Cup games are always a worry for the higher division sides, lower league opponents often upping their game and catching a hastily chosen and arranged side unawares. Ah the magic of the cup.
Carabao or not, Sky bet Championship side Leeds United didn’t disrespect their League Two opponents by putting out an overly weak starting XI, with nine of that starting line-up having had first-team starts for the Whites over the last two league campaigns.
In fairness to the visitors to Elland Road, Newport County were the side who bossed the opening 45 minutes and more than held their own against their higher league opponents with a tenacious, yet cultured style of football. The Exiles arrived at Elland Road, funnily enough as the ‘home side’, with the intention to play football, and they took the lead through Joss Labadie in the 33rd minute.
Newport made Leeds work had in the opening half of the game, and it wasn’t until the 44th minute that the Whites fortuitously drew level, striker Kemar Roofe turning in after something of a goalmouth scramble.
A further second-half brace of goals (49′ and 65′) from Roofe got the forward his hat-trick and further goals from Spaniard Samu Saiz and Ronaldo Vieira rounded off an excellent second-half display where Newport County really were put to the sword with lethal Whites finishing. Such was the level of Leeds’ second-half display that one of the BBC Radio Leeds commentators remarked that it was “five without a striker.”
Leeds United go into the draw for the next round of the Carabao Cup, which if anything like previous draws will be an entertainment in its own right.
Tonight belongs to a wonderful second-half display from the Whites, and it is no wonder that fans had something to say on Twitter.
Leeds United wallop Newport County 5-1, Leeds fans comment on Twitter
I'm glad for roofe tonight getting a hat trick. I'd love it if he started getting more goals in the league #mot #lufc
— John Paul Redmond (@john_lufc1919) August 22, 2017
3-1 up against a fourth tier team and Christiansen brings Samu Saiz on. Ruthless bastard. #lufc
— Thomas Broadley (@ThomasBroadley) August 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/tomstone88/status/900102572354269185
@TSSLUFC Christiansen is gonna make a name for himself this season and how good is the team right now they are on fire
— lufc till I die (@ChrisCrossland1) August 22, 2017
Shite 1st half, much improved 2nd. Chuffed for Roofe getting a hat trick. Saiz is ridiculous. Fair play to Newport, great support #lufc
— Daniel Robinson (@DRobinson87) August 22, 2017
Lucky to be level at HT but class showed in 2nd half. Thought @NewportCounty were good throughout. Spurs away next plz… Wembley. #lufc
— Jonathan Routledge (@jonnyroutledge5) August 22, 2017
the roofe, the roofe, the roofe is on fire 🔥#LUFC #MOT
— Rupi (@rupimatharu) August 22, 2017
https://twitter.com/ClassyLallana/status/900100925502754817
https://twitter.com/neilstuartdavy/status/900098969904304129
Saiz is unbelievable. The sort of Attacking talisman you need to get promoted #lufc
— Matt (@MWJS82) August 22, 2017
