Leeds United let goalkeeper Andy Lonergan move to Championship competitors Boro on a free transfer in the summer and he made his debut in the EFL Cup.
A number of Championship sides have been dumped out of the EFL Cup already. Fortunately for Tony Pulis, however, Middlesbrough didn’t follow Birmingham, Bolton, Sheffield United, Wigan and Ipswich Town in falling at the first hurdle. But they very nearly did.
Thanks to a missed spot-kick from Jon Stead, Boro edged their League Two opponents Notts County on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw in 90 minutes.
It was a nervy night at Riverside but there were plenty of positives for the home fans to take away. The £6 million striker Ashley Fletcher, who was farmed out on loan to Sunderland in the second half of last season, scored twice. Marvin Johnson was superb in attack while Luxembourg defender Enes Mahmutovic capped a fine debut with a goal.
But at the other end, it looks pretty clear why Leeds United let Andy Lonergan leave on a free.
He was the spot-kick hero, saving two penalties on the night, but it seems that Boro fans were far from convinced by the performance of their new goalkeeper.
Leeds these days can call upon two excellent youngsters in Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Jamal Blackman. Letting Lonergan leave Elland Road looks like a good call, if the reaction of Boro fans is anything to go by.
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