FARKE GOING SOUTH AGAIN
THERE is a long road ahead for Leeds and boss Daniel Farke is ready to get pedalling.
Letting a lead slip against Plymouth in this FA Cup clash has left his side with a logistical nightmare.
With both a replay and a Championship date looming at Home Park it means they could now face the 650-mile return trip to Devon twice in 15 days.
You might argue that’s not all that bad.
But in the same short spell, throw in a midweek trek to Swansea and start it all with Friday’s televised game at Bristol City, it is easy to see why Leeds fans might fear their promotion plans could be derailed.
Asked if the club can afford to fly his squad down to all those fixtures, Farke said: “I’m a football manager. The last thing I think about after a really busy schedule, a great week, many wins and being unbeaten here at home for so many games is whether we can afford more travel.
“We’re Leeds United. So even if we have to go on a bicycle, then we go on a bicycle. And then we go on to the next one.
“I don’t mind. I’m looking forward to this next game and we will travel in a proper way.
“We could have done without a replay. But we prefer a draw to losing.”
The winners will face a trip to Chelsea or Villa in the fifth round.
For which the West Yorkshire club will have to improve their finishing.
They missed the input of injured trio Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Dan James on Saturday but still had enough chances to ease into the next round.
However, Plymouth keeper Conor Hazard enjoyed a terrific afternoon, only being beaten by Jaidon Anthony’s stunning 30th-minute effort.
The on-loan Bournemouth winger, making the most of only his fourth start of the season, cut in from the left, tricking his way past three before arrowing home.
When celebrating, he pulled off his jersey to reveal a T-shirt with the message: “Rest In Perfect Peace Mum.”
Anthony’s mum Donna died recently and his goal was a wonderful way to pay his own tribute, even if it brought a booking.
Leeds would have fancied their chances but Plymouth have adapted well since new boss Ian Foster came in.
Adam Randell crucially capitalised on a slick counter to level in the 73rd minute, making it four unbeaten for the Pilgrims and Foster reckons his new club have a couple of prospects on their hands in Randell and Caleb Roberts.
Foster said: “It’s lovely to have two homegrown players in the centre of the pitch. That’s perfect for us as a football club.”