Engine code ACK running issues

[VEESIX]

Hi, i just got myself a B5 quattro with the 2.8 30V engine. The car is a 1997.
Stupidly i sent a mate to check and collect it for me while i was at college and the car has problems. The car will start but immediately cuts out. However if you keep the accelerator pressed the car will run but as soon as you let go of the pedal it cuts out again. My friend drove the car to me so when it arrived it was warm. The coolant temp was in the middle but the oil temperature was towards the bottom. When driving, gear changes are possible at high speeds but as soon as you depress the clutch the engine cuts out.
On inspection of the engine there seems to have been a large oil leak on the left bank. I'm hoping it's an old leak that hadn't been cleaned but likely I'll need to replace the valve cover gaskets. I have removed the MAF to see if it idles without it but no luck. I have tried to remove the coolant temp sensor but it is jammed on and won't come unplugged. However the coolant temp on the dash works fine so I am thinking it's not that.
I haven't been able to find any vacuum leaks and the air intake is clear.
I have an OBD2 scanner coming on Tuesday which will hopefully shed some light on it but until then I'm struggling.
Any help would be appreciated :)

[VEESIX]

Managed to get it running at last.*

My OBD2 scanner arrived on Tuesday but just kept saying "linking error" so it promptly went in the bin.

I removed the throttle body which was absolutley filthy. Id say it's never been cleaned until now which isn't surprising considering everything else I've seen of the last owner. Gave it a good clean and gave all the sensors in the engine bay a squirt with electrical contact cleaner.*

Charged the battery which had gone flat and did the tba where you leave the ignition on for 3 minutes.



Started it up and it idled perfectly, literally jumped up and down with joy haha.