Archie Gray let down after 10-month wait on Patrick Bamford verdict in Leeds United notebook

More than 10 months of waiting for Archie Gray to be proved right ended in disappointment this week. 2024 began with Patrick Bamford scoring the best goal of his career as Leeds United defeated Peterborough United in the FA Cup.

You will have undoubtedly watched it by now, but, back to goal, Bamford cushions a long aerial pass from Ethan Ampadu with his chest while being in the air himself. He then swivels to face goal and as he does volleys the ball first time with his left foot from 20 yards to score.

In the immediate aftermath of the game, Bamford said Archie Gray excitedly told him it would be shortlisted for the FIFA Puskas Award, the prize for the best goal scored in world football between August 2023 and August 2024. Bamford said: “He (Gray) was like ‘Oh my god, oh my god, you’re going to go to the Puskas Awards.’

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“I was like ‘What?’ and he was like ‘That’s going to get nominated, I’m sure!’, I think he was more excited than me.” Gray, sadly, was wrong as 11 other strikes were named on the shortlist this week, with Bamford missing.

FA Youth Cup journey begins

The Leeds United under-18 team, who were drawn against Portsmouth in the third round, will start their FA Youth Cup campaign away from home. Hampshire will be the destination for the Whites on Monday, December 16.

The game will take place at Fratton Park, with kick-off set for 7pm. Supported by more than 6,500 travelling supporters, Rob Etherington's team made an incredible run to the final last season, before falling short against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

Blackburn match officials confirmed

Lewis Smith will be in charge at Ewood Park on Saturday when Leeds United play Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. The match officials have been confirmed by the EFL.

The referee has officiated around 250 games since making his debut in 2016 during a Merseyside rivalry between Liverpool and Everton's under-18 teams. Smith has officiated four Premier League games, as he works his way up the footballing pyramid.

Two of those have occurred this season, most recently for Brentford's 4-3 victory over Ipswich Town in the capital. Smith has officiated in all six of England's divisions and domestic cups since making his debut in 2016.

He has also served as a referee for two J1 League games in Japan. Smith has managed two Whites games, beginning with a fourth round FA Cup matchup against Plymouth Argyle last season.

The referee previously officiated United’s 2-0 Yorkshire derby triumph over Sheffield United in October. Blackburn defeated Oxford United 1-0 at Ewood Park earlier this season, the official's sole meeting with the Lancashire team.