Niall Horan has taken to Twitter to poke fun at Leeds United following Derby County’s playoff semi-final victory.
The Rams managed to pull off a historic turnaround as they came from 2-0 down on aggregate to win 4-3.
Trailing 1-0 from the first-leg, Leeds took the lead in the opening period in-front of a packed Elland Road. Derby, however, refused to cave in and stunned the hosts, coming back to win 4-2 on the night.
Frank Lampard’s side are the first team to overcome a first-leg home defeat to reach the final at Wembley. For Leeds, it represents a huge missed opportunity and a real kick in the teeth for their supporters.
Former One Direction singer Horan is a big Derby fan, and he couldn’t resist a dig at Leeds after the final whistle.
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How Derby County overcame the odds to defeat Leeds United:
It could have been so different for Leeds. Stuart Dallas gave Marcelo Bielsa’s men a first-half lead, and the visitors had rarely threatened in the opening 35 minutes.
A mix-up at the back, however, gave substitute Jack Marriott a tap-in and Derby could then smell a potential comeback. Further goals from Mason Mount and Harry Wilson put the Rams 3-1 up on the night and 3-2 on aggregate, before fullback Dallas netted again for the hosts to bring the tie level.
The last 20 minutes could have gone either way. Gaetano Berardi, though, saw red for a late challenge on Derby’s Bradley Johnson and the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage as Marriott clipped home the winner.
Both Leeds and Derby have a historic rivalry dating back to the 70s. This season, there has been plenty of friction between the two, with January’s Spygate incident dominating headlines at the time.
On the field, the Whites had recorded three victories in three games over Derby this season. However, Lampard’s side now have the last laugh as they look forward to their second Championship playoff final at Wembley in five years.
Also see: Efe Ambrose gives Derby County the thumbs up over Graeme Shinnie signing.
