Remembering Chris Loftus & Kevin Speight – 25 Years On Thursday 3rd April 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season Today, I was at Elland Road for the memorial of Chris Loftus and Kevin Speight, two of our lads taken far too soon while following our beloved club in the UEFA Cup semi-final 25 years ago. It doesn’t matter how many years pass, the pain never fades. We stand here every year, together as one, to honour them. Football isn’t just a game; it’s family, it’s passion, and for Chris and Kevin, it was a very big part of their life. The whole first team turned up, along with the Leeds United management, including manager Daniel Farke. Seeing them all there, in reflective mood, made me proud. It showed me that Chris and Kevin will never be forgotten. Their love for Leeds United is still felt to this day, forever part of the club’s history and the hearts of everyone who follows the Whites. Chris and Kevin’s friend, Gareth Senior, spoke to those gathered. His words were appropriate for the occasion, provoking memories for all there, bringing home just how much they are remembered. He spoke of their passion for Leeds, their unwavering and unquestionable loyalty to the club. As he spoke, you could feel it—everyone was right there with him, remembering, feeling the loss, but also feeling the pride in calling them one of us. As I walked away from the plaque, I felt that same strong sense of belonging that Leeds United gives us all. Year after year, we come together to remember, to show that Chris and Kevin will always be part of us. They were more than just fans; they were Leeds, and they always will be. Gone, but never forgotten. Marching on together!

Leeds United V Swansea Saturday 29th March 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season I don't know about anyone else but despite it having been the international break, I still felt as if I was meeting myself coming backwards. I was told to say hello to myself as we pass by each other which made me laugh. It was nice to be interviewed by the Only Leeds Bros from Ireland during the week and I was also interviewed for the Paris 75 documentary that will be in cinemas from 28th May 2025. 50 years since I was there for the European Cup Final when it is still as fresh in my mind now as it was back then. Keep watching for the launch of my new website next week too. I'm so glad I was let down by the previous person because although it has meant I haven't had my website for three years, I am so happy with this new one. It will be work in progress, but it's been well worth waiting for. It was going to be a poignant day at Elland Road today as it also marks the 25th anniversary next week of the brutal murders of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight in Istanbul. A fantastic tribute on the 25th minute when everyone turned their backs to the pitch as a mark of respect plus the game was stopped too which was good to see. I had to be at the ground early today as I wasn't going to be in my usual seat in the Kop but in the Eddie Gray suite celebrating my friend Nikki's birthday. Thank you for letting me join in your birthday celebrations which I enjoyed very much, and we had a really good time. The only downside was going down the steps that led to the hospitality suites at half time, but we couldn't get back into the level three area. Having to go back up two flights of stairs then back down another two to get there wasn't good especially when I've had a dodgy ankle for a few days. I spoke to someone when we got back up to the level five only to be told it was only to level two. When I got back into the stand later, I double checked the sign and there was nothing there to suggest you couldn't get back into any other levels. This will be passed back to the club via the supporter’s advisory board. Team: Meslier, Ampadu (captain), Struijk, Rodon, James, Aaronson, Bogle, Byram, Rothwell, Piroe, Solomon. Subs: Tanaka for Ampadu (58), Joseph for Aaronson (72), Firpo for Byram (72), Ramazani for Solomon (72), Gnonto for James (85). Subs not used: Darlow, Schmidt, Guilavogui, Gruev. Leeds drew 2-2 with Aaronson (1) and Gnonto (86) scoring for Leeds. Swansea equalised for the second time in 90+6 minutes after doing the same in the 64th