Accrington 1 Leeds United 3: Attacker shines as Whites book place in FA Cup fifth round - Yorkshire Post 28/1/23
Leeds United eased their way into the FA Cup fifth round as goals from Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo and Luis Sinisterra ensured a 3-1 victory at Saturday’s lunchtime hosts Accrington Stanley.
Lee Sobot
Accrington put Leeds under early pressure but a series of
Illan Meslier saves helped keep the hosts at bay and the Whites squandered the
game's best early chance as record signing Georgino Rutter fired wide. Leeds,
though, went ahead in the 23rd minute thanks to a terrific strike from Harrison
who rifled the ball home from 25 yards out after Patrick Bamford's lay off.
The frame of the goal then denied the Whites a second goal
as Sinisterra's shot on the turn from the edge of the box rattled back off the
post. The lively Rutter, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen then had chances to
add to Harrison's strike but Accrington continued to pepper the Whites goal
only to be continually thwarted by Meslier who did spill one cross which Junior
Firpo cleared. Patrick Bamford also two claims for penalties waved away as the
Whites entered the half-time break 1-0 up.
Accrington had a couple of chances to equalise immediately
after the restart but Leeds doubled their advantage in the 66th minute after a
fine swivel and pass from Bamford played in Firpo to convert. The Whites added
a third just two minutes later as the excellent Harrison raced away down the
left flank before sending in a pinpoint cross for Sinisterra to slam home. The
Whites were threatening to run riot but Accrington pulled a goal back in the
81st minute through Leslie Adakoya as Leeds failed to clear their lines despite
an initial Illan Meslier save.
