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First Team News

Memorable Match: Leeds United

27 August 2018

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First Team News

Memorable Match: Leeds United

27 August 2018

For a Tuesday night game at Elland Road, we can only go one place for our memorable match, as North End fought back from 4-1 down to beat Leeds in an extraordinary match back in September 2010.

Jon Parkin gave Darren Ferguson's side the lead from close range, before headers by Luciano Becchio and Alex Bruce and a double from Davide Somma put Leeds in control.

However, Parkin then buried his second into the bottom left corner just before half-time to give the visitors hop. Then after the interval Keith Treacy pulled it back to 4-3 with a powerful finish to give hopes of a dramatic comeback.

And the Lilywhites equalised when Callum Davidson converted from the penalty spot before Parkin slotted in his hat-trick to put them in the lead for the second time in the game and then Iain Hume made sure of the win with a header from distance, his first goal for the club.

The visitors arrived at Elland Road fresh after only their second win of the season at the weekend, but few would have expected the turn of events in this ten-goal thriller.

It was PNE who began in stunning fashion as Treacy tricked his way down the left before his cross fell for Parkin to tap in the opener.

United stormed back as Becchio nodded in George McCartney's cross to equalise and they were soon in front as Bruce took full advantage of Sean St. Ledger's short header.

Somma's deflected effort stretched the lead and the South African made it four six minutes before the break after a fierce drive followed a clever run from the left.

But within a minute North End gave themselves a half-time boost when Parkin burst through the defence to slot home.

The comeback had officially started and when Treacy pulled another back direct from a corner, the Leeds defence looked increasingly rattled.

Parity swiftly followed as a result of Bruce hauling down Hume, and skipper Davidson made no mistake to slot home his spot-kick.

Just after the hour, the unthinkable happened as North End regained the lead when Davidson's long throw fell to Parkin who controlled the ball before blasting in a half-volley to complete his hat-trick.

Leeds were shell-shocked and there was still time for Hume to add a sixth after nodding in from Billy Jones' fine diagonal pass.

After the game, then Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: "I still had a go at the players at half-time, because we had given them far too many opportunities. When we were 4-1 up, we needed to be more professional but we gave them a chance to get back into the game.   "There were far too many errors - both individually and collectively. We made stupid mistakes and it cost us.

"To lose 6-4 at home is unbelievable really, and embarrassing."

Whilst PNE manager Ferguson added: "I have never been involved in such an amazing game. But all credit to my players for their sensational comeback.

"It's brilliant to get six goals, it would have been nice if we had not conceded four. But all credit goes to my players.

"The spirit and character was remarkable, the boys were magnificent and I am incredibly proud of the team."

Leeds United line-up: Higgs, Bruce, Collins, McCartney, Gradel, Sam (Kilkenny, 59), Howson (Clayton, 73), Johnson, Hughes, Becchio (Watt, 73), Somma. Subs not used: Brown, Naylor, Faye, Nunez.

PNE line-up: Lonergan, Morgan, Davidson, St. Ledger, Jones, Coutts, Treacy (Gray, 88), Barton, Russell, Hume, Parkin (Hayes, 88). Subs not used: Arestidou, McLaughlin, Wright, Mayor, Parry.

Referee: Mr N Miller

Attendance: 22,727


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