minute. Attendance: 35,575, 784 Swansea fans. Referee: Ben Toner. Booked: Ampadu, Tanaka, Gnonto (for taking his shirt off when he scored a minute after coming on as a sub). I'd gone to the front of the upper east stand to get photos as there was to be a minute's applause for Chris and Kev. As I was getting to my seat two lads asked for their photos, but I said to wait as we'd gone straight on the attack towards the south stand and before we knew it the ball had hit the back of the net. What a fantastic start to the game but in true Leeds United fashion, things went downhill when we conceded a penalty. I didn't think it was one for a minute until I saw a replay later. Rodon did catch him, but he was going out of the penalty area, so it wasn’t a goal scoring opportunity. Did that use to be a rule in the past where they’d wave away a penalty appeal on that basis? I’m not sure if I’ve made it up or whether for once my memory is correct but no doubt someone will enlighten me. As for the penalty, justice prevailed when Meslier dived the right way and saved it. Swansea came back at us very quickly and were very unlucky not to equalise shortly afterwards. They won a free kick in front of us and as they sent the ball into the middle, the ball was headed against the upright and the ball bounced straight back into Meslier’s hands. Phew that was a relief, but it also showed to me that Swansea wouldn’t be no pushover, but I do feel once they were awarded the penalty, that made a difference. As the game progressed some of our players were looking leggy as the effects of the international break once more came back to haunt us. The second half had kicked off by the time I got back to my seat (by the way those padded seats are a far cry from my usual one in the Kop but are very comfy). We were very unlucky not to get a second goal as James kept the ball in on the by line then Aaronson sent the ball into the middle of the box and Piroe saw the keeper make a good save from his shot. James also saw the keeper make a good save from him. We let Swansea back into the game unexpectedly from a corner. Meslier went up unopposed to catch the ball, dropped it but the first person to react was their player to put the ball into the net. Prior to that he’d made a great save to keep them out then this happened. Gnonto came on as sub and from a corner Struijk saw their keeper make another great save but then Gnonto hit a great shot from the edge of the box to take the lead once again. Swansea had been time wasting and I thought there may be six minutes of injury time but there was seven. After we had got that goal, instead of consolidating the lead and seeing the game out, we did everything to give Swansea the chance to equalise by losing the ball, then the man from our throw in before they equalised once again with six minutes added on. With lots blaming Meslier for this goal too which I don’t, you can see on replays we had six players there who were all ball watching who had already switched off in my opinion. Swansea never gave up and deserved their point to be honest. Being in hospitality didn’t stop me shouting, singing and being my usual self although a swear word did come out when I got nervous. I thought I may have gone over the top as usual but then got a compliment from a lady in front of me at the end of the game, saying she’d like to be like me in the future. Thanks for that. With social media in meltdown once again, I felt indifferent but had to be reminded we hadn’t lost but drawn the game. Noel Whelan had asked me before the game what I thought but I said I never predict scores as I always get them wrong plus we’ve been here too many times before. It’s not the end of the world as it is still in our hands now despite us going down to second but now on equal points with Burnley. Just forget we are trying the get promoted Leeds but with Luton being another early kick off next Saturday, we can only see what happens there. On my way home the conditions were awful with the wind taking my car a few times, which made me wonder if the wind had an impact in the ground. I know when we got into the stand the winds were strong, but it is a possibility however small, that it impacted on Meslier dropping the ball?  LUFC – Marching on Together!

