Jermaine Beckford scored when it mattered - the winner against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round and the goal against Bristol Rovers that secured promotion back to the Championship. Not bad for a forward who was plying his trade with non-league Wealdstone, while working as a windscreen fitter for the RAC when United came calling in March 2006. It took a profitable loan spell at Scunthorpe United to light Beckford’s goalscoring fires in the Football League, with Leeds reaping an ever bigger harvest in 2007/08. He finished as United’s top goalscorer with 20 goals and was named the club’s ‘Player of the Year’ before backing it up superbly with 27 league goals and 34 goals in all competitions in the 2008/09 season. Enjoy these rarely-seen photos of a striker whose goal-laden Whites career will never be forgotten by a generation of fans. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time
7. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford rues a missed chance during the League 1 play-off semi-final against Carlisle United at Elland Road in May 2008. Photo: Getty
8. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Manager Gary McAllister consoles Jermaine Beckford after the Coca Cola League 1 play-off final against Doncaster Rovers at Wembley in May 2008. Photo: Getty
9. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford his second goal during the Carling Cup first round clash against Chester City at the Deva Stadium in August 2008. He went on to score a hat-trick as the Whites won 5-2. Photo: Getty
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Jermaine Beckford celebrates with team mate Neil Kilkenny after scoring his second goal during the FA Cup first round replay against Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium on November 2008. He bagged a hat-trick as the Whites won 5-2. Photo: Getty
11. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak and defender Wes Brown are unable to stop Jermaine Beckford scoring during the FA Cup third round clash at Old Trafford in January 2010. Photo: Getty
12. Jermaine Beckford in focus
Jermaine Beckford celebrates scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Bristol Rovers at Elland Road in May 2010. It was a strike which earned the Whites promotion back to the Championship. Photo: Getty