Beckford gives Leeds shock win

Jermaine Beckford.
12 April 2012

Jermaine Beckford's first-half goal sent Leeds into FA Cup dreamland at Old Trafford following a 1-0 win over rivals Manchester United.

The in-form striker's 20th goal of the season was enough to dump Sir Alex Ferguson's side out of the competition.

On their first visit for nearly six years, the League One side clinched their first win at the home of their bitter rivals since 1981 and it was greeted with unbridled joy by a 9,000-strong travelling army.

The Yorkshire outfit were already on top when first Dimitar Berbatov, then Danny Welbeck, lost possession inside the Leeds half.

Jonathan Howson spotted his opportunity and launched a long ball over the top for Beckford, who had stolen half a yard on Wes Brown. Beckford's control took the ball away from him but Tomasz Kuszczak was slow to react and Beckford had time to nip the ball beyond the Pole and send it rolling over the line.

Their ecstasy would have only lasted five minutes if Jason Crowe had not been quick-witted enough to get back onto the goal-line as Wayne Rooney charged onto Berbatov's reverse pass. Rooney bore down on the Leeds goal, then beat Casper Ankergren with a low shot that was heading in until Crowe scrambled it away.

Welbeck was denied by Ankergren's right leg when he let fly for the bottom corner after charging into the box. The youngster also set up Berbatov, but again Ankergren came out on top.

Substitute Michael Owen's lack of match practice was evident as, with virtually his first touch, he scuffed his shot after getting himself in the perfect position to turn home Valencia's cut-back.

Rooney blasted over from a similar position before Leeds countered and Beckford skimmed the far post with a shot across the face of goal.

Robert Snodgrass came even closer for Leeds shortly afterwards when his free-kick shook the angle of bar and post with Kuszczak beaten.

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