BBC SPORT | FA CUP | Cardiff stun Leeds

Cardiff 2-1 Leeds
E-mail your reaction to Football Talk

Second Division Cardiff sensationally dumped Premiership leaders Leeds out of the FA Cup 2-1 in an incident-packed match at Ninian Park.

Scott Young scored the winner three minutes from time on Sunday, capping a great fightback after Mark Viduka had given Leeds an early lead.

But the result, which ranks as one of the great cup upsets of recent years, was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the game.

Key incidents

12 mins: Viduka puts Leeds ahead with a thumping 20-yard shot

21 mins: Cardiff draw level through a stunning Kavanagh free-kick

43 mins: Leeds striker Smith is controversially sent-off

87 mins: Young scrambles the winner for Cardiff

Cardiff fans spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle and objects were hurled by both sets of supporters.

Earlier referee Andy D'Urso had been hit by an object thrown from the crowd during a highly-charged contest.

Cardiff's reward in the fourth round is an away trip to either Third Division Southend or Second Division rivals Tranmere.

The draw was not the glamour tie that Cardiff manager Alan Cork might have wished for after downing Leeds, but the Bluebirds have every chance now of making the fifth round.

Leeds had been forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after striker Alan Smith was controversially sent off by D'Urso.

The striker was adjudged to have elbowed Andy Legg in the face, but he argued he was only trying to free himself from the defender's clutches.

The decision changed the course of the match and furious Leeds boss David O'Leary launched a tirade from the touchline.

Viduka had given Leeds the lead in the 12th minute with a searing 20-yard shot, pouncing on a misdirected pass out of defence by Cardiff's Spencer Prior.

But Cardiff quickly hit back with a stunning free-kick from their captain Graham Kavanagh.

Alan Smith is shown the red card by referee Andy D'Urso

Alan Smith is sent off for an elbow on Andy Legg

The home side attacked their illustrious visitors from the off and Robert Earnshaw was a thrilling presence for them down the right flank.

He gave Republic of Ireland international Ian Harte a torrid afternoon.

Leeds' cause was not helped when their inspirational captain, Rio Ferdinand, was forced off with ankle ligament damage after 10 minutes.

The injury was the result of a clumsy challenge from Gavin Gordon.

Ferdinand's exit meant that Michael Duberry came on to partner Jonathan Woodgate in the centre of defence.

The pair have not spoken since Duberry gave evidence against Woodgate in his trial for affray, but they played well together.

Viduka put Leeds in front when he smacked a stunning shot after a quick break and astute pass from Gary Kelly.

Cardiff fought back valiantly and quickly equalised through Kavanagh. The Cardiff captain sent a curling free-kick past Nigel Martyn from the left corner of the area.

It was a spectacular shot, but the Leeds wall parted to let the ball through.

Mark Viduka makes the most of Cardiff defender Spencer Prior's mistake to score

Mark Viduka puts Leeds into an early lead

The second half was not as thrilling as the first, with Leeds defending deeply following the exit of Smith.

But there was a dramatic finale. Young had already made a brilliant contribution, tackling Viduka when he was one-on-one with keeper Neil Alexander, before he scored the winner.

He headed powerfully from a left-wing corner - the ball was blocked and he scrambled to send the ball into the net.

The goal sealed Leeds' cup fate - but it also sparked the crowd trouble that the Football Association will now be forced to investigate.

Cardiff: Alexander, Gabbidon, Prior, Young, Legg, Boland, Bonner, Kavanagh, Brayson, Earnshaw, Gordon (Fortune-West 79).

Subs not used: Maxwell, Bowen, Weston, Low.

Booked: Boland, Bonner.

Goals: Kavanagh 21, Young 87.

Leeds: Martyn, Mills, Woodgate, Ferdinand (Duberry 10), Harte, Kelly, Bowyer, Batty, Smith, Viduka, Fowler.

Subs not used: McPhail, Robinson, Wilcox, Richardson.

Sent off: Smith (43).

Booked: Harte, Duberry.

Goals: Viduka 12.

Attendance: 22,009

Referee: A D'Urso (Billericay).


	^^ Back to top
	Front Page \| Football \| Cricket \| Rugby Union \| Rugby League \| Tennis \| Golf \| Motorsport \| Boxing \| Athletics \| Other Sports \| Sports Talk \| In Depth \| Photo Galleries \| Audio/Video \| TV & Radio \| BBC Pundits \| Question of Sport \| Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> \| BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII \| News Sources \| Privacy