The strike would be a high-point of the winger’s career with the Championship side.
Aidan White scored a stunning goal against Everton
Like many of the academy graduates that have been given their first-team chance by Leeds United over the last decade, Aidy White hinted that he was destined for great things. But unlike many of the starlets that began to realise that potential for the Whites, it never quite worked out for the 24-year-old for whatever reason.
But for a brief moment, White reminded supporters just how much quality he possessed when Premier League side Everton travelled to Elland Road for a League Cup tie on this day in 2012.
Neil Warnock’s men were looking to get off to a quick start in an attempt to take the Toffees by surprise, and they were presented with an opening when a lazy pass allowed White to pick the ball up some 35 yards from goal.
After taking the ball around Marouane Fellaini, he then used his quick feet to get past the vastly experienced centre-back Sylvain Distin and was left with just Jan Mucha to beat from the edge of the area.
White coming up against Gareth Bale
Despite several Everton defenders making a last-ditch attempt to put pressure on him, the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international showed a tremendous amount of composure to curl the ball around the keeper and into the roof of the net to give the Peacocks the lead after just four minutes.
Leeds would clinch a 2-1 victory as Rudolph Austin’s scrappy goal with 20 minutes to go ensured that Distin’s late header was simply a consolation.
Unfortunately for White, his time with Leeds never reached those same heights – he only scored one other goal for the club – and his departure in 2015 was met with something of an acceptance amongst supporters that he had not kicked on in the years since.
White (far-left) celebrating Barnsley’s promotion to the Championship
However, while things did not quite work out for the 24-year-old at Elland Road, he is enjoying some success this season, being part of the Barnsley side that has surprised many with their promising start to the Championship season.
And next weekend, he may get the chance to replicate that stunning solo goal as the Tykes travel to his old stomping ground.
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