It's an evening of firsts for Leeds United as they complete 7 days which have seen them travel the length and breadth of the country. After heading north to Carlisle last weekend the team faced a long journey to the south coast to play Bournemouth on Tuesday, and today find themselves in Hereford making their debut appearance at Edgar Street.
Assistant manager Dave Bassett takes charge from the dug out for the first time as a result of Dennis Wise's 3 game touchline ban. It is also United's maiden appearance in the first round of the FA Cup in their 88 year history. Much of the talk this week has been of Hereford's giant-killing feat of 1972 when a famous goal from Ronnie Radford helped to eliminate Newcastle United. However, Leeds own FA Cup history of 1972 has been for the most part overlooked.
It was the year of the Centenary FA Cup Final at Wembley, Leeds United v Arsenal. The Gunners had won the FA Cup the previous season in their famous double winning season under the great Bertie Mee. However, it was Leeds legendary manager Don Revie who held the upper-hand throughout the contest, as his side led by Billy Bremner controlled the game, with the back four in particular stifling Arsenal's attacking threat.
The game defining moment came in the 53rd minute when Mick Jones advanced down the right and put over an excellent cross which Allan 'Sniffer' Clarke buried into the net from fully fifteen yards. It proved enough to lift the FA Cup for the first and only time in Leeds proud history. So while Hereford may look back to 1972 for inspiration this evening, the current Leeds United eleven will look to make their own tribute to the historic achievement of Don Revie's side.
