Remarkably, Leeds United have been drawn against local side Harrogate Town in The FA Cup as The Whites join the competition at the third-round stage next month.
Premier League and Championship clubs join those still in the competition from League 1, League 2 and non-league clubs. A brilliant draw, that also saw Arsenal picked out of the hat to face Manchester United.
Southampton and Swansea are also set to do battle which sees Russell Martin take on his old side, while Tamworth face Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle take on Bromley at St. James’ Park in the new year.
Harrogate, managed by Simon Weaver, are enduring a difficult season in which they sit in 17th place after 17 games, having won only six. Leeds fans reacted as Harrogate prepare to travel 20 miles to Elland Road.
Why Marcelo Bielsa was spotted at Harrogate Town back in 2018
It is almost four years since Bielsa was sacked by Leeds, which in itself is sad. But here’s a little reminder of just why Leeds fans loved him, when he was spotted at FA Cup opponents Harrogate way back in 2018.
Bielsa had just taken over at Leeds this summer and made signings like Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison and Barry Douglas. But others left and one player to leave Elland Road initially on loan, was Liam Kitching.
The left-sided defender has gone on to impress at Barnsley and Forest Green before joining Coventry in the summer of 2023. But in October 2018, Kitching helped Harrogate beat Barrow in the National League.
Leeds Live reported at the time that Bielsa was in the stands to watch on, as then teenager Kitching was in action. The defender never managed to play for Leeds, but is now under the guidance of Frank Lampard.
How Leeds got on in pre-season friendly against Harrogate…
Leeds have never actually played against Harrogate in a competitive fixture, so this will be the first time the two local clubs will do battle. However, they have done battle in pre-season, only a few months ago.
Before jetting off to Germany, Leeds did battle with Harrogate at The Exercise Stadium. A 3-0 win for the Championship club thanks to goals from Junior Firpo, Georginio Rutter and teenager Sam Chambers.
Whether Leeds can manage the same result remains to be seen but it does give Farke the chance to hand a few players some game time, the likes of Patrick Bamford, Max Wober, Joe Gelhardt and a few teens.
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