QPR V Leeds United Saturday 15th March 2025 - Matrade Loftus Road 2024/25 Season After another early and cold start this morning, my message to Leeds was some reverse psychology. Forget about it being another early kick off as it was us fans who were travelling through the night so they should be fresh as daisies. Also, in 1974 our last game of the season saw us crowned Champions of the first division where we went onto the pitch at the end of the game. This shows that we can win at Loftus Road despite it not being a happy hunting ground, plus playing in London. My friend Carole opened the champagne she’d brought with her on that day, although I never liked the taste of it so I can’t remember whether I had a drink or not. After sleeping all the way to the services and then having to be woken up as everyone was getting off the coach at the pub, we arrived two hours before kick-off. I was going to stay on the coach then decided to head to the players’ entrance to see the team getting off the coach. As I stayed around that area, my beret caught the eye of a camera man, and I had to look up at the sky so he could get photos of the top of it. This was given to me by the Art of Football, and it has certainly caught the eye of fans and others as I wear it to every game. I love it and can’t thank them enough. It was great talking to and taking photos of lots of our fans outside the ground and it was a relaxed atmosphere. Team: Meslier, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle, Firpo, Aaronson, Piroe, James, Rothwell, Solomon, Tanaka. Subs: Gnonto for Aaronson (45), Ramazani for Aaronson (84). Subs not used: Darlow, Joseph, Debayo, Byram, Guilavogui, Schmidt, Gruev. Leeds drew the game 2-2 with goals from Firpo (40) and Bogle (51) after being two goals down. Attendance: 17,457, 1,759 Leeds fans. Referee: Tim Robinson. Booked: Struijk, Bogle. Sent off: Saito (QPR). We had a lot of possession in the early stages of the game although without any chances before QPR took the lead after a poor clearance from Aaronson, saw their player hit a cracking shot into the top corner of the goal in front of us. To make matters worse, within 30 minutes we were two goals down when their player was in so much space to the left of us, crossed the ball to be headed into the net by another one in acres of space. Well, that wasn’t what I wanted to happen so I told those around me that we would have to win 3-2 then. Leeds got their act together to pull a goal back five minutes before the break with some great passing football involving, Tanaka and Piroe who found Solomon on the wing. His pass into the middle saw Firpo get onto the end of it to hit the ball into the net. At least that would give us a fighting chance. The second half saw Leeds come out fighting as Farke made one of his earliest subs when he brought Gnonto on for Aaronson. That had the desired effect because we had been outnumbered in the middle of the pitch by QPR in the first half. It didn’t take Leeds long to get an equaliser as Gnonto sent James forward along the wing. His cross into the middle saw Solomon’s shot saved but Bogle followed up with the rebound to score the goal. I wondered if I would get my wish after all as we were on top at this part of the game. As it was, QPR resorted to “injuries” and time wasting to slow the game down more than once. It also looked as if someone had been having a word in the ref’s ear as he let some fouls go on us but blew up constantly against us. We had to be thankful to Meslier to make a great save to keep them from taking the lead after a long throw into the box. QPR had a player sent off with a straight red for a late challenge on James in the closing stages of the game. At first, I thought I’d been mistaken seeing a red card as their player didn’t want to go off the pitch. Farke then decided to make a sub and took off Solomon for Ramazani. To be honest a that moment, it was the first time I wouldn’t have even used another sub because we had been on top for most of the second half. Solomon was very upset at having been subbed though and I could sympathise because it did feel that we could still get a winner with him on the pitch. We did get in good positions but the final ball into the net was lacking so had to be content with the draw. I’m not sure if something happened with Joseph at the end of the game as he looked very angry, and Ampadu was trying to calm him down. Can’t say I noticed anything but someone else may have. At the end of the day, we got another precious point after coming back from two goals down. We have no control over other teams but there will certainly be plenty of ups and downs before the season ends. As we now have the international break again, the telling point for us and those around us will be whether we can keep the momentum going when the games restart. We still have a chance so keep fighting Leeds. Monday will see a poignant day for me as it would have been the birthday of my baby daughter Charlotte who died. She found fame in her little life as her birth was announced live on TV by Greavsie when Leeds played at Arsenal that day. It was the first game I’d missed home or away for seven years. Thanks to my late husband, Arsenal put the news across their scoreboard which is how it was picked up by Greavsie. He said I’d seen more action than they had at the game! Charlotte also attended her first game at six days old against Cristal Palace when she went into the creche in the South Stand which was the family stand back then. I’ll always be grateful to the Square Ball for keeping her memory alive when they wished her a happy 30th birthday, not knowing she had died suddenly at 17 days old from an undiagnosed heart defect. As my new website will shortly be going live after three years without one, I hope that the Square Ball can find that clip so I can share it on there. See you at the Swansea home game where I will not be in my usual seat in the Kop but in the Eddie Gray suite instead for a friend’s birthday. LUFC – Marching on Together!

