Leeds United will begin their FA Cup campaign in January and Daniel Farke will be hoping his side can fare better in the historic competition than they managed in the Carabao Cup.
Leeds endured probably their worst performance of the season at Elland Road in just the second outing of the 24-25 campaign, losing 3-0 at home to Middlesbrough as Farke’s men collapsed in the second 45.
Last season, Leeds managed to get to the fifth round after easing past Peterborough with a 3-0 win, that included a stunner from Patrick Bamford before knocking Plymouth out after a replay and extra time.
Eventually, Leeds lost to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge despite a very decent showing. Archie Gray starred in midfield against Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, and Mateo Joseph scored two goals in a 3-2 loss.
Leeds United fans react as Whites drawn against Harogate Town
The draw for this season’s FA Cup third round took place on Monday evening, as Premier League and Championship clubs join the competition at this stage and that includes Leeds ahead of the new year.
Leeds have been drawn at home against Yorkshire rivals and League Two side Harrogate Town and Leeds fans reacted to the news they would be playing North Yorkshire rivals Harrogate on social media:
One fan responded on Blue Sky to the incredible draw for the third round of the FA Cup by saying “Harrogate at home is good fun despite our inevitable loss.” Another said “I’ll take that, not glamorous”.
Another said: “That’s a draw and a half!” while plenty of other Leeds fans were delighted simply by the locality of the clash. Harrogate are currently struggling in League Two, sitting 17th after 17 matches.
Many fans were also stunned that Leeds were given a home tie, even if an away tie would not have been a great distance. Another Elland Road supporter simply posted: “Home”. Another said: “A home draw!”
Leeds United actually faced Harrogate Town in pre-season
Simon Weaver’s League Two side were Leeds’ opponents before Farke took his side to Germany in pre-season. Leeds cruised to a 3-0 win over the fourth-tier outfit, Georginio Rutter’s last goal for Leeds.
It also saw Junior Firpo score and youngster Sam Chambers come onto the radar with a late goal as a substitute. The chances are that Scotland U19 star Chambers might get more Leeds game time then.
Interestingly, this will be the first time Leeds and Harrogate have ever done battle in a competitive match. The two sides have never actually met at league level or in either the Carabao Cup or FA Cup before.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
