Football News
Histon Postman Langston delivers Leeds an FA Cup shock
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:
30 November 2008 - 3:34 PM
Category:
Football
Postman Matthew Langston's header sent Leeds crashing out of the FA Cup in the biggest upset of Round Two at the Glass World Stadium. Langston rose highest to head home Gareth Gwillim's left-footed corner in the 38th minute and was as surprised as anyone to deliver the knockout blow.
"It's a dream come true, I get stick for not scoring," said Langston. "I got in front of my man, we work hard on our set pieces and it came off for us."
"I'm a postman in St Albans, I'm back to work tomorrow and I'd like to thank them for supporting me what I'm trying to do."
Manager Steve Fallon said: "We played the conditions well and I thought the players were magnificent."
"It's magnificent for every single person at this football club. It will do this club a world of good and I hope we can push on now."
The joint villages of Histon and Impington have a population of just 8000 and the clash against Leeds, Champions League semi-finalists just seven years ago, was billed as the biggest in the clubs history.
As torrential rain poured down, neither side was able to take control in the early stages.
The first opportunity of the game fell to Luciano Becchio on 23 minutes, but his tame effort sailed over Danny Naisbitt's bar.
Histon went into a shock lead on 38 minutes when Langston headed home.
The Blue Square Conference side adapted better to the difficult playing conditions and Jack Midsen almost doubled the their advantage on 53 minutes, twisting through the Leeds defence only to find his shot blocked by Alan Sheehan.
Leeds manager Gary McAllister threw on substitute Enoch Showunmi to offer a more physical presence upfront and his side almost drew level on 63 minutes when Lubomir Michalik firmly struck shot rebounded off the post.
Michalik was denied again when his volley struck Antonio Murray on the line as Leeds laid siege to the Histon goal for the final 20 minutes.
But Fallon's side held on to record a famous victory and claim their place in the Third Round draw.