Sky Bet Championship
Preston North End 2 (Browne 57’, Millar 89’)
Leeds United 1 (Struijk 83’ pen)
PNE: Woodman (GK), Whiteman, Lindsay, Browne (C) (Ledson 90+6’), McCann, Hughes, Millar, Holmes (Frokjaer 83’), Whatmough, Osmajic (Evans 72’), Potts. Subs not used: Cornell (GK), Storey, Cunningham, Best, Woodburn, Keane.
Leeds: Meslier (GK), Spence (Gnonto 68’), Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Ampadu (Bamford 90’), Kamara (Gruev 68’), Summerville (Joseph 68’), James, Piroe (Darlow 55’), Georginio. Subs not used: Firpo, Cooper, Byram, Anthony.
Referee: Mr J Smith
Booked: Potts, McCann, Osmajic, Holmes, Browne (PNE) Rodon (Leeds)
Sent-off: Meslier (Leeds)
Venue: Deepdale
Attendance: TBC
Leeds United travelled away from home on Boxing Day, facing Preston North End at Deepdale. All the goals in the clash came in the second half, as the hosts claimed the three points.
There were very few chances early in the game, as both teams looked to settle into the encounter and work each other out.
For Leeds, the closest they came inside the opening 25 minutes was from two separate headers, both off target by Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon. At the opposite end, Ben Whiteman had a shot well blocked, whilst Liam Millar flashed a dangerous cross-shot past the post.
When Farke’s side did manage to break through their deep-sitting hosts, often it would result in a foul being made. Both Brad Potts and Ali McCann went into the referee’s notebook early on for Preston.
Illan Meslier was the first goalie called into action, with just over 10 minutes to go until the break. It was Millar again looking dangerous, as he cut inside and curled right-footed at goal, only for the ‘keeper to fingertip over the bar.
The remainder of the half was as similarly without chances, as the opening had been. The whistle for the break was blown with the match still goalless at Deepdale.
HALF TIME: Preston North End 0-0 Leeds United
Out for the second half, neither side had made a change to their team on the pitch, but were continuing to look for a change in the scoreline after a goalless first half.
A big moment in the match which would change the game significantly, then came, as Leeds were reduced to 10 players. A coming together between Meslier and Milutin Osmajic saw the goalkeeper sent-off.
Osmajic was booked for his part, with Farke then going to his bench to bring on Karl Darlow in place of Joel Piroe.
Just moments later, PNE went into the lead. A deep cross into the box from Millar found Alan Browne, who leapt highest to send his header into the bottom corner of the net.
Farke went to his bench again after going behind. Willy Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Mateo Joseph were brought on, replacing Crysencio Summerville, Djed Spence and Glen Kamara.
Into the final 10 minutes, Leeds finally had their chance to equalise, coming from the penalty spot. Dan James was brought down and Pascal Struijk successfully converted, striking into the bottom corner.
The match didn’t stay level for long though, as the home side quickly went back into the lead. Having caused problems all game, Millar cut inside and found the top corner with a curling effort.
Despite their best efforts in the final stages, Leeds couldn’t equalise again, with Preston holding on to claim all three points.
FULL TIME: Preston North End 2-1 Leeds United
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
