Every Leeds United fan would have loved to have seen Patrick Bamford’s name on the score sheet after another season that the striker has been unfortunately ravaged by injury.
In truth, the last four years have seen Bamford spend more time on the treatment table that on the pitch. On Saturday, Bamford came off the bench to make his first Leeds outing since Blackburn on January 1.
He impressed against Luton, having a shot well-saved by Thomas Kaminski. On Tuesday night, Bamford came off the bench again with little under 20 minutes to go. He scored, after Willy Gnonto played him in.
But assistant referee Darren Williams ruled the goal out, wrongly. In fact, it was Leeds’ second goal of the night that Williams had ruled offside but got it wrong, angering Jermaine Beckford and Neil Warnock.
Patrick Bamford posts sarcastic message on Instagram
Not only would Leeds fans have loved to see Bamford score because of his injury issues, but it was the one-time England man’s 200th Leeds outing. Clearly played onside, Williams flagged Bamford offside.
Luckily, Leeds secured a win anyway as The Whites climbed back to the top of the table with Sheffield United losing a second game in a row and Burnley only managing a 0-0 draw against Derby County.
Bamford took to Instagram after the match, after having what would have been his first goal of 2024-25 ruled out. He was sarcastic, writing as if his goal had stood in which he finished well past Mark Travers.
He said: “A privilege to make my 200th appearance tonight for Leeds United, great to finish it with 3 points and a goal. We keep going.”
Junior Firpo delighted to have Patrick Bamford back on the pitch
Bamford is a well-liked character even if the striker has had his critics over the years, and even his run-in with fans. Bamford admitted he wanted to leave Leeds in 2023 after fans turned up outside his home.
But judging by his last two cameo roles, Bamford is going to play a key role in the last five matches and given Joel Piroe has now gone five games without a goal – there is every chance Bamford could start.
Junior Firpo was among those to respond to Bamford’s Instagram post, underlining just how happy he is to have Bamford back on the pitch. Former teammates Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas also commented.
With Leeds now top, The Whites return to Elland Road after two games away with a clash against Preston on Saturday lunchtime. Burnley host Norwich on Friday night while Sheffield United go to Plymouth.
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