Leeds United FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford 'pleased' as Whites star produces big moment in Derby County win
Leeds United came from a goal down to see off former Championship rivals Derby County in an FA Cup third round tie on Sunday.
There were a number of positives for Leeds United to take from Sunday’s FA Cup third round win at former Championship rivals Derby County.
Firstly, progressing into the fourth round and moving on from their agonising late defeat at Newcastle United can only be viewed as a major plus point as Daniel Farke’s side returned to winning ways within days of that setback at St James Park. Coming from a goal down in a challenging away day also showed the mental strength within the Whites squad and goals from Wilfried Gnonto and Ao Tanaka will act as a personal boost for both players too.
However, it was the performance of summer signing James Justin has received praised from former Leeds FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford as he assessed the impact made by the Whites defender at Pride Park. The former Leicester City full-back has started the Whites last three Premier League games and came off the bench to replace Sebastiaan Bornauw at half-time in Sunday’s win over the Rams and Beckford believes Justin has helped Farke’s side continue to build momentum despite the absence of fellow full-back Jayden Bogle.
The former Whites striker told TNT Sports: “He’s done really well, Jayden Bogle’s been out for a few weeks now with an injury, and this is what James Justin’s been brought in for, he’s been brought in as a like-for-like replacement. He’s had a little bit of a tough time at the beginning of his [Leeds] career because Bogle’s been in great form going forward, especially with the injury to Bogle. Leeds United still look as strong as ever down that right-hand side, so I’m really happy for him to get his first goal for the club.”
Leeds United’s ‘professional performance’
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Speaking to the club website after Sunday’s win at Derby, Justin said: “Overall, I think it was a very good, professional performance from us. I feel definitely in the last 70 minutes of the game, I felt like we controlled it. We let up a few chances, which is going to happen in any game really when you come away to a side that are very pragmatic and know how they want to play. You just have to stay professional throughout and the quality will show in the end.
“I felt comfortable in and out of possession and felt we got the balance right that might have been lacking in the first 15 or 20 minutes. We really stepped up, showed our quality on the ball, kept control of the game and limited them to a few break opportunities. The players we have up front, no matter who plays, they have a lot of quality. As soon as I saw the break coming (for the third goal), I was like I’m feeling good, I might as well go for it. I had to open my legs a bit to get there but it’s a great ball from Lukas, he saw me, put it on a plate for me and I did the rest. It’s hopefully the first of a few in the position I was in today, whether it’s as right-sided centre back or wing-back, I feel I can add this to the team whenever possible.”