Leeds United V Millwall Wednesday 12th March 2025 - Elland Road 2024/25 Season After seemingly meeting myself coming backwards, I had to revert to Shanks Pony (walking in other words) for most of the day and whilst I’ve enjoyed it, I’d slowed up by the end of the game. I decided to catch a train into Leeds as my daughter was coming straight from work and I’d come back home with her afterwards. With it being a rail replacement transport, it turned out to be our regular driver from our away coach who brought me to Leeds. A big thank you to Arne one of our Norwegian Whites who gave me a present of a Leeds cup with my name in it which was greatly appreciated. He’d bought some memorabilia for his museum, and it was lovely to see he had a silk scarf with the 1972 FA Cup Final on it which was my favourite ever game. Whilst meeting him at Billy’s statue, a few fans asked me what I thought the score would be, but I don’t predict scores as I always get them wrong. I did say we had to win though as it was important we picked up the points tonight as QPR is another ground that hasn’t been good for us. Getting something from that game too will keep the pressure on the other teams around us too. It was nice to finally meet up with Craig and sign my Follow Me and Leeds United book that he had bought. Team: Meslier, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle, Tanaka, Firpo, Rothwell, Piroe, James, Solomon, Aaronson. Subs: Gruev for Rothwell (86), Byram for Bogle (86), Gnonto for Solomon (86), Ramazani for James (90+1), Joseph for Piroe (90+1). Subs not used: Darlow, Guilavogui, Debayo, Chambers. Leeds won the game 2-0 with an own goal from Cooper (3) and Tanaka (85). Attendance: 34,401, 391 Millwall fans. Referee: Dean Whitestone. Booked: Unbelievably none from Millwall. Leeds started off at a blistering pace after being turned around by Millwall, so we were attacking the Kop in the first half. I hadn’t realised the goal was so early in the game as Solomon sent a low shot along the byline that ended up in the net at the near post courtesy of Millwall’s captain. That set the tone for Leeds to keep attacking which is the best form of defence and it showed tonight as we limited Millwall to very few attacks. Millwall were chopping our players down left, right and centre but the referee never gave a yellow card out. I was half expecting us to challenge them and get the first card but thankfully we didn’t. We were attacking in droves, and Aaronson had a shot saved by their keeper. Leeds scored a second goal that was disallowed for offside after good work in the penalty area from Aaronson gave Piroe the chance to put the ball into the net. I was convinced it wasn’t offside and according to half time reports; this was confirmed to be the case. It would have made a difference by taking any pressure off us. The sting was taken out of the game as their player went down injured. He went off the pitch at the slowest pace to be subbed, only to take forever and the referee to let them do it.  The second half saw Leeds come close a couple of times from Aaronson and Solomon as frustration started to creep into some of our support as we wanted to make changes. Millwall sent a long range shot that Meslier kept out of the net by pushing it around the corner of the post. Fears were that they were going to pile the pressure on us now but we needn’t have worried. As it was Farke stuck with the same players despite play dropping off but with five minutes of normal time left, he looked to the bench. At that moment, I thought the players on the pitch would now push to score in case they were going off which did happen. Another good move saw play switch from the right-hand side as Solomon passed to Firpo on the left wing. He looked up and sent a perfect pass across the box which Solomon left, and Tanaka hit a blistering shot into the top corner to seal the victory. Another clean sheet, win and a welcome three points took us back to the top of the table as we head to QPR on Saturday for another early start and kick off. See you there, LUFC – Marching on Together!

