GOALKEEPER Paul Robinson was the Leeds United hero in a drama-drenched Carling Cup tie against ten-man Swindon Town at Elland Road.

Peter Reid's team eventually scraped through on penalties but only after Robinson hauled them from the brink of defeat.

His thumping header 15 seconds from the end of normal time spared red-faced United another humiliating early exit from a competition in which they have regularly been swallowed by minnows.

Leeds were trailing 2-1 in the fourth minute of injury time when the England man joined the home attack for a corner and sent a crashing header past substitute goalkeeper Rhys Evans to confirm extra time.

Two tired sides were unable to break the deadlock in the additional period and United managed to win the shoot-out 4-2 in front of the Don Revie Stand - even then they had to come from behind.

After Robinson swooped to his right to deny Stefani Miglioranzi, Lucas Radebe then put Leeds 4-3 up and Swindon's Andy Gurney's effort came back off an upright.

It was Gurney's cracking 30-yard free-kick which gave the visitors a deserved 43rd-minute lead.

Leeds, outnumbered by a five-man midfield, struggled badly and looked down and out when the impressive Parkin took advantage of poor marking to smartly convert Sammy Igoe's pass to put the Wiltshire side 2-0 up with 16 minutes remaining.

Three minutes later Aaron Lennon's corner from the left was flicked on and Harte fired in.

It looked like a mere consolation but United were given a helping hand by referee Mark Clattenburg. Goalkeeper Bart Griemink had already been harshly cautioned for handing outside his area (television cameras proved the Dutchman was inside), when he caught the on-rushing Smith on the edge of the box in the 88th minute and was sent off for his second bookable offence.

Leeds made the most of their luck but victory was barely deserved. The major plus for Reid, apart from the result and Robinson's heroics, was an eye-catching display by 16-year-old Lennon, who impressed with his close control, speed and stamina.

Carling Cup, second round

Leeds United 2, Swindon Town 2

(aet Leeds won 4-3 on pens)

Leeds United: Robinson, Kelly (Radebe 36), Roque Junior, Camara, Harte, Lennon, Batty, Olembe, Wilcox (Domi HT), Smith, Chapuis (Bridges 59). Subs (not used): Carson, Johnson. Cautions: Radebe, Smith, Batty Goals: Harte 77, Robinson 90

Swindon Town: Griemink, Smith (Herring 115), Gurney, Reeves, Hewlett, Igoe (Evans 88), Heywood, Miglioranzi, Dukes, Stevenson (Howard 62), Parkin. Subs (not used): Viveash, Nicolas. Cautions: Griemink (2 - sent off), Gurney, Hewlett, Smith.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Co Durham).

Attendance: 29,211.

Updated: 11:27 Thursday, September 25, 2003