A situation involving Patrick Bamford in the first half of Leeds United’s FA Cup third-round match against Peterborough United did not sit well with Paul Robinson.
The seasoned striker was kept in the starting lineup at London Road following his goal in the 3-0 victory over Birmingham City on New Year’s Day.
After Wilfried Gnonto’s excellent right-wing pass, Bamford had a great chance to put Leeds ahead, but he headed the ball straight at Peterborough goalkeeper Fynn Talley.
According to BBC Sport’s live blog, Patrick Bamford stated, “He has to score. He should do better,” on BBC Radio 5 live (7 January).
“Willy Gnonto did a fantastic job getting the ball in and giving Bamford a clear header.” He simply heads it in the keeper’s direction.
Afterwards, Bamford managed to block a free-kick from Jaidon Anthony, which Ethan Ampadu easily scored, giving Leeds a 1-0 lead at the break.
Should have scored
It has been largely a season of frustration for Bamford, who has mainly been out of the team with Georginio Rutter leading the line and Joel Piroe playing in the number 10 role, meaning Bamford has been warming the bench.
He took his opportunity against Birmingham last time out, though, and deservedly kept his place in the starting line-up for this cup tie where Piroe was brought back into the team to act as the closest support.
However, Bamford will not want to see this one back. It was superb work from Gnonto on the right-hand side and his delivery was put on an absolute plate for his teammate, who ought to have made the net bulge but only headed straight at the goalkeeper.
Frankly, given there is still some doubt over his future at Elland Road, it is the kind of opportunity he needs to be taking and Farke will be frustrated that his striker did not do better with an absolute golden opportunity.
