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Leeds United: Bring on the Red Devils - Grayson
Simon Grayson admits the prospect of Leeds United locking horns with bitter Roses foes Manchester United is truly a mouth-watering one – after the Whites were pitted with the old enemy in the third round of the FA Cup.
To earn a trip to Old Trafford, Grayson's troops must first negotiate a home replay with Conference outfit Kettering, who were within 12 minutes of causing a second-round sensation before top-scorer Jermaine Beckford spared United's blushes – as the visitors avoided the embarrassment of being knocked out by non-league opposition for the second year running.
And now a truly tantalising new year prize awaits if Leeds see off the Poppies in a round two replay at Elland Road – in the shape of the Red Devils, with the tie the final one drawn yesterday afternoon.
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You have to go back to February 2004 for the last time Leeds took on Manchester United – and to February 1995 for their last meeting in the FA Cup.
All told, Leeds have been drawn against their arch-rivals from across the Pennines six times in the FA Cup, winning twice and losing four times, their last victory coming in March 1970.
But Grayson insists they won't think about meeting Sir Alex Ferguson's thoroughbreds until disposing of Kettering, who took the lead in the 63rd minute through veteran defender Ian Roper, with Beckford's 14th goal of the season restoring parity 15 minutes later.
Grayson said: "We've got a tricky tie at home to overcome, but everyone knows the rivalry between Leeds and Manchester United, it's a fantastic draw for either team that goes to Old Trafford against the best team in Europe and Premier League winners.
"It's a great incentive for both teams to try and get through.
"When we were getting to the last six or eight (teams) everyone was talking that Man U hadn't come out. Going to Old Trafford will be a fantastic opportunity for either ourselves or Kettering.
"It's a busy schedule (in December), but I'd rather be playing the replay than not playing it, with the incentive of going to Old Trafford!"
While Leeds were relieved to live to fight another day after Roper's header threatened a repeat of last season's humiliation at Histon, Grayson admits he was perplexed as to just how United managed not to book their place in round three in pain-free fashion after failing to convert a stack of chances.
United hit the woodwork twice in the first half through Beckford and Robert Snodgrass and also saw an effort cleared off the line, while having countless other opportunities in both halves.
Grayson added: "There's a feeling of relief with 10 or 15 minutes to go when you get the equaliser. But I was very pleased with how we played, we showed a lot of quality when in possession of the ball and had a lot of chances.
"Even after their goal, I always felt we'd get some more opportunities to try and get the equaliser and a winner late on.
"We did have the thought it might not be our day after hitting the post and bar in the same move in the first half.
"But full credit to the players, they kept doing the right things at the right times and we got our just rewards by getting the equaliser.
"I thought we played ever so well and were the dominant team and moved the ball around sharply. The only thing missing was taking our opportunities. We could have been four or five up at half-time.
"And after the break, it was chance after chance and their keeper made some great saves.
"But I'm delighted to still be in the hat after going a goal down to a non-league team."
Other plusses for Grayson came in the first-team return of Jason Crowe – who completed a full 90 minutes with Luciano Becchio also coming off the bench for the final 19 minutes for his first appearance since the start of October.
Defensive lynchpin Patrick Kisnorbo sat out the game after picking up a knock against Leyton Orient, but Grayson is keeping his fingers crossed he will return at Oldham tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, he also revealed Tresor Kandol has missed the last two games due to "family issues."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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