Portsmouth v Leeds United Saturday 9th March 2025 - Fratton Park 2024/25 Season Having just arrived home after a 17 hour round trip, despite all the traffic issues that meant detours, we had a good run both there and back. Starting from home at 3.30am in freezing conditions to ending up in glorious sunshine at the ground it was a perfect day for a football game. Even though it was a long day for us northern based fans, it was short 15–20-minute journey for many of our southern based fans, especially the Hampshire Whites. They have the long journey to do for every home game at Elland Road so I don’t feel I can complain when the boot is on the other foot. I’d no idea Portsmouth were near the bottom of the table as I only concentrate on Leeds, but they wanted to win the game more than we did. Although we did have our share of chances, if our last-minute chance had gone in instead of their keeper making a great save, I would have taken the point, but it would have been a get out of jail card. It’s what it is, and we move on to a big week of football with our home game against Millwall on Wednesday then away at QPR on Saturday. I’ve no idea what will transpire but it all depends how we are set up in my opinion. Today it felt like we had got our tactics wrong and were looking defensive in the first half. Before they scored their goal, I wanted to see changes because I could see what was coming. For those blaming Meslier for their goal, I don’t agree. Our defenders were level with their player after we got caught out with their speed and could have stopped him before he got into our penalty area. Instead, we slackened off so that he got in front of our defence and scored. To be honest, it looked like half of the team had been up all night travelling not us! Team: Struijk, Rodon, Bogle, Firpo, Aaronson, Piroe, James, Solomon, Gruev, Tanaka, Solomon. Subs: Joseph for Aaronson (68), Ramazani for Solomon (68), Rothwell for Tanaka (68), Byram for Bogle (79), Gnonto for Gruev (79). Subs not used: Darlow, Guilavogui, Schmidt, Debayo. Leeds lost the game 1-0. Attendance: 20,314, 2,171 Leeds fans. Referee: Rob Jones. Booked: None from Leeds. The first half felt very poor from our perspective although things may have been different if we’d have been awarded a penalty in the 10th minute when James was brought down in the penalty area. He had hit the ball only for the Portsmouth player to kick him halfway up the calf from behind. The referee had a clear view of it but decided to ignore the challenge. As he’s supposedly a premier league referee, maybe he needed VAR to make a decision for him. We had another chance when their keeper made a double save firstly from Solomon and then the rebound from Piroe. How their player ended up without a booking for a late challenge on Meslier I don’t know. Portsmouth got into the game more and were very quick on the break, but we looked to be containing them. We started to play more defensively, and it didn’t make for good watching from our point of view as it was very poor before the break. The second half saw Leeds start off with a great attack from the defence when Bogle sent a fantastic ball up the wing for James to run onto. He sent a great pass to Solomon on the opposite wing, but he couldn’t hit a first time shot. He took the ball past the keeper, passed to Piroe in front of goal who hit the ball over the bar. That was a good chance and should have been buried. That miss was going to come back to haunt us very quickly as it emboldened Portsmouth who made a sub. I shouted to Farke that he needed to change things as I could see what was going to happen only nothing was done about it. With that Portsmouth sent a great ball over our defence, and as Rodon and Struijk were level with their player, I expected them to close the player down and win the ball. As it was, we slowed down and their player ran forward with pace, hit the ball as Meslier came forward only to see it hitting the far post and rebounding back into the goal. They could have got a second goal not long afterwards as they hit a long range shot but Meslier made a fantastic save to keep them out. They also had another shot that hit the outside of the post then went wide. We should have got back into the game as Leeds attacked towards the Leeds fans behind the goal. Firpo did a one two with Ramazani and although the ball was short, Firpo kept running and took the ball with him. He got into the penalty area past their defence and ready to shoot but then, shot against the keeper’s legs and the ball cleared. Firpo then saw his header hit the bar with James getting to the rebound, but the ball went wide. Our last chance saw Rothwell send a corner into the middle and Byram’s header brought a great save out of their keeper. He was definitely their man of the match. The last couple of days had already sent me into a downward spiral so I just accepted we had lost the game. For those who followed my husband’s cancer journey until he died, may remember my baby granddaughter being hospitalised four times during the last year with urinary sepsis. After further tests, it looks like they have found the cause of this, but we will know more when we see the consultant shortly. It is possible she faces surgery and although I was okay after we came away from the hospital, the next two days got the tears flowing again. It is coming up to the birthday of my baby daughter who died, and it brought things back to me. The anniversary of Charlotte’s death is the same day that we are remembering Chris and Kev who were murdered in Istanbul. I will be attending their remembrance evening but if the last two days are anything to go by, there will be a lot of tears shed. Whilst we have lost a game of football today for the first time since November, it is hard for some to deal with but, it isn’t over yet and we are not yet down and out. Hopefully that won’t come back to bite me! See you on Wednesday, LUFC – Marching on Together!

Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion Saturday 1st March 2025 - Elland Road, Leeds 2024/25 Season As I’d to rely on my daughter to pick me up today, it meant a later set off than I intended so we went straight to the ground. It was nice to catch up with fans at the Peacock and in the Kop before kick-off. With the sun shining and despite it being cold, it felt a lovely day for a football game. Team: Struijk, Meslier, Rodon, Firpo, Bogle, James, Rothwell, Solomon, Piroe, Tanaka, Aaronson. Subs: Joseph for Aaronson (72), Gnonto for Solomon (79). Subs not used: Darlow, Guilavogui, Byram, Schmidt, Ramazani, Debayo, Gruev. Leeds drew the game 1-1 and took the lead with a goal by Firpo (9). Attendance: 36,705, 1,969 WBA fans. Referee: Farai Hallam. Booked: None from Leeds. WBA showed they were up for the game with an early attack that thankfully saw their final shot go wide of the post. That was a relief because I thought it was going into the net and to be honest after seeing replays later when I got home, it wasn’t that far away. Leeds did in fact take an early lead once again when a fantastic cross from James on the wing, saw Firpo head the ball into the net in front of the South Stand. Things didn’t quite go our way for long spells after this and WBA put up a good fight to try and get an equaliser. Their players beat the offside trap with one in space, who took the ball forward as Meslier came out to smother the shot. He did enough to take the sting out of the ball, but the ball continued to go towards the net where Struijk was there to kick the ball away. It was a bit of a warning for us that they were not giving up without a fight. We didn’t heed that warning as they equalised before half time. They floated a free kick to the right of our goal where their man got up the highest and looped the ball into the net. One criticism I have as we defended corners is that there were too many WBA players in acres of space, and we weren’t man marking them. That was different to when they defended corners from us as there seemed to be so many more of their players than ours in the penalty area. The second half saw Leeds come out fighting with an early attack although Solomon’s shot went over the bar. As he shot, he was taken out by their player from behind, so it should have been a penalty from my point of view. We continued an onslaught of attacks that saw shots blocked as WBA defended well. When they managed an attack, I just didn’t want them to take the lead as we had to keep them out at all costs. Not losing had to be a goal as this game wasn’t easy for us at all. Although they got a good cross in, their header went over the bar thankfully. Leeds were very unlucky not to take the lead as Joseph received the ball on the wing in front of the West Stand. He took the ball all the way into the penalty area only to see his shot scrape the top of the cross bar and go over. WBA then got a chance to win the game when they beat our last line of defence who were pressing high and in their half. Their player was way in front of our defence as Rodon charged back to take the ball off their attacker on the edge of our box. Rodon had the ball between his knees and managed to kick the ball away as their player bore down on him. Luckily for us their player came inwards with the ball giving Rodon the chance to get level with him. Our last chance came to James who hit a hard shot that went wide. With the score even at the end of the game, the main thing is we didn’t get beat and got a point. It was a hard game, which is why I will not get carried away and keep my judgements by what I see happening on the pitch. Our next game sees an early set off for a lot of us as we head to Portsmouth for our early kick-off on Sunday next week. There will still be lots of ups and downs to come as the season comes to the hardest part, but we still have that fighting chance of automatic promotion. See you there, LUFC – Marching on Together!

