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Leeds saw off a commendable effort from League One strugglers Accrington Stanley in a thoroughly entertaining FA Cup tie to book their place in the fifth round for the first time in seven years.
Leeds travelled the Pennines heavy favourites to reach the next round but cup defeats to the likes of Newport, Sutton and Histon in recent seasons would have undoubtedly given Accrington belief they could join that list of giantkillers. They played their part in a hard-fought game but ultimately the class of the Premier League side shone through in front of a capacity crowd at the Wham Stadium.
Accrington had their fair share of chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Illan Meslier denying the League One side on several occasions, but Jack Harrison’s superb long-range strike midway through the half gave Leeds the edge. Harrison was equally instrumental after half-time, as Leeds put the tie beyond doubt, on a day when Leicester reportedly had a bid rejected for the 26-year-old.
Jesse Marsch named a strong side, which included a debut for record signing Georginio Rutter, but it was Harrison who was the game’s outstanding player, playing a part in two quickfire second-half goals which cracked Accrington’s resistance.
The hosts had threatened an equaliser after the interval with boyhood Leeds supporter Harvey Rodgers spurning two glorious opportunities, first firing over from close range before prodding wide after Meslier fumbled a cross.
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Leeds took full advantage of the let off as good work from Patrick Bamford freed Junior Firpo to make it 2-0 before, two minutes later, Harrison broke down the left and delivered a pinpoint cross for Luis Sinisterra to convert.
Smart saves from Toby Savin to deny Rodrigo and Bamford prevented Leeds from racking up a scoreline which would have been unfair on Accrington and the hosts grabbed the consolation goal their performance merited when substitute Leslie Adekayo converted with nine minutes to go to give the home supporters something to cheer.
