KETTERING 1 (Roper 63) UNITED1 (Beckford 78)
Kettering: Harper, Roper, Dempster, Taylor, Noubissie, Heslop, Boucuad, Elding, Partridge, Davis, Ashikodi (Thomas 58). Subs: Bussey, Wrack, Bain, Fowler, Marna.
United: Ankergren Crowe, Michalik, Bromby, Capaldi, Howson, Doyle, Kilkenny, Snodgrass, Beckford, Grella (Becchio 71). Subs: A Martin, Marques, Prutton, Robinson, Showunmi, White.
Referee: A D'Urso
Bookings: Dempster, Davis (Kettering)
Att: 4,887
See all the match stats on our Matchday Console...
Leeds United secured a place in the third round draw of the FA Cup after a Jermaine Beckford goal ensured honours ended even at Kettering.
An Ian Roper goal had given the non-league side the lead midway through the second half, but United deserved a draw at the very least, and Beckford's 78th minute strike ensured the two sides will meet again at Elland Road on Tuesday December 8, knowing an away trip to Manchester United awaits the winners.
Unlike last season, when United suffered a shock at the hands of Blue Square Premier Division side Histon, Leeds appeared to have the upper hand for the biggest part of the tie at Kettering.
Neil Kilkenny and Robert Snodgrass both had attempts early on before Leigh Bromby was denied by a goal-line clearance after Beckford had rounded the home goalkeeper before delivering a back-post cross.
The woodwork denied both Beckford and Snodgrass midway through the first half and it seemed like only a matter of time before United took the advantage.
Debut man Tony Capaldi provided a cross for Mike Grella, but his shot was blocked, and Lubo Michalik twice came close to breaking the deadlock.
Kettering's only attempt of any note came when Anthony Elding fired over moments before half-time.
The break brought about an increase in the rain that was swirling around, and the conditions were poor in the second period.
The opening 20 minutes or so were more open with opportunities coming at both ends, and it was the home side who took a shock lead on 63 minutes when skipper Ian Roper got up well to head home a free-kick.While United were frustrated, you never sensed another FA Cup shock and after Jason Crowe and Micky Doyle were denied by terrific saves from Kettering boss Lee Harper, Leeds got back on level terms with 12 minutes left on the clock.
Snodgrass supplied the ball into the box and Beckford was on hand to apply the finishing touch in front of the Leeds supporters.
United pressed for a winner, but the home side held firm, and the two sides must now do battle again.
