.
Leeds penalty- Rutter fouled
Just before the quarter hour, Leeds won a penalty as Rutter ran down wing with Dijksteel, and Dijksteel tripped him and ref gave a penalty.
1st Leeds goal and equaliser- Summerville bottom corner
A minute later, Summerville stepped up to take the penalty and buried it into bottom corner, and it was as you were.
2nd Leeds goal – Bamford off his thigh
Four minutes later, Leeds went in front and it was a nice goal as Firpo put in wonderful ball for Bamford who found space between the 2 centre backs and got slight connection to take it past Dieng, and Leeds were heading 2nd.
After 25 minutes, Azaz’s corner pushed over bar by Meslier and 2nd corner cleared too.
2nd Boro goal and equaliser- Lath bottom corner
After half a hour, level again as Rutter lost possession and Boro worked it to Lath who made a yard for himself and hit a super shot past Meslier.
Six minutes later, Gruev swung dangerous freekick in and Dieng punched it.
3rd Leeds goal- Gnonto centre of goal
After 39 minutes, Leeds back in front as Gray’s poor pass kept alive by Summerville and he played ball through to Gnonto who slotted it into centre of goal, possibly offside but no flag went up.
Two minutes later, Bamford denied by diving save by Dieng.
On stroke of halftime, Silvera shot 20 yards out and shot deflected into Meslier’s arms.
In 4th minute of stoppage time, Silvera went for goal again but went behind.
Halftime score: Middlesbrough 2-3 Leeds United
A superb first half at the Riverside and a 5 goal thriller so far, could Leeds hold on or would there be more goals?
After 53 minutes, Meslier clawed away cross come shot by O’Brien.
4th Leeds goal- Summerville bent one into corner
Just after the hour, Leeds had a 2 goal lead as Summerville collected ball after good interplay, and found pocket of space and curled home the most sumptuous goal of the night.
After 71 minutes, Ampadu laid it off to Summerville with outisde of boot but Summerville couldn’t wrap instep round it and it went across face.
With 15 to go, Azaz smashed a shot into side netting.
After 85 minutes, Piroe played great ball to James who was in the area but got tackled superbly by Bangura.
3rd Boro goal- Lath looped header
2 minutes later, Boro narrowed the gap as Gilbert;’s lofted ball into box found Lath who rose just inside area to loop a header over Meslier and into the net.
In 90th minute, Azaz flashed a cross which Rodon turned behind nervily, corner came to nothing.
In 2nd minute of stoppage time, Howson drove shot towards goal but Meslier saved easily.
Fulltime ascore: Middlesbrough 3-4 Leeds United
2nd half not as creazy as first half and Leeds just about held on for a massive three points.
They are 2nd on 90 points with 2 games to go.
Highlgihts of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSa6lp3fn10
Next for Leeds is their final a way game of the season as they go to QPR on Friday 26th April with a 8pm kickoff on Sky again.
Dan's Sports Blog 