Matthew Upson was surprised live on air by Plymouth’s “unbelievable” equaliser against Leeds United in their FA Cup fourth-round replay on Tuesday (6 February).
The two sides met again, this time at Home Park, after The Pilgrims forced a replay with a 1-1 draw at Elland Road on January 27th, with to Adam Randell’s second-half equaliser.
After another 90 minutes at Home Park, the score remained the same, with Brendon Gallaway cancelling out Wilfried Gnonto’s 66-minute opener after a free-kick was sent into the box and knocked back across the face of goal by Ashley Phillips before the ball was inadvertently diverted into the back of the net off Galloway’s chest.
And Upson, speaking during BBC Sports’ live coverage of the game (6 February, 9:20 p.m.), couldn’t believe what he witnessed. He remarked, “It’s unbelievable.
“We thought the conditions failed in this FA Cup encounter this evening, but I believe you’ve just seen that for such a tricky, swirly ball.
“There’s so much brightness in this delivery. Phillips provided an excellent touchback across the goal.
“It’s not simple to control this ball and get that fantastic touch back across the goal. It’s simply a matter of putting a body part on it.”
Leeds United’s defending is once again poor.
Leeds United once again surrendered such wonderful control against Plymouth, demonstrating the power of the FA Cup.
Just as in the first leg at Elland Road, Daniel Farke’s side had perfect control, with all of the possession and chances to advance to the fifth round, but were penalized for a lack of ruthlessness.
The Whites had numerous chances, including hitting the crossbar twice and hitting the post late in the second half, which meant they should have had the game wrapped up before Plymouth’s comeback.
However, Plymouth recovered very well and took advantage of the challenging conditions with a well-worked set-piece, with Phillips and Galloway capitalising on some sloppy Leeds United defense.
Farke will be furious with his squad for giving it away, resulting in a nail-biting finish at Home Park.
