Two Yorkshire towns separated by less than 50 miles, Leeds and Hull boast distinct cultures. It tends to spill over when Leeds United and Hull City meet on a football pitch. There is less conjecture about financial high-rises and the fishing industry – but blood and thunder argy-bargy in the boozers, stemming from high-octane on-pitch performances.
2-2 at Elland Road in 2010
If you needed proof of this rivalry’s flair for the dramatic, look no further than the 2010 midweek clash at Elland Road.
With just over 24,000 fans in attendance, this wasn’t a record-breaking night for ticket sales—but for drama? Unmatched.
Yet, those who did turn up saw a real collectors’ item, with Andy O’Brien scoring his only goal for Leeds during his troubled one-season tenure with the club.
The Best of Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds was poetry in motion by late 2019. Riding a five-match winning streak, Leeds hosted Hull in a tense midweek Championship clash.
Bielsa’s tactical genius was on full display. He adjusted midgame, deploying Stuart Dallas as a pseudo-wingback to allow Ezgjan Alioski to replace Jack Harrison.
The breakthrough came via an own goal from Hull’s Jordy de Wijs, followed by a clinical strike from Alioski. Leeds’ 2-0 victory reflected the perfect blend of aggression, precision, and adaptability—the hallmarks of Bielsa’s reign.
Dogged and Dire Penalties
Leeds’ return to the Premier League in 2020/21 overshadowed their early EFL Cup exit to Hull. Bielsa fielded an experimental lineup, including fringe players like Oliver Casey and Mateusz Bogusz which made headlines in Leeds United news at the time.
Hull struck early through Mallik Wilks, a former Leeds player, but Ezgjan Alioski’s 93rd-minute equalizer forced penalties. The shootout ended 8-9 in Hull’s favour, with Alfie Jones scoring the decisive penalty. Leeds’ loss felt hollow as Hull succumbed 5-1 to West Ham in the next round.
Crossing the Divide
The rivalry extends beyond the pitch, with players frequently donning the iconic Leeds white and Hull’s black-and-orange stripes:
Karl Darlow made 12 appearances for Hull while on loan from Newcastle United. Since becoming a Leeds United player, Darlow has been somewhat MIA, having played five games in 1.5 seasons.
Dan James is now considered one of the best players in the EFL Championship with Leeds United, but his footballing career started in the Hull City academy.
His time with the Tigers was cut short when the Swansea City scouts insisted he be brought to the club. He instantly joined the U21 team.
Cody Drameh made the opposite journey. The young right-back struggled for game time at Elland Road and was sent on loan to multiple destinations, including Cardiff City, Luton Town and Birmingham City.
Drameh’s contract finally expired in the summer of 2024 when he joined his current employer, Hull City. He’s been integral there, having made 20 appearances.
Lewie Coyle spent 16 years with Leeds across the youth and senior teams. Despite a long tenure, his only appearances for LUFC came between 2015 and 2017. Indeed, he spent more time on loan with Harrogate Town and Fleetwood Town before joining Hull in 2020.
Tyler’s Three Against Hull Still Holds Strong
Few Leeds fans will remember Tyler Roberts’ tenure with fondness, but his 2020 performances against Hull stand out. Coming on as a late substitute, Roberts scored twice in 23 minutes during a commanding 4-0 win.
Adding a goal from another fixture in the East Riding of Yorkshire, Roberts holds the record for most goals (3) in this rivalry.
As Leeds and Hull prepare to clash on January 4, 2025, the stage is set for a new hero to eclipse Roberts’ record and write the next chapter in this fiery fixture – and bolster the Leeds United standings.
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