Leeds and Preston share honours

Friday, 05, May 2006 10:20

Leeds and Preston played out a tense 1-1 draw in their first Championship play-off at Elland Road, with the away side leaving the happier.

David Nugent, who recently came back from a metatarsal injury, opened the scoring for Preston soon into the second half when he danced round three Leeds defenders to slot home.

But Eddie Lewis scored the equaliser for Leeds, curling a wicked free kick into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Preston had won five of their last six games of the regular season - including a final day win over Leeds - while the home side had managed just one victory in the same period.

But Leeds had their biggest crowd since their relegation from the Premiership in 2004 - and kick-off had to be delayed by 15 minutes to allow all the fans into Elland Road.

It was the home team who were stronger in the first half, though they failed to create many clear-cut chances.

Leeds had a shout for a penalty turned down after Preston defender Youl Mawene knocked Matthew Kilgallon over inside the box.

Kilgallon then had the first chance of the game when he rose to meet Lewis's cross but fired his header against the post.

Nugent shot over after a well-worked free kick but Preston barely had a chance until after the break.

Nugent picked up a clearance from goalkeeper Carlos Nash and did not look to be going anywhere until he went on a run past three defenders to score.

Leeds initially came back strongly, with Liam Miller testing Nash with a powerful shot, but it appeared they had run out of ideas in front of goal.

Brett Ormerod almost added to Preston's lead when he smashed Danny Dichio's knockdown goalwards but Sullivan saved smartly.

That left Lewis to keep Leeds in the tie with his wicked free kick.