‘Massive moment’ ends Bielsa protest

JESSE MARSCH says he shut out the noise of Leeds United’s supporter protest before the goal he has hailed as a ‘massive moment’ in their fight for survival. The atmosphere inside Elland Road had turned sour as, with their team trailing 1-0 late in the second half, fans took aim at the board and sang the name of ex-boss Marcelo Bielsa. But, in the 92nd minute, substitute Pascal Struijk headed an equalising goal to lift Leeds out of the bottom three with one game to play. ‘I did not hear any of that,’ said Marsch of the chants. ‘I was focused on the match and I thought the fans pushed us really well.’ Then, perhaps understandably getting the score wrong after the fraught finish, he added: ‘They helped us get the win, that’s what we need. ‘You must have an aggressive mindset to find a way to make a difference. We have a good group in that way. They emptied their tanks and invested so much to get us that point. It could wind up being a massive moment for us.’ Joe Gelhardt, the 20-year-old forward, created the goal after a sublime piece of skill inside the penalty area. Marsch said: ‘It was a very special play, really incredible. We need him, and he really grew into the game. ‘We’re alive now. The resolve to fight for everything is what makes this group so special. I want the players when they look at me to believe we can do this, we have to have belief.’ Brighton boss Graham Potter, whose side dominated in the first half and led through Danny Welbeck, said: ‘This is one of the most hostile places in England. We did really well in the first half and if we get a second it might make it not very nice (inside the stadium). But Leeds kept going and I have no complaints with the draw. You have to give them credit.’