Leeds United 2-1 Preston North End