Patrick Bamford reflects on his 'crazy' decision in Leeds United's victory at Fulham and hails quality of Raphinha

PATRICK Bamford was left rather pleased after scoring Leeds United's opener at Fulham after a "crazy" decision put paid to an early chance to put this side in front.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Bamford put Leeds on their way to victory in Friday night's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage when tucking away a Jack Harrison cross in the 29th minute which he described as a "crisp finish off my shin".

However, the Whites no 9 admitted he should have put United ahead in just the second minute when played through on goal by Diego Llorente's fine through ball.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bamford was under pressure by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen but said he still had the opportunity to shoot yet instead attempted to back heel the ball to Tyler Roberts.

ALL SMILES: Leeds United attacking duo Patrick Bamford, left, and Raphinha, right,  celebrate Raphinha's winning goal from Bamford's assist in Friday night's 2-1 victory at Fulham. Photo by MATT DUNHAM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.ALL SMILES: Leeds United attacking duo Patrick Bamford, left, and Raphinha, right,  celebrate Raphinha's winning goal from Bamford's assist in Friday night's 2-1 victory at Fulham. Photo by MATT DUNHAM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.
ALL SMILES: Leeds United attacking duo Patrick Bamford, left, and Raphinha, right, celebrate Raphinha's winning goal from Bamford's assist in Friday night's 2-1 victory at Fulham. Photo by MATT DUNHAM/POOL/AFP via Getty Images.

Roberts was running towards goal from deep yet Tosin Adarabioyo was first to Bamord's pull back and the Fulham defender was able to hack the ball clear.

In the end, it did not matter as Bamford's 14th goal of the season followed by his assist for a Raphinha strike two minutes before the hour sent Leeds home with all three points.

Andersen temporarily had the Cottagers level when netting from a Cottagers corner to make it 1-1 seven minutes before the break.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Reflecting on his opening strike, Bamford told Sky Sports: "It was a crisp finish straight off my shin.

"It went where I meant it to go.

"To be honest I should have scored earlier on in the game, I heard Tyler call and for some reason I back heeled it which was crazy.

"I was kicking myself for that - I should have shot then but it was nice (to then score) as the first goal was important."

Asked about his through ball for Raphinha's strike, Bamford said: "To be honest I tried to play it as close to the defender as possible because I knew Rapha would get there because he is quick and lively and if the defender dangled his leg it was a penalty.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Rapha still had a lot of work to do to be fair because he wasn't in a great position to finish it but he has got great quality and he stuck it away."

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

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