Accrington Stanley vs Leeds United. The FA Cup Fourth Round.
Wham StadiumAttendance5,268.
Match report as Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo and Luis Sinisterra strike to send Leeds through to FA Cup fifth round; League One side Accrington have the better of the first half and finally see Leslie Adekoya score late on; the 18-year-old substitute scored with his first touch
Saturday 28 January 2023 17:01, UK
Leeds advanced into the FA Cup fifth round thanks to goals from Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo and Luis Sinisterra in a 3-1 victory over League One side Accrington.
The scoreline does not tell the whole story after the hosts enjoyed the better of the first half yet trailed when Harrison blasted home from the edge of the box.
Accrington rallied again after the break but began to fade as Leeds' Premier League quality came out with two goals in the space of two minutes. Patrick Bamford set up Firpo with a lovely scooped pass to allow the left-back to fire in and then Harrison pulled the ball back for Sinisterra to apply a simple finish from close range.
Stanley finally found the net late on for the goal their performance deserved when 18-year-old substitute Leslie Adekoya scored with his first touch from Sebastian Quirk's pullback.
After the game, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch insisted he wants to keep Harrison at the club amid interest from Leicester.
When asked about Harrison's future at Elland Road, Marsch, who embraced his player after the final whistle, said: "Listen, all I'll say is, I really like Jack first as a person. He's one of the most incredible people I've ever coached.
"We like him here. We want to keep him. He's performing really well. I think getting him fit and healthy has been a big key. He's got flexibility in the way he plays."
Harrison's Leeds contract expires at the end of next season with one source telling Sky Sports News the club would be reluctant to let him leave to a relegation rival ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
Marsch said: "You know, when things start circulating, it's never so easy to just stay focused on what your job is, but I've tried to have open dialogue with him and be very honest with him and we have that kind of relationship.
"And then, you know, he does like it here. You know, that's all I can say. It's not like he's itching to leave."
The opening exchanges were fast and furious. Accrington skipper Sean McConville stung Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier's palms with a 25-yard drive and Shaun Whalley was denied by Max Wober's lunging tackle.
Leeds' record signing Georginio Rutter almost made a dream start on his first appearance for the club, dragging a low left-footed shot inches wide with his first real touch.
Accrington made it uncomfortable for the visitors. McConville launched another rocket and Whalley threatened at the near post, with both efforts held by Meslier.
But Leeds took a 23rd-minute lead with the game's first moment of real quality when Harrison lashed home a blistering drive into the bottom corner after some neat build-up.
Stanley responded well. Brentford loanee Aaron Pressley's angled shot was saved by Meslier, who fumbled Whalley's dangerous ball into the box soon after.
Leeds almost doubled their lead through Sinisterra, whose long-range effort crashed against a post - replays showed Toby Savin got his fingers to it - but Marsch's side had Meslier to thank for keeping them in front when he kept out Ethan Hamilton's shot.
Accrington spurned a golden chance to equalise moments after the restart when Harvey Rodgers - a lifelong Leeds fan - failed to get his shot on target at the far post following McConville's free-kick. Rodgers stabbed another chance wide after Meslier spilled Doug Tharme's long throw.
Leeds wasted two chances of their own in quick succession just after the hour mark as Bamford and Sinisterra fired off target.
But Leeds then put the tie to bed with two goals in as many minutes. Bamford brilliantly teed up Firpo to drill home his first goal for the club and another free-flowing move ended with Sinisterra's thumping finish from Harrison's pass.
Savin denied Leeds a fourth when keeping out substitute Rodrigo's shot as Leeds threatened to overrun their hosts.
But John Coleman's side went down fighting and deservedly reduced the deficit in the 81st minute when Adekoya swept home Quirk's pass from six yards.
Accrington's next game is in League One, with Lincoln visiting the Wham Stadium on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
John Coleman's side then travel to Vale Park to take on Port Vale on Tuesday February 7; kick-off 7.45pm.
Leeds are next in action in the Premier League, with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday February 5, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 2pm.
Jesse Marsch's side then face a Premier League double-header against Manchester United, with a trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday February 8 - kick-off 8pm - before they host their rivals at Elland Road on Sunday February 12, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 2pm.
