Leeds do it late one more time

Whether it be modesty or just thinly-veiled psychology, David O'Leary's repeated assertion that his vibrant band of players are "too young and naive" to challenge for honours should be taken with the pinch of salt it deserves.

There have been many landmarks in their coming of age under the Irishman's 14-month tenure, but none more so than this display of maturity and unbridled passion.

Their passage into the UEFA Cup fourth round was sealed amid high drama at an ecstatic Elland Road by an 84th-minute header from the captain Lucas Radebe after a compelling tie brimming with endeavour, high-quality football and no shortage of tension. Spartak's attempts to rile their hosts during two weeks of acrimonious mud-slinging had guaranteed a backdrop as icy as the pitch had been in Moscow a fortnight earlier.

Every Russian touch was booed with the type of venom usually reserved only for the reds of Manchester, but with a 2-1 deficit to contend with following the re-arranged first encounter in Sofia the vitriol was diced with a hint of apprehension.

Whereas Leeds had been dominant during the opening exchanges in the Georgi Asparuchov Stadium, here it was Spartak who took the initiative. Had the Brazilian Luis Robson not squandered a simple opportunity following an uncharacteristic mistake by Radebe the task facing Leeds would have gained gargantuan proportions before most of the players had even muddied their knees.

The same player was denied for a second time by the Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn on the half-hour and, aside from a 10-minute flurry which saw Michael Bridges turn Ian Harte's cross on to the upright, the remainder of the half belonged to the Russians.

Even the disruption of losing goalkeeper Alexander Filimonov after he crash-landed while collecting a high ball failed to disrupt the visitors' smooth rhythm, his replacement Andrei Smetanin proving an able deputy with two fine saves to deny Lee Bowyer either side of the interval.

However, Leeds have proved their durability in recent weeks, winning their last two games on English soil courtesy of late goals, and they were gradually stamping their authority on the occasion with a spell of concerted second-half pressure.

Only Smetanin's agility prevented Bridges from finding his way through the gridlock with an audacious right-foot drive from a free-kick nearly 30 yards from goal, followed shortly afterwards by another stubborn denial for the ubiquitous Bowyer.

But just as Smetanin was preparing to receive the accolades, the experienced goalkeeper flapped at Stephen McPhail's corner and Radebe's header was clinical in its execution. At the final whistle O'Leary danced on the pitch with his players. And who could blame him?

LEEDS: Martyn, Kelly, Woodgate, Radebe, Harte, Bakke, Bowyer, McPhail, Kewell, Smith (Huckerby 72), Bridges. Subs Not Used: Haaland, Mills, Jones, Hiden, Duberry, Robinson. Booked: Smith. Goals: Radebe 84.

SPARTAK MOSCOW: Filimonov, Parfionov (Smetanin 38), Khlestov, Bushmanov, Bulatov, Evseev, Baranov, Titov, Tikhonov, Robson, Schirko. Subs Not Used: Ananko, Ketchinov, Everton, Meleshin, Mor, Bezrodnyi. Booked: Bushmanov, Parfionov, Bulatov.

Referee: A Lopez-Nieto (Spain).