Thirteen years ago, Leeds faced Swindon in the League Cup and were nearly knocked out by the lower league side.
Paul Robinson celebrating his goal for Tottenham in 2007
In 2007, Paul Robinson may have become just the third goalkeeper to score a Premier League goal when, as a Tottenham player, he lobbed Watford’s Ben Foster with a free-kick near his own penalty area. And while the strike took many by surprise, it was not the first time the former England international had found the back of the net during his career.
In 2003, Leeds United were on the verge of falling out of the League Cup at the hands of third tier side Swindon Town at Elland Road.
At 2-1 down – having previously been 2-0 behind before Ian Harte handed Leeds a lifeline with 13 minutes to go – the Whites were awarded a corner that prompted Robinson to make the long run up the field to get into the box in a desperate attempt to make something happen.
And after the initial cross was easily dealt with, a short corner resulted in a cross that was met by the stopper, who had made a brilliant run to the front post.
And with a glancing header that a top striker would have been proud of, Robinson managed to send the ball across the goalkeeper and into the top corner to ensure extra-time would be played.
After a further 30 minutes could not separate the teams, it was Robinson that made the save during the penalty shootout that sent the Peacocks through to the next round.
Unfortunately for Leeds, their cup run hopes would end in the next round while their campaign would end in huge disappointment as they were relegated from the Premier League. But Robinson’s goal was undoubtedly a high-point amidst all the gloom.
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