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Matty Hewitt

Jermaine Beckford feels Leeds United's FA Cup defeat to Fulham 'sums up their season'

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford says Leeds United's defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup sums up their season. Javi Gracia's side had ample opportunities to find the back of the net but they were unable to find a way past Marek Rodak.

Joao Palhinha gave the visitors the lead with a brilliant first-half strike after the Whites gave the ball away in a dangerous area. The Portuguese midfielder hit one from 30-yards that flew over the head of Illan Meslier.

Manor Soloman added a second on the 56th minute to leave Leeds with a mountain to climb. Georginio Rutter first-half striker was ruled out for a push in the build-up while Crysencio Summerville also had two golden opportunities to score, with the Whites having 16 shots on the night - six of those on target.

READ MORE: Jermaine Beckford and Micah Richards agree as Leeds United's 'soft' Georginio Rutter goal ruled out

Beckford said: "It's disappointing. You have 15 or 16 shots on goal. Double figures from within the 18-yard-box, to come away without a goal is very disappointing.

"It's the story of the season, just having that clinical finish, that clinical edge in front of goal. Players like Patrick Bamford, Rutter, Rodrgio when he comes back, are going to have a lot of to do.

"There's a lot of pressure on their shoulders.... Today is a one off. Javi Gracia's first game in charge was against Southampton which he ended up winning which is the most important game, in the Premier League obviously.

"The next one is against Chelsea - Premier League - survival is the most important thing for Leeds United. Albeit a painful day for Leeds United fans and for the manager, the focus has to be now on the Premier League and they can do that now."

Richards said: "Fulham were brilliant. To not play as well as we expected and to still win 2-0, fair play to them. From a Leeds point of view, I see positives because normally we see Leeds running all over the pitch.

"They look a more organised team. They look more balanced team but like the boys have said they just need that little bit of quality and that little bit of luck to go your way. We're talking about fine margins. If they can get that bit of luck they'll be ok."

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