Luton Town - 27th November - 24/25
November 28, 2024
Leeds United v Luton Town
Tuesday 27th November 2024 - Elland Road, Leeds
2024/25 Season
The best laid plans to get to the ground early didn’t materialise due to an ill granddaughter and another one playing football and not getting back till later than expected. Getting stuck in traffic meant we got to Billy’s statue 30 minutes before kick-off, along with the wreath from the Halifax Whites honouring my late husband Phillip/Captain. After receiving this from Shuy in Australia at the celebration and having had the pleasure of this tribute, we decided it would be fitting to leave this near my stone. Leeds United got us both together in the first place and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Team: Meslier, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle, Byram, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe, Rothwell, Tanaka, Gnonto.
Subs: Wöber for Byram (injured 59), James for Gnonto (69), Joseph for Piroe (69), Guilavogui for Rothwell (84), Ramazani for Aaronson (84).
Subs not used: Darlow, Debayo, Bamford, Crew.
Leeds won the game 3-0 with goals from Byram (10), Piroe (45+1), James (81).
Attendance: 35,340, 1,087 Luton fans.
Referee: Sam Allison.
Booked: Ramazani.
Leeds got off to a great start with an early goal. A one two between Tanaka and Byram saw Solomon receive the ball, pass back to Byram whose first shot bounced back but his second thought it had gone out of play so had put the camera down, oops. I thought Luton had equalised shortly afterwards when their player beat Meslier to the ball but thankfully Struijk was there on the line to kick the ball away. It was mainly one way traffic after that though with a good move from Leeds seeing Gnonto hit a low shot which their keeper saved. We got a second on the stroke of half time when from a corner, Struijk’s header was saved by the keeper, but the loose ball picked up by Piroe who slammed it into the net. That was a good time to get a second goal.
The second half carried on in the same way as Leeds looked very comfortable, but there was always the fear that Luton would pull one back and put us under pressure. More to the point, it was a fear from us fans as that has happened too many times in the past. We had a chance for a third when Bogle put Aaronson through into the penalty area, but the ball didn’t run for us as the ball went behind Piroe and Luton were able to clear it away. Leeds then put the game to bed as we got a third after Bogle sent the ball down the wing for James to run on to. His speed took him past their player and James then lobbed the ball over the keeper with a great finish. That win took us back into first place in the table again on the anniversary of the death of Gary Speed where fans remembered him on the 11th minute by chanting his name.
It felt a very easy win in reality although I never take anything for granted but it’s another three welcome points. After a trip back to Billy’s statue for photos with the Halifax Whites wreath, with my family, I felt it was the right place to be.
See you at Blackburn on Saturday, LUFC – Marching on Together!
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!
