IT’S A WHAM-BAM FOR MARSCH
PATRICK BAMFORD is not the first player to get a hug from Jesse Marsch – but when the American embraced his substituted striker, the smile on the Leeds boss’ face lit up the Lancashire gloom.
This was confirmation that Bamford is back, his first start since the end of October and a typically intelligent performance.
He did not score in this comfortable win – and missed a couple of decent chances – but he provided two clever assists and was the fulcrum of this Leeds team.
After three appearances off the bench since a groin injury three months ago, Bamford was skipper against John Coleman’s side at their Wham Stadium.
“I’m feeling a lot better,” Bamford said. “Today I was just missing a goal. I’ve been building the minutes up slowly.”
Leeds are in the draw for the fifth round for the first time since the 2015-16 season and Bamford added: “The FA Cup has taken pressure off and given some confidence.”
Accrington are an impressively professional outfit, punching above their weight in League One, with managing director David Burgess describing the £300,000 windfall from this televised tie as “season-changing”.
That figure would probably equate to a fortnight’s wages for Leeds’ record signing Georginio Rutter, who missed an early sitter bit sprinkled his debut with nuggets of brilliance.
Rutter will bring quality of the kind long provided by Jack Harrison, who has been linked with a £20million-plus switch to Leicester City although Marsch insisted he wants him to stay.
But Harrison’s first-half opener should remind the club that a player of his ability is not to be parted with lightly.the lay-off from Bamford was clever, Harrison’s 25-yard finish thunderously precise.
Leeds could have been out of sight at half-time but a magnificent save from Toby Savin, helped by his right-hand post, kept out Luis Sinisterra’s fine attempt.
Accrington should have been level moments after the interval but Harvey Rodgers put a giltedged chance out of the ground.
Apparently, Rodgers is a Leeds fan and his favour was gratefully accepted as Junior Firpo doubled the advantage after sublime work from Bamford.
Sinisterra soon added a third from Harrison’s assist.
At least there was a lovely late moment for Accrington, when Leslie Adekoya, 18, scored seconds after being brought on.
It was a celebration the home support deserved but the class of Leeds and Bamford was always going to win the day.
ACCRINGTON: Savin 7; Astley 6, Tharme 5 (Pickles 81), Rodgers 5; Longelo 6 (Nolan 80), Leigh 6, Coyle 6, Hamilton 8, Mcconville 6 (Quirk 81); Whalley 7 (Woods 86), Pressley 6 (Adekoya 81)
LEEDS: Meslier 7; Kristensen 7, Koch 6 (Llorente 77), Wober 6, Firpo 7; Sinisterra 7 (Rodrigo 69, 6), Roca 7, Greenwood 6, Harrison 9 (Joseph 89); Rutter 7 (Perkins 77), Bamford 8 (Aaronson 77, 6)
MAN OF THE MATCH: JACK HARRISON – A stunning strike and chipped in with an assist
J Smith 5,268