Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End: Joel Piroe winner boosts promotion hopes

Joel Piroe scored a dramatic stoppage-time penalty as Leeds beat Preston at Elland Road to move within four points of the Championship automatic promotion spots.

The lead lasted just a few minutes in a helter-skelter start as Crysencio Summerville played in Junior Firpo who stood up a cross to the back post where Dan James headed in.

Preston withstood plenty of second-half pressure and looked to have earned a point until Piroe coolly stroked home his spot-kick after the ball bounced up on to the arm of Preston midfielder Ryan Ledson.

Piroe’s 12th goal of the season gave Leeds a 10th win in their last 11 games at home and to within four points of second-placed Southampton and third-placed Ipswich who visit leaders Leicester on Monday.

Preston, who were top of the table in September, fell to a fifth defeat in seven matches and stay 12th.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds side are now unbeaten in their 14 league matches at Elland Road this season – the longest in England’s top four divisions – but looked vulnerable early on with Preston showing plenty of attacking intent.

After a goal apiece in the opening six minutes, Millar’s rising shot had to be palmed out by Illan Meslier as Ryan Lowe’s men exploited space in behind the hosts’ high line before United gradually forced the visitors back.

The in-form Patrick Bamford almost pounced when Andrew Hughes overegged a header back to goalkeeper Dai Cornell and Georginio Rutter put a free header over the bar from Ilia Gruev’s corner.

But hard-working Preston largely stifled the home threat before the break.

Leeds came out fired up for the second half as Rutter’s shot hit the side of the post, teed up by Summerville’s thrilling driving run, and James twice sped clear, his first run denied by the advancing Cornell before a chip over the keeper found the roof of the net.

The hosts continued to press, but Preston were able to hold them at arm’s length, prompting a Leeds double change in the 77th minute, including striker Piroe who immediately increased the attacking threat.

Robbie Brady’s brilliant last-ditch challenge to stop Bamford going clean through typified Preston’s resolve, but it all proved in vain as Ledson’s outstretched arm convinced referee David Webb to point to the spot.

Piroe stepped up to send Cornell the wrong way and boost Leeds’ chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds:

“These are the best wins of the season. I thought it was well-deserved and they’re important for the mood, confidence and belief in the dressing room.

“Credit goes to Preston because they played with aggression, intensity and they defended really well. It was important we stayed cool.

“I said that Joel should take the penalty. He is our main taker but sometimes it is difficult if you’ve just been substituted in. He’s ice cold in these situations.

“I was 100% sure he would score and thank God he repaid my trust. He’s a key player for us and he’s always one of my most important players.”

Preston boss Ryan Lowe told BBC Radio Lancashire:

“Gutted is an understatement. I’m gutted for the boys because I thought they were terrific in everything they did. I don’t think anybody expected us to come here and go toe-to-toe with them.

“The decisions from the referee baffled me all game. To be done by a penalty decision when the ball hit his body and then rolled up and hit his arm in a natural position… it’s tough to take but that’s football.

“I said to the lads to be proud. We’ve got to use this as a motivation for next weekend to continue.

“We knew we had to be fast out of the traps and get the ball in behind. I thought it was a great game and a fair result would have been 1-1.”