Leeds were unceremoniously dumped out of the FA Cup last night at the hands of Fulham, as the Cottagers eased their way to the last eight. Beating a diabolical Southampton side is one thing, but when up against a half decent outfit, Javi Gracia witnessed first hand the monumental challenge he faces, to paper over the cracks between now and the end of the season.

The visitors more then held their own during the early encounters, and actually had the ball in the back of the net twice, before Palhinha opened the scoring on 21 minutes. Adams sold Roca short, as the Whites were looking to break quickly. The Portuguese International intercepted the ball, and struck a first time shot past a flat-footed Meslier from 30 yards.

Leeds had several chances to equalise, but Rodak was more than equal to Roca's strike, and when he was beaten, the post came to his aid (from Rutter's headed effort just before half-time). The Whites started the second half brightly. Rodak again had to be on hand to deny Gnonto, and then Rutter; unfortunately neither effort seemed destined for the back of the net.

Manor Soloman then gave Leeds a lesson in clinical finishing. With eight outfield players defending, the Israeli International let rip from the edge of the box. His bending effort swerved past the outstretched dive of Meslier, to put the hosts two up with little over 30 minutes remaining. It was a bridge too far for Gracia's side, who face another trip to West London in three days time.

	Line Up		Nat	Match Events
		Meslier, Illan Goalkeeper
		Ayling, Luke Defender
		Kristensen, Rasmus Defender
		Koch, Robin Defender
		Firpo, Junior Defender
		McKennie, Weston Midfielder
		Adams, Tyler Midfielder
		Roca, Marc Midfielder
		Summerville, Crysencio Midfielder
		Rutter, Georginio Forward
		Gnonto, Wilfried Midfielder
	Subs		Nat	Match Events
		Bamford, Patrick Forward
		Harrison, Jack Midfielder
		Aaronson, Brenden Midfielder
		Perkins, Sonny Forward		Unused Sub
		Gyabi, Darko Midfielder		Unused Sub
		Robles, Joel Goalkeeper		Unused Sub
		Monteiro, Diogo Defender		Unused Sub
		Joseph, Mateo Forward		Unused Sub
		Gray, Archie Midfielder		Unused Sub

	References
	LEEDSTATS: Leeds United Season 2022/2023
	Sheridan Dictates: Season Statistics 2022-23
	Leeds United Programme Guide: Season 2022/23