Full Time: Leeds United 3-0 Preston North End
Leeds United bounced back from two consecutive defeats and took a step closer to sealing a place in the Championship’s play-offs with a 3-0 win over Preston North End.
The home team went ahead in the 18th minute through Kemar Roofe. The former Oxford United man turned the provider a little later, after sending Pablo Hernandez through, who made no mistake to make it 2-0 at the stroke of half-time.
Both sides hit the crossbar in a frantic second half which ended with Preston’s Alex Baptiste being sent off for a late tackle on Hernandez, after which substitute Doukara bagged the Whites’ third goal in injury time.
The win sees Leeds close the gap on 4th placed Reading to just one point, with five games left to be played in the Championship. Here is how the Leeds players fared on the day:
Leeds United Player Ratings
Rob Green – 7/10
Added another clean sheet to his tally, but that was largely due to the inefficient Preston attack. But was solid when called upon.
Luke Ayling – 7.5/10
Was back to his best after a poor display in the midweek game. Got forward constantly and his link-up play with Roofe was brilliant.
Kyle Bartley – 7/10
The Swansea loanee stood up tall against a powerful attack. A much-improved performance after two lacklustre displays.
Pontus Jansson – 7/10
Gave it back as good as he got against an attack that was always going to test the Leeds defence. Remained solid.
Gaetano Berardi – 8/10
Another excellent performance on the left-hand side of the defence. He is playing some of his best football for Leeds and should keep Charlie Taylor out for the coming weeks.
Ronaldo Vieira – 7.5/10
Started the game a little nervously but grew good with time and imposed himself thoroughly in the middle of the park. Thwarted McGeady’s repeated attempts to cut in from the flanks with great effect.
Kalvin Phillips – 7.5/10
The 21-year old put in a steady display in the midfield for the Whites. Was quite helpful while going forward and kept things solid defensively as well.
Kemar Roofe – 8.5/10
Came into the line-up and opened the scoring in the 18th minute via a deflected effort, but the link-up play before that was excellent. A creative spark in the attacking third.
Pablo Hernandez – 8/10
After several under-par performances in recent weeks, needed a boost of confidence which he found with his goal at the end of first-half. Looked dangerous as he was afforded space to play in.
Alfonso Pedraza Sag – 7/10
Gave the Preston defence plenty to think about with his direct running and energy, but lacked the cutting edge.
Chris Wood – 7/10
Unlucky night for the Kiwi striker as he saw a goal bizarrely ruled out for offside. Rattled the crossbar in the second period. One of those days where things didn’t go his way. Did set up Roofe for the opener.
Substitutes
Stuart Dallas – 6/10
Replaced Roofe in the 70th minute. Added some freshness, but did not get involved heavily.
Souleymane Doukara – 7/10
Replaced Wood for the last ten minutes of the game and made a positive impact. Scored the third goal in injury time.
Charlie Taylor – NA
Replaced Hernandez for the last two minutes.