By Andy Baggott
September 25 2003

Leeds won an extraordinary match last night, that twicw seemed to have slipped away from them. Goalkeeper Paul Robinson was the hero with a last gasp goal, and penalty save The first half masked the excitement that was to unfold as the night wore on. Leeds fielded Wilcox, Lennon, Chapsuis and Batty, and then lost Kelly with a bang to the head in the first half. There were few chances, but Swindon grabbed a 44th minute goal with a superb free kick from fully 30 yards. It was no more than the visitors deserved, and they could already have been in front before then. After the interval, Reid threw on Domi for the ineffective Wilcox, and Leeds showed more promise. Soon after we saw Michael Bridges return to a standing ovation, when he replaced Chapsuis who had been quiet. Bridges still looks class, and some of his touches and control remind the crowd what ability the 24 year old has. Swindon defended well, and restricted Leeds to a few lonfg range efforts before breaking away and scoring a superb team goal. 15 minutes left, and it was all to do for Leeds. The impressive Lennon (more on him later) swung in a corner, and Harte volleyed home - it was now game on. The home side pressed but could find no way through. More drama in the 87th minute, the Swindon keeper dismissed for hauling down Smith - a definite yellow, but he was perhaps a bit unfortunate to get his first one for hand ball some 20 minutes earlier. The sign for 4 minutes injury time went up - 3 minutes past, and Leeds looked toi have lost their chance - a corner, Harte short to Bridges - the number 8 swung in a cross, and there was Robinson to head home. It was as amazing and dramtic moment as I have witnessed for many years - the crowd went absoloutely wild. Extra time followed, and Swindon showed remarkable courage to defend and hit on the odd break. Smith had a great chance to seal it in the 119th minute, but he headed Lennons cross just wide. PENALTIES - first up, Smith - bang 1-0, Swindon scopred a fortunate goal, it hit the post, hit Robbo's back and went in. Harte stepped up, POST - advantage Swindon, mopre so when they scored - it was 2-1. Bridges was next to go, what a moment, the crowd held their breath, but he tucked it away to keep the Whites in it, Swindon scored again. The pressure was on Roque Junior - GOAL, the big defender celebratyed in front of the Revie stand, before making his way back to the halfway line where the players were stood as one, arms draped round each other. 3-3, but Swindon had a penalty in hand - he hit it to Robbo's left, and tghe kepper saved it - more pandemonium in the stands - suprise choice next for Leeds, as the Chief, Lucas Radebe strode up, and fired it home. Swindon had to score, but struck the post. Leeds were through by the skin of their teeth.

In terms of a great performance, this wasn't it - but for high excitement, it couldn't be matched. Credit to Swindon as they played a big part in it, and look too good for division 2. This might be the luck that Leeds need to get their season back on track. Big pluses for Leeds were the return of Bridges, Roque Junior improved as the match went on. Harte was poor first half, playing it into touch, but improved, and his set pieces were always a danger. Batty gave the ball away more than he used to, but also got to the pace of the game in the second half. Olembe was quiet, but kept going, Camara and Lucas were strong, and Lennon terrified the Swindon left back - he beat him every time, and showed maturity way beyond his years. He passed well, layed balls back, when others would have snatched shots, and woriked hjard. Definitely not the last we'll see of him...