Beckford back on song

Whites progress after crushing Cobblers

Last updated: 18th November 2008

Jermaine Beckford Leeds United

Beckford: Blistering hat-trick

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Jermaine Beckford rediscovered his scoring touch as Leeds United coasted into the second round of the FA Cup with a 5-2 win over Northampton.

Beckford had remarkably gone seven without a goal prior to Monday's FA Cup first round replay, but he ended that spell with a blistering hat-trick at Sixfields.

The Whites now tackle Blue Square Premier outfit Histon in the second round of the competition following their surprise 1-0 success over Swindon.

Fleet-footed striker Beckford opened his account on 13 minutes after volleying home superbly when David Prutton flicked on Lubomir Michalik's long-ball.

Own goal

Leeds doubled their advantage when Jonathan Howson's drive was deflected past Northampton keeper Frank Fielding by his own defender Mark Hughes.

Fielding's mistake from Ben Parker's long-range drive put Leeds 3-0 up, but the home side responded with Jason Crowe pulling one back to give the home fans hope.

However, the visitors restored their three-goal cushion before the break when Beckford got the better of Hughes before sending a delightful right-footed curler past Fielding and in off the far post.

The former Wealdstone United striker secured his hat-trick with 55 minutes played when he latched onto Neil Kilkenny's through-ball to slide the ball past Fielding.

Northampton ended the match on a positive note when Crowe was perfectly placed to nod home Liam Dolman's flick-on, but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Post to your View!

Be the first to post a comment on this story

Add Comment*

All fields are required

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

Character Count : 0/1950

Please tick here if you wish to receive emails relating to Sky Sports.com or any other companies, services or products related to Sky Sports.com

Please send me the weekly Sky Sportszine - exclusive content, features and competitions to my inbox every Friday.

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private