Leeds United 1 – Blackburn Rovers 1 HT 0-0
P. Struijk (88′ pen) D. Batth (90′)
Assists
J. Rankin-Costello (90′)
Venue: Elland Road Attendance: 36,645
Welcome to 2025 and can Leeds continue their fine form to get promotion back to the Premiership?
First match of the New Year is a Yorkshire / Lancashire rivalry.
Danny Batth bundled in an injury-time equaliser within minutes of a controversial Pascal Struijk penalty opener as Blackburn Rovers denied Championship leaders Leeds United victory in a pulsating finish at Elland Road.
Struijk coolly stroked home what seemed likely to be the winner from the spot in an underwhelming match of very few chances after Dominic Hyam was adjudged to have felled substitute Mateo Joseph.
But a far-post corner led to promotion hopefuls Rovers drawing level within two minutes and prevented Leeds from winning a 10th successive home league game when Batth reacted quickest to score from close range from a Hyam header.
The centre-back’s intervention means Leeds remain three points clear at the top of the table having missed the chance to extend their lead to five over third-placed Sheffield United, who play at Sunderland in the late Wednesday night kick-off.
Leeds came close to snatching victory in 11 minutes of stoppage time but goalkeeper Aynsley Pears made a brilliant save to keep out a fine Max Wober volley.
The dramatic ending was in stark contrast to an otherwise uneventful New Year’s Day fixture which produced a rare draw between the sides, the first time in 16 matches that the meeting has not had an outright winner.
Well not the way we wanted to start the New Year, with 70% of possession and just the one goal. As I’ve mention before, win your home games and pick up points away, so this is like two points drops, especially conceding so late in the game.
At least we start the New Year still in 1st place, onwards and upwards.
Marching On Together.
League position 1st after 25 games – After 25 games last season, Leeds were 4th.
