On This Day: John Helm watches Leeds United beat Luton Town, and other Yorkshire games, 1992
Who doesn’t love a regional goals show?
With Manchester United continuing their post-January collapse, drawing away at Coventry the previous day, Leeds had the chance to overtake them at the top with victory at home to Luton, tie-dye orange shirts and all; by that point, acid house had reached even the Fordshires. They were aided by the return of Lee Chapman, fit again after breaking his wrist during some rough play an FA Cup defeat by the selfsame Manchester United.
With not long gone, the haircutted Tony Dorigo injured his knee in a tackle with Hughes, forcing his substitution; would Charles Hughes Howard Wilkinson replace him with Tony Agana or Eric Cantona? A tricky choice I’m sure you’ll agree, Wilkinson plumping for the funny Frenchie, coming on to be marked by Panini staple Trevor Peake.
Early in the second half, there was still no score – Luton were actually playing rather well – but when McAllister’s header found Cantona alone on the edge of box, it looked for sure like he’d open his account. Instead, he lifted the bouncing ball over both Sutton and bar, much to John Helm’s consternation and suspicion. When, soon after, Wallace cut in from the left and lashed a shot against the underside of the bar that bounced down and out, it looked like it might be a frustrating afternoon for Leeds – “on another day it would’ve gone in” said Helm. Not quite sure how he worked that one out, but.
Seconds later, Leeds contrived to miss a further chance, Strachan collecting McAllister’s searching punt as Luton’s defence vanished once more, steadying himself, composing himself, taking his time, making sure, and then dragging a shot straight at the keeper. But just when nerves were making themselves known, McAllister bumbled his way through the heart of the Luton defence, Sutton came out to meet him, the ball ran loose to Cantona, and he couldn’t miss. “Vive la France!” cried Helm, amazed at the notion of a Frenchman playing for his Leeds. A Frenchman! Appen!
But Luton weren’t done, Brian Stein firing just wide of the post, before Leeds pushed forwards once more. For reasons unknown, Sutton charged out to head into the air, and as he rushed back to his line, the ball found its way to Lee Chapman’s right foot which trounced home a volley.
There follows Eric Cantona’s first interview in England, a thumping win for Sheffield Wednesday at Chelsea, and a goalless draw between Sheffield United and QPR. Then some lower division stuff: Barnsley v Charlton Athletic, Hull City v Huddersfield Town, Bury v Bradford City (featuring a winner from delightful sexist Paul Jewell), Scunthorpe United v Aldershot, Gillingham v Lincoln City, Scarborough v Rotherham United and Mansfield Town v York City.
Photo courtesy of Well Offside