Leeds United moved back into second place in the Championship ahead of Sheffield United’s trip to Birmingham City on Wednesday, courtesy of a 2-0 win at 10-man Preston North End.
Patrick Bamford’s second-half double sees the West Yorkshire club move two points above their fellow promotion rivals and five behind leaders Norwich City, who host Reading tomorrow.
Ben Pearson collected his second yellow card in the opening four minutes of the second half at Deepdale this evening before Bamford’s thunderous 25-yard effort into the corner put the visitors in front moments after. It was Pearson’s third dismissal of the season – the holding midfielder once touted as ‘the next Roy Keane’ when he was coming through the ranks at Manchester United.
Leeds went in search for a second to seal the game as defender Luke Ayling struck the post before eventually Bamford headed in a right-wing cross from Mateusz Klich with 14 minutes left on the clock.
Marcelo Bielsa stuck by Patrick Bamford this evening’s game despite the forward missing several opportunities in Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Birmingham City. This evening’s opener was his first in five appearances for Leeds.
Defeat for Preston sees the Lilywhites drop to 11th in the table and six points off the playoffs with only five games remaining. Leeds United ran out deserved winners.
Leeds United will be looking to continue their push for promotion on Saturday when they host in-form Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in the Championship’s evening kickoff.
