Kalvin Phillips and Kemar Roofe react to big Patrick Bamford moment for Leeds United | OneFootball

Bamford saw a goal controversially ruled out on his 200th Whites appearance

Former Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Kemar Roofe have reacted as Patrick Bamford hit 200 appearances for the West Yorkshire side.

Taking to Instagram post-match, the experienced striker, who is approaching his seventh year with the Elland Road outfit described it as a "privilege" to have featured for the club on so many occasions, having joined under Marcelo Bielsa from the Riverside Stadium in a deal worth up to £10m back in the summer of 2018.

However, the former Boro man was understandably left frustrated as the offside flag saw him miss out on a first goal of the 2024/25 season, despite timing his run to perfection after being slid through by Wilfried Gnonto with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Kemar Roofe and Kalvin Phillips react to Patrick Bamford, Leeds United milestone

The experienced striker has become part of the furniture in this part of West Yorkshire under a plethora of managers, despite finding game-time limited this season as Daniel Farke looks to end a two-year exile from the Premier League.

Bamford's best days for the Whites may be behind him, but the forward has recently returned to action after a two-month injury lay-off, at the start of United's run-in as they look to fend off Burnley and Sheffield United in the automatic promotion race.

Leeds took an early lead against Michael Carrick's play-off hopefuls as Dan James netted his 12th goal of a stunning personal season, before both sides saw goals ruled out during the remainder of the first half, although Ao Tanaka appeared to be onside at the point Manor Solomon played a wicked delivery which was turned home from a yard out by the Japanese midfielder.

The same fate would apply to Bamford with 15 minutes to go as Gnonto slipped the 31-year-old through, and despite replays showing he was played onside by Anfernee Dijksteel, the forward was unable to celebrate his first goal in 12 months, with the last of those coming in a pulsating 4-3 victory for Leeds at the Riverside.

Former PGMOL general manager and FIFA-listed referee, Keith Hackett, was also quick to note the decision when speaking to Football Insider, with the 80-year-old stating: “Oh dear. Leeds United have had a second goal incorrectly ruled out for offside. Leeds United’s Bamford timed his run to perfection.”

Regardless, a 17-minute cameo in place of Joel Piroe saw the Chelsea academy graduate hit 200 appearances for the club, scoring 60 times and providing 23 assists during said timeframe.

However, afterwards, Bamford wasn't afraid to take a small swipe at the officiating on Teesside, posting the caption: A privilege to make my 200th appearance tonight @leedsunited , great to finish it with 3 points and a goal…🙄"

"We keep going #alaw 💙🤍💛," he concluded.

Among those in the comments were boyhood United fan and current Ipswich Town loanee Phillips, who showed his affection towards Bamford with three heart emojis, whilst his former attacking partner Roofe, who now features for Derby County, replied "Congrats brother🙌"

Patrick Bamford can still aid Leeds United's promotion hopes

After netting eight times in 33 appearances last season, it hasn't been the best of times on a personal level for Bamford, who is under contract at Elland Road until next summer.

This means the upcoming window presents Farke with a big decision to make regarding his long-term future. But, after returning from injury, the centre-forward will hope to use his previous experience of promotion bids to Leeds' overall benefit.

Burnley's goalless draw against a recently resurgent Derby County at Pride Park, coupled with Sheffield United's second successive defeat - this time at home to Millwall - saw United return to the second tier summit.

They are now level on points with Scott Parker's side but have a superior goal difference, and will look to take advantage of their nearest challengers still having to face off against each other at Turf Moor on Easter Monday.