Leeds United dramatically escaped another shock FA Cup third-round defeat at Cardiff City as Sonny Perkins came on to score an added-time equaliser.
Cardiff, 20th in the Championship and the league’s lowest scorers, struck twice in seven first-half minutes with goals by Jaden Philogene and Sheyi Ojo.
Booed off at half-time, Leeds replied well as substitute Rodrigo headed in.
Cardiff’s Joel Bagan was sent off for handball but Rodrigo saw his resultant penalty saved by Jak Alnwick.
Then just as the home side looked like holding on for another famous victory over Leeds – 21 years after doing so at the same stage over the then-Premier League leaders – Perkins scored from close range to break Cardiff’s late resistance.
Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley await Cardiff or Leeds in the fourth round after a cruel end to the game for the Bluebirds, who looked set for a first victory in eight games which would have offered blessed respite from their league struggles.
As for Leeds, Perkins’ late leveller is a lifeline for manager Jesse Marsch, whose side have now gone six matches without a win in all competitions but at least avoided an embarrassing defeat here which would have severely increased the pressure on the American.
