On This Day: Gary Speed 'gets one himself' for iconic Leeds United strike against Sheffield United

GARY SPEED 'got one himself' on this day in 1990 for an iconic strike in Leeds United's history as the Whites blitzed Sheffield United en route to promotion as Division Two champions.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Dave Bassett's Blades were giving chase to Howard Wilkinson's Whites in both the title race and automatic promotion picture back when only the top two teams went up to the old Division One.

A Sheffield United victory at Elland Road on the Bank Holiday Monday of April 16, 1990 would have piled the pressure on Leeds with just four games to go.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Yet Wilkinson's side steam-rollered the Blades 4-0 and Speed's goal put the icing on the Whites cake in front of a crowd of 32,727 for Elland Road’s biggest gate of the season.

ICING ON THE CAKE: From Gary Speed on this day in 1990 as the Whites winger netted Leeds United's fourth and final goal in a 4-0 victory against Sheffield United at Elland Road. Picture by Varleys.ICING ON THE CAKE: From Gary Speed on this day in 1990 as the Whites winger netted Leeds United's fourth and final goal in a 4-0 victory against Sheffield United at Elland Road. Picture by Varleys.
ICING ON THE CAKE: From Gary Speed on this day in 1990 as the Whites winger netted Leeds United's fourth and final goal in a 4-0 victory against Sheffield United at Elland Road. Picture by Varleys.

Wilkinson had a specific game plan for his side to pressurise Blades keeper Simon Tracey who was picking the ball out of his net in the 17th minute after Gordan Strachan netted from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

Leeds led 1-0 at the break and then bagged three goals in the final 16 minutes to finally put the Blades to bed.

Speed set up the first of them as the winger raced away down the left flank and sent in a low cross that flew under Tracey and was converted at the far post by a sliding Lee Chapman.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Blades stopper Tracey's miserable afternoon then continued as he hauled down Bobby Davison in the area and Strachan coolly converted the spot kick into the left hand corner.

But the fourth goal proved the pick of the bunch and one that would be remembered forever with an iconic piece of commentary from club commentator John Boyd.

Speed had been excellent all game and was once again sent clear by a beautiful pass from Chris Kamara with the outside of his boot.

The Whites winger raced towards 'keeper Tracey with the Blades defence chasing his shadow.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Go on Gary Speed get one yourself son" said an excited Boyd in the commentary.

And Speed did just that as the winger unleashed a low shot that Tracey was unable to prevent from from nestling into the far right corner of the net.

Leeds were 4-0 up, out of sight, and despite some more late jitters, would not be caught in the Division Two promotion or title race as Wilkinson's Whites went up as champions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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