Leeds United’s Premier League survival hopes received a late lift as they came from behind to earn 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at Elland Road in a match that produced three penalties and a red card.
Interim manager Sam Allardyce will be delighted by the spirit shown by Leeds as it looked like they would suffer a damaging defeat despite taking the lead through Luke Ayling’s early goal.
In a thunderous atmosphere, the game appeared to have turned when Patrick Bamford’s penalty on the half-hour was saved by Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, the disappointment deepening when Callum Wilson restored equality for the visitors from the spot moments later.
Wilson put Newcastle, who are looking to confirm a place in the top four, ahead with another penalty after 69 minutes when the video assistant referee ruled Junior Firpo had handled.
Leeds looked beaten but staged a rally and equalised when Rasmus Kristensen’s shot deflected in off Kieran Trippier’s head 11 minutes from time.
Allardyce’s team, who had Firpo sent off in the closing seconds, remain in the bottom three a point behind Everton but he may yet come to see this as a valuable result.
Leeds United’s supporters showed appreciation for their side’s efforts as they took loud acclaim at the final whistle following a game that was desperately low on quality but high on tension.
