On This Day: Alf-Inge Haaland nets stunning Leeds United brace, two years before Yorkshire striker star Erling Haaland was born

Twenty-year-old striker sensation Erling was still over two years from being born as Alf-Inge Haaland lined up for George Graham's Leeds United side at Elland Road against Rovers on March 11, 1998.

After a goalless first half, Lee Bowyer fired the Whites into the lead three minutes after the interval and Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink then doubled the home advantage five minutes later.

But it then became the Haaland show as the midfielder netted two contenders for goal of the season in both the 56th and 89th minutes to put the gloss on a 4-0 victory.

His first goal was an absolute peach and came from a Whites throw-in which was cleared but only to David Wetherall whose header found Haaland with his back to goal and just inside the box.

The midfielder then controlled the ball and took one touch to turn before unleashing a rasping volley into the top left corner.

But his second goal was arguably even better and came from all of 30, if not 35 yards out.

Bowyer was fouled in the centre circle but Leeds played on and Harry Kewell worked the ball to Haaland in the middle of the park.

The midfielder again took two touches to set himself and then unleashed a majestic effort which had 'keeper Alan Fettis scurrying across his line but to no avail as the ball flew into the bottom right corner from Haaland's boot.

So that's where Erling gets it from!

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/kiko-casillas-place-in-leeds-united-pecking-order-suggests-logical-outcome-despite-marcelo-bielsa-stance-graham-smyth-3161733

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins