Leeds United’s FA Cup run ends at Wembley after Struijk error | OneFootball

Leeds United’s stirring FA Cup run ended tamely at Wembley, Chelsea progressing after a Pascal Struijk mistake proved the winner, and the away end left without a goal.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the route featured Derby County lit by Willy Gnonto, penalties against Birmingham, a routine Elland Road win over Norwich and a tense quarter-final at West Ham.

Anton Stach returned ahead of schedule, injected control and nearly scored from distance, a timely boost for the final few games.

Struijk, excellent recently, ceded possession for the decisive goal and was visibly distraught. Jayden Bogle beat Marc Cucurella once but looked nervous, struggled defensively and should not have been booked after being set upon.

Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ao Tanaka all had openings but could not beat Robert Sanchez, though Aaronson at least forced him into action. In contests like this you must be clinical, and Enzo Fernandez was.

A goalkeeper going down to halt momentum felt like a tactical timeout and should push authorities to act. Until rules deter it, it cannot be called cheating. Referee Jarred Gillett’s switch from whistle-happy to permissive baffled players.

Off camera came lighter and poignant touches, from Jermaine Beckford joking with Willy Gnonto to Lucas Perri crossing himself. Tony Dorigo received his England legacy cap, Leigh Nicholson was cheered through the team announcement, and team-mates consoled Struijk at the whistle.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk