'Moments of discomfort' - National media verdict on…

'Moments of discomfort' - National media verdict on Leeds United's FA Cup progression

A round-up of what the national media are reporting after Leeds United’s 3-1 win against Accrington Stanley in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

'A real test in a thoroughly entertaining cup tie'

Aaron Bower wrote in The Guardian: "When your FA Cup record in recent years includes defeats at Sutton United and Histon, days like these feel like a case of win at any cost. That is exactly what Leeds were able to do as they booked their place in the fifth round for the first time in seven years. It is only the third time they have gone this far in 20 years.

"They were given a real test in a thoroughly entertaining cup tie. Accrington Stanley more than played their part in an extremely watchable game but must now turn their attention back to avoiding relegation from League One. Leeds have their own survival battle to contend with in the months ahead but, with so many Premier League sides already out, they may start to fancy a rare cup run.

"Their top-flight quality came to the fore at crucial moments as goals from Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo and Luis Sinisterra were more than enough to ensure safe passage."

'More killer instinct'

Jack Gaughan wrote for the Daily Mail: "Even though the tie was long done, Adekoya’s goal presented fair reward for an afternoon that, for a long while, felt as if it might stir something. For over an hour, Stanley were progressive and caused more problems than Leeds might have initially envisaged.

"They unsettled Leeds — no strangers to being on the wrong end of cup upsets — and had a couple of things dropped differently Accrington may well have been added to a list of recent giantkillers who include Sutton United, Histon and Crawley Town.

"As it was, they were left with Adekoya’s consolation, which gave this more of a realistic look — even if Leeds could have finished with far more once the game stretched.

"Jesse Marsch may have wanted more killer instinct from his attacking players, with £36million Georginio Rutter dangerous on debut, yet the most important thing was getting out of here unscathed and refocusing on Premier League survival. That should become more achievable with the expected signing of Weston McKennie from Juventus."

'Moments of discomfort in east Lancashire'

Mike Whalley wrote in The Telegraph: "If he is on his way out of Leeds United, Jack Harrison signed off in the best way possible. Jesse Marsch, though, believes that is no foregone conclusion.

"Leicester City want to sign Harrison before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, and as Marsch’s side negotiated an awkward FA Cup tie at League One Accrington, it was clear just why.

"There were moments of discomfort in east Lancashire; Accrington had more shots at goal in the first half, and should have equalised early in the second when Harvey Rodgers, a Leeds fan, skied his shot when left unmarked at the far post from a Rosaire Longelo cross.

"Leeds’s quality ultimately ensured they were able to take care of business. Georginio Rutter, signed for a club record £36 million from Hoffenheim, had a strong debut, despite rolling wide a good early chance, while Sinisterra was a constant threat as he made his first start since October, having recovered from a foot injury.

"Once defender Firpo had scored his first for Leeds by finishing a fine counter-attack by exchanging passes with Bamford and rolling into the corner, the game was up for their hosts. Sinisterra added a third, before Accrington had the last word, with 18-year-old substitute Leslie Adekoya turning in his first senior goal.

"For an hour, it had been tough for Leeds, something their hosts must now use in their own fight against relegation from the third tier."

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