Dan James took a fair bit of stick from Hull City supporters in Leeds United’s 3-1 win last night.
James was actually born in Hull and spent time in the Tigers’ academy when he was a youngster. It was also just his second match back at Leeds after missing that crucial spot-kick for Wales last week.
But it was James who had the last laugh as Leeds managed to pick up all three points in an extremely tough battle at Elland Road, to move back up to second in the Championship.
Sam Byram’s early goal was cancelled out by January Leeds target Fabio Carvalho just before the break, and it was not until the 88th minute Daniel Farke’s side were able to regain their lead.
Crysencio Summerville won and converted a huge late penalty before James managed to get on the scoresheet himself in stoppage time with a sensational effort to round off the result.
What James did to Hull City fans after Byram’s goal for Leeds last night
With James being on the right-hand-side, he spent a lot of the first half in front of the Hull City supporters, who have been one of a handful of clubs to sell out the away end this season.
The 26-year-old took a couple of corners over on that side of the field and so, of course, was taking a bit of abuse for not going onto play for the club after his time in the academy, as well as his penalty miss.
However, James was clearly quick to ensure he could give a bit back, too, and even did so for Byram’s goal in the first half.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, James turned around to the City supporters after Byram had headed in, before then cupping his ears in their direction.
He then literally did get the very last laugh in the game as he brilliantly finished into an open goal from 45 yards out after City’s goalkeeper was still making his way back from going up for a corner.
No one will have enjoyed Leeds win more than James
Given some of the stick he received from Hull City supporters and his past connection with the club, no one will have enjoyed that victory more than James.
It will have been an extremely tough week for him on a personal level after his penalty miss for Wales, and his overall performances against both Watford and Hull were reflective of a player lacking in confidence.
However, that goal and win last night will have firmly helped put the events of international duty to the back of his mind, ahead of the final six matches.
Hopefully now he can kick on from that goal yesterday and add to his really impressive tally of 13 goals so far this season.
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