Bogle shines as Leeds edge closer to top flight

14 Apr 2025 07:15 am, by Ellandback1


Good Morning. It's Monday 14th April, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Bogle shines as Leeds edge closer to top flight

Leeds United reclaimed the top spot in the Championship with a well-earned victory over a disappointing Preston North End side, edging closer to a coveted return to the Premier League. The win takes them to 88 points, ahead of Burnley by virtue of goal difference, but more importantly five clear of third placed Sheffield Utd.

Daniel Farke's team started strong, with Manor Solomon's stunning curler from 20 yards putting them ahead just four minutes into the match. However, Preston responded swiftly, with Kaine Kesler-Hayden's powerful strike leveling the score less than two minutes later after poor defending from Firpo.

Leeds quickly regained the advantage, with man of the match Jayden Bogle converting Solomon's precise cross from close range in the 13th minute. From that point onwards, the promotion-chasing hosts dominated proceedings, controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities. Joel Piroe was unlucky not to extend the lead, his close-range shot crashing against the crossbar.

Preston, in contrast, offered little threat and rarely troubled Karl Darlow. Their season appears to be fading away, with only one win in their last 11 league games. Their passing was littered by mistakes, they looked disinterested for large parts of the game, and they had less bite than a goldfish!

Leeds' superior goal difference means that seven points from their remaining four matches will all but guarantee their promotion back to the Premier League. The victory against Preston was a crucial step in that direction, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.





Have the Blades lost their steel

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder could be under investigation following a post-match altercation after his team's 2-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, a loss that further dents their promotion ambitions. The incident, sparked by Wilder's disapproval of Plymouth's celebrations, resulted in a heated tunnel fracas involving players from both sides.

Plymouth, fighting for Championship survival, pulled off a surprise victory against the Blades at Home Park. After Jesurun Rak-Sakyi gave Sheffield United the lead, Plymouth responded with goals from Ryan Hardie and a late winner from Muhamed Tijani, igniting celebrations that Wilder deemed excessive.

Sources report that Wilder confronted Plymouth players Mustapha Bundu and Darko Gyabi following the final whistle, triggering a chain of events that culminated in a significant clash in the stadium tunnel. Witnesses described a heated melee as tensions boiled over between the two teams, raising serious concerns about player conduct and overall safety.

The authorities are now investigating the incident, and both Sheffield United and Plymouth Argyle could potentially face repercussions. Fines and suspensions are likely for any individuals found guilty of misconduct. For Wilder, the prospect of disciplinary action adds another layer of pressure as he struggles to steer his team back on course.

The defeat to Plymouth marks Sheffield United's third consecutive loss, following setbacks against Oxford United and Millwall. Their promotion hopes are fading fast, and the off-field drama of the tunnel incident further complicates an already challenging situation for Wilder.




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BlackHillsPaul wrote on 15 Apr 2025 04:43 pm

WhiteRose wrote: Tue Apr 15, 2025 9:28 am This is what football has been brought down to, conditioned to think that qualifying for something is actually winning - it’s nonsense, fans desperate to celebrate qualifying for a champions league place or playoff spot because actually winning anything has become all but impossible for most.

Of course we want to win the league, that’s what we play for, it’s not about waving a trophy around, it’s about being the best over a season and having pride in that. Premier league promotion whilst the biggest prize financially is not all it’s about at least for me.
Well said!! :tup: :tup: 8-)

The Subhuman wrote on 15 Apr 2025 03:53 pm

WhiteRose wrote: Tue Apr 15, 2025 9:28 am This is what football has been brought down to, conditioned to think that qualifying for something is actually winning - it’s nonsense, fans desperate to celebrate qualifying for a champions league place or playoff spot because actually winning anything has become all but impossible for most.

Of course we want to win the league, that’s what we play for, it’s not about waving a trophy around, it’s about being the best over a season and having pride in that. Premier league promotion whilst the biggest prize financially is not all it’s about at least for me.
Excellent post

mentalcase wrote on 15 Apr 2025 03:24 pm

GreennWhite wrote: Mon Apr 14, 2025 11:08 pm 100% jammy, i havent the slightest interest in a tin pot trophy. Getting up is all that matters. If we go up even in second place i will be over the moon, if we go up as winners i will be over the moon, having a little trophy to wave around wont make it any more enjoyable.
The pleasure and enjoyment for me will come purely from seeing the fans and players enjoying their moment together.
Agree with this, we'll celebrate 2nd like we've finished top anyway, of course 1st would be preferable, but getting promotion is the main concern, anything more is a bonus.
Monday could see us get promoted, imagine telling the fans to calm down because we haven't actually won the league, good luck with that, I'll be on the horse of the black prince in the city centre.

GreennWhite wrote on 15 Apr 2025 01:45 pm

BlackHillsPaul wrote: Tue Apr 15, 2025 12:07 am Perhaps there is a difference in the English and American mentality. But I definitely prefer to WIN trophies. And you can only win the things in front of you. Now, earning promotion is absolutely important. It's important to compete at the highest level possible. But winning things along the way sets a standard. I think you are wrong to view it as a "tin pot trophy". What happens after we earn promotion? Will you be happy with 20 years of mid-table finishes? Or will the goal be to WIN things?
Im not against winning trophies, of course they are nice to have. And there is still a very good chance we will do that.But sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and say, you know what, we may not have got our hands on a trophy but we achieved our main priority and got promoted.
You cant always have everything our own way. If you dont get your hands on a trophy does it means the promotion isnt as good ? does it mean the fans, players, staff, owners dont get the same enjoyment ?
We set out with one thing in mind, to get promoted, if we win the league then great , that is a real bonus.
Promotion first at all costs.

WhiteRose wrote on 15 Apr 2025 09:28 am

GreennWhite wrote: Mon Apr 14, 2025 11:08 pm 100% jammy, i havent the slightest interest in a tin pot trophy. Getting up is all that matters. If we go up even in second place i will be over the moon, if we go up as winners i will be over the moon, having a little trophy to wave around wont make it any more enjoyable.
The pleasure and enjoyment for me will come purely from seeing the fans and players enjoying their moment together.
This is what football has been brought down to, conditioned to think that qualifying for something is actually winning - it’s nonsense, fans desperate to celebrate qualifying for a champions league place or playoff spot because actually winning anything has become all but impossible for most.

Of course we want to win the league, that’s what we play for, it’s not about waving a trophy around, it’s about being the best over a season and having pride in that. Premier league promotion whilst the biggest prize financially is not all it’s about at least for me.