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FA Cup: Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn ready for 'great tie' against Sunderland

Leeds United caretaker manger Neil Redfearn looks on at the start of the match between AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United September 16 2014
Image: Neil Redfearn: Relishing Sunderland clash

Leeds manager Neil Redfearn has described his side's third-round FA Cup draw at Sunderland as a "great tie".

Redfearn will take his young side to the Stadium of Light during the week beginning January 3 for a repeat of the famous Wembley final in 1973 when Sunderland secured one of the competition's biggest upsets.

Don Revie's all-conquering Leeds side were odds-on favourites to retain the trophy they won the season before against opponents from the old Second Division, but Ian Porterfield struck the game's only goal to clinch victory for Bob Stokoe's underdogs.

"It is a great tie," Redfearn told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "Playing a Premier League club is a good draw for us and it will give our young side, with a lot of talent, the chance to pit their wits against a top-flight side, which is great.

"A lot of these young players here are going to play at a higher stage, so it will be a good test for them and one they will relish.

"That '73 final is still there in a lot of Leeds fans' memories.

"I remember watching it, but only bits of it, and it was a famous final. It would be nice to go up there and put on a performance and get a win as they are obviously a big club who did well to stay in the Premier League last season.

"We have an up-and-coming side who play good football and it will be a good game for us."

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