Leeds fight back after the break to beat Derby | OneFootball

Leeds United avoided an FA Cup shock as a strong second-half response saw them overturn Derby County to secure a place in the fourth round.

The Premier League side trailed at the interval after Ben Brereton Díaz struck late in the first half, but goals from Wilfried Gnonto and Ao Tanaka in quick succession swung the tie decisively in Leeds’ favour. James Justin wrapped things up on the counter in stoppage time.

The game took time to settle, with few clear chances in the opening half-hour. Leeds’ first real warning came when Joel Piroe struck the post from a tight angle, before the visitors were handed a golden chance to go ahead from the spot.

Lukas Nmecha was brought down by goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, but the Derby keeper redeemed himself moments later by diving low to his right to keep out Piroe’s penalty.

That save proved pivotal. Within minutes, Derby were in front as Brereton Díaz reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and steered a low finish past Karl Darlow to give the Rams a half-time lead.

The visitors emerged with far greater purpose after the break and were level within 10 minutes. Piroe smartly let the ball run into the path of Gnonto, who smashed a first-time finish into the roof of the net.

Four minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Zetterstrom again denied Piroe, but Tanaka was quickest to the rebound, tapping in from close range.

Derby pushed for a way back into the contest and remained competitive, with the tie still finely poised entering the closing stages. But the Premier League side sealed progression in added time when Justin surged forward on the break and calmly finished to make it 3-1.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

21':

Missed opportunity. Danny Batth from Derby County headed the ball from the center of the box after a set piece, but it went wide.

33':

Joël Piroe (Leeds United) fails a penalty-kick!

Derby County takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Leeds United. Ben Brereton scores with a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, placing it perfectly into the bottom right corner of the net.

35':

GOAL Derby County: Ben Brereton (Derby County) scores!

Ben Brereton scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

38':

Missed opportunity! Ao Tanaka of Leeds United took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area that was nearly on target but veered off to the right. The attempt was set up by Wilfried Gnonto.

40':

Missed opportunity! Sebastiaan Bornauw of Leeds United heads the ball from the center of the box, but it goes wide to the right. The cross was delivered by Noah Okafor.

53':

Missed opportunity! Noah Okafor from Leeds United took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the right.

It's 1-1 between Derby County and Leeds United. Wilfried Gnonto scores for Leeds with a right-footed strike from the middle of the penalty area.

55':

GOAL Leeds United: Willy Gnonto (Leeds United) scores!

Willy Gnonto scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

58':

Missed opportunity! Lars-Jørgen Salvesen of Derby County headed the ball from the center of the box, but it went wide to the left. The chance was set up by Joe Ward, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

Derby County 1, Leeds United 2. Ao Tanaka scores for Leeds United with a right-footed shot taken from just a short distance.

59':

GOAL Leeds United: Ao Tanaka (Leeds United) scores!

Ao Tanaka scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

62':

Missed opportunity! Danny Batth from Derby County heads the ball from the center of the box, but it goes over the bar and to the left. The chance was set up by Joe Ward, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

90 +3':

GOAL Leeds United: James Justin (Leeds United) scores!

James Justin scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match