Do you remember this game to forget? PIC: Simon HulmeDo you remember this game to forget? PIC: Simon Hulme
Do you remember this game to forget? PIC: Simon Hulme

The day Leeds United moved closer to the Premier League trapdoor

It was the Elland Road defeat which left Leeds United with only maths to cling on to.
By Andrew Hutchinson
Published 12th May 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 12th May 2020, 08:16 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Portsmouth were the visitors in late April 2004 with the Whites needing to claim three points to have any chance of Premier League survival. But a 2-1 defeat in front of 39,273 fans all but condemned the mighty Whites to relegation. These photos showcase the heartache felt by everyone who watched these 90 minutes of frustration and disappointment which ultimately led to the club's slide back to Division One after 14 years of top-flight football. READ MORE: The day Leeds United fans and a city celebrated winning the First Division title in 1992 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Leeds made a combative start to the match. Simon Johnson, stepping in for the suspended Mark Viduka, opened up a chance to make the pressure count after six minutes.

1. Leeds United 1 Pompey 2, April 2004

Leeds made a combative start to the match. Simon Johnson, stepping in for the suspended Mark Viduka, opened up a chance to make the pressure count after six minutes. Photo: Simon Hulme

Photo Sales
Yakubu celebrates scoring after just nine minutes. He was was left unmarked to gratefully nod home Steve Stone's cross beyond Paul Robinson.

2. Leeds United 1 Pompey 2, April 2004

Yakubu celebrates scoring after just nine minutes. He was was left unmarked to gratefully nod home Steve Stone's cross beyond Paul Robinson. Photo: Getty

Photo Sales
Things got worse for Leeds after the restart thanks to some more rash defending. Michael Duberry was saved the embarrassment of scoring an own-goal when his clearance inched past the post.

3. Leeds United 1 Pompey 2, April 2004

Things got worse for Leeds after the restart thanks to some more rash defending. Michael Duberry was saved the embarrassment of scoring an own-goal when his clearance inched past the post. Photo: Simon Hulme

Photo Sales
Matty Taylor's resulting corner found Yakubu whose goalbound header was spilled by Paul Robinson and LuaLua pounced to head home on the line after 51 minutes

4. Leeds United 1 Pompey 2, April 2004

Matty Taylor's resulting corner found Yakubu whose goalbound header was spilled by Paul Robinson and LuaLua pounced to head home on the line after 51 minutes Photo: Simon Hulme

Photo Sales
Nerves were on show as substitute Nicky Barmby sent a chipped shot wide before James Milner skied an effort from the edge of the 18-yard box.

5. Leeds United 1 Pompey 2, April 2004

Nerves were on show as substitute Nicky Barmby sent a chipped shot wide before James Milner skied an effort from the edge of the 18-yard box. Photo: Simon Hulme

Photo Sales
A penalty from captain Ian Harte gave Eddie Gray's side hope and a frantic 10 minutes followed as the Whites went in search of the equaliser.

6. Leeds United 1 Pompey 2, April 2004

A penalty from captain Ian Harte gave Eddie Gray's side hope and a frantic 10 minutes followed as the Whites went in search of the equaliser. Photo: Simon Hulme

Photo Sales
Previous
1 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:Elland RoadPremier LeaguePortsmouth

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.