Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United 23rd August 2024 at Hillsborough
Having had a better week personally although challenging, things could have been a lot worse, so I realise that we are lucky in that respect. Lots of others are facing their own challenges in worse circumstances so good luck to them. It was still very breezy at Elland Road after the storms overnight as I did my reel at Chris and Kev’s plaque instead of at Billy’s statue, which had me wondering if it would impact on the game. I needn’t have worried because after a stop at Wombwell, all was relatively calm when we reached the ground. Having taken the positives of a point and clean sheet from last week’s game at West Bromwich, I had an open mind as to what to expect on the pitch.
Team: Meslier, Ampadu, Struijk, Rodon, Firpo, James, Gnonto, Bogle, Aaronson, Gruev, Joseph.
Subs: Piroe for Joseph (84), Rothwell for Gnonto (88), Byram for James (90), Gelhardt for Aaronson (90).
Subs not used: Darlow, Cairns, Debayo, Crew, Chambers.
Leeds won the game 2-0 with Aaronson (24) and James (48) scoring the goals.
Attendance: 28,800, 3,800 Leeds fans.
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Booked: Gnonto, James, Ampadu.
The game set off at a fast pace as we attacked the far end from where the Leeds fans were massed behind the goal on Leppings Lane. From a short corner, James put a great cross into the box and Struijk’s header went narrowly wide. Some of the tackles from both teams were let go by the referee as he kept the game flowing as Leeds found their feet with constant attacking. When Joseph was brought down in the penalty area, I lost sight of the ball and was waiting for a penalty to be awarded, only for the Leeds fans to begin cheering. I thought the penalty had been given only to find out that Aaronson had picked up the loose ball, took a step to the side and slammed the ball into the net for Leeds to take the lead. I always say we have to play to the whistle, and this worked in our favour.
The second half set off again at a blistering pace and a fantastic through ball from Joseph to James on the wind saw his speed take him past the defender and beat the keeper to put us two goals up on the night. We took our foot off the pedal which gave Wednesday their best chance of the night with a header that flew past the wrong side of the post although their fans to the left of the stand thought they had scored. Leeds stepped up again and Joseph had a good chance as the ball went over the top of the goal before another chance saw the keeper parry the ball away. Another great move saw the keeper save from James then as play switched to the far end, Meslier saved a shot easily.
I hadn’t wanted Farke to bring on any subs just to ensure Wednesday didn’t make a comeback in the last moments of the game. It was an overreaction really, but the subs were made later than normal as we picked up three points from a very welcome win along with another clean sheet. “There’s only one team in Yorkshire” sang the travelling fans as the final whistle blew.
It had been a good day out, with a great atmosphere and plenty of singing. The feel-good factor from the win cannot be underestimated, with the impact raising my spirits after the hard last few weeks my family have had and long may it continue. Thanks to all the fans for their comments, concerns, photos taken, selfies taken with me but as always, showing how great they are. Thanks for the diet coke too which was appreciated. A shout out for the Donny Whites and Swindon massive too! As we have two home games now against Hull then Burnley hopefully, we can build on the win although we have the international break in-between them. That’s when I will be heading back to Stirling as the first part of getting Billy Bremner’s recognition in his hometown of Raploch takes place. More news to follow as the fundraising for his statue will begin in earnest, see you then, LUFC – Marching on Together!