Sheffield United v Leeds United Monday 24th February 2025 - Bramall Lane 2024/25 Season Before I set off for the game, I said in my reel that a point would be good, and a win would be a bonus. Well, we got the bonus with the win, another three points plus sending the Leeds fans wild with the comeback in the last twenty minutes. At least my ears aren’t ringing like they were for two days after the Sunderland game but great celebrations once again. Lovely to see me at the front of the Leeds fans with my flag singing Marching on Together on the official Leeds site after the game. Team: Meslier, Struijk, Firpo, Bogle, Aaronson, Gruev, Piroe, James, Solomon, Rodon, Tanaka. Subs: Rothwell for Gruev (58), Joseph for Aaronson (58), Gnonto for Solomon (83), Byram for Bogle (90). Subs not used: Darlow, Guilavogui, Schmidt, Ramazani, Debayo. Leeds won the game 3-1 with a fantastic comeback with goals from Firpo (72), Tanaka (89), Piroe (90). Attendance: 29,702, 2,688 Leeds fans. Referee: David Webb Booked: Tanaka Leeds started the game by playing deep which worked in Shefield United’s favour as they ran through our midfield and defence putting us under a lot of pressure. We were very lucky when Meslier came under pressure from a corner that Gruev was there to head the ball off the line. Great defending from Gruev. There had been a lot of jostling with a Sheffield player and Meslier had pushed him away prior to this so I feel he’d taken his eyes off the ball. We weren’t so lucky with another attack when they got the better of the defence and headed against the crossbar. Sadly, for us their player at the left-hand side headed it back across the goal off the post as Meslier tried to keep it out but it went in off him. In reality it wasn’t unexpected that they got the goal as we had been under a lot of pressure. Constant passing across the back meant we were inviting them to attack us. We weren’t strong enough in midfield with their constant runs through the middle, but I was hoping that the pressure would be off us know they’d scored. We also joked that hopefully they would now run out of steam. We did manage to attack but although Solomon saw his shot saved by the keeper, we didn’t bother them too much as their keeper looked comfortable in goal. At half time I knew there was no chance of going up the aisle beside me and that it would be bedlam below the stands. Luckily by going across the front of the stand to my right I was able to get downstairs and back before the second half kicked off. The second half kicked off and we knew that we needed to make a change, and I was hoping that Rothwell would come on sooner rather than later. Meslier had made an important save on the edge of the box and got down to save another shot shortly after. I’d forgotten that Farke was in the stand serving a one game touchline ban but was glad when we were looking to bring on Rothwell and Joseph earlier than usual. Whilst we were waiting for them to come on Aaronson had two instances where he tangled with the opposition and my initial thoughts were that he’d get sent off before we could sub him. Luckily, he didn’t get sent off but was subbed. Leeds were coming more into the game once our subs were made and started to get stronger. Joseph shot over the goal, Firpo’s header went over the bar, Piroe and Gnonto both saw their shots saved. Firpo didn’t make the same mistake next time as his header hit the back of the net to equalise as the team came to celebrate with the Leeds fans. If we thought that would be it, we would be very much mistaken. As we won a corner, Rothwell sent the ball into the middle where Struijk headed the ball on to Tanaka to the right of the goal. His header then hit the back of the net sending everyone into raptures and more celebrations. Before we could capture our breath, we attacked again and James to the left of us sent a great pass to Piroe in the centre and he lined the shot up sending a cracking shot into the net in front of us. Cue absolute pandemonium on the terraces as I tried hard to keep my feet with everyone going nuts. I certainly wasn’t expecting this ending again, but it was brilliant. No one moved for ages at the end of the game and to be honest I don’t think I saw anything of the five minutes of injury time added on. I didn’t even see Byram come on for Bogle. Everyone was celebrating, singing and having a ball and this time I allowed myself to join in songs about being champions despite there still being a long way to go. Enjoying the moments as they happen are a great experience and what being Leeds is all about. A shout out for some Leeds fans at the game who had come from Finland plus others from Norway. Social media after the game was awash with everyone enjoying the celebrations. It was an important win against our Yorkshire rivals with them being in second place. Another game closer to the end of the season but enjoy the moments and see you all for the early kick off against West Brom on Saturday. LUFC – Marching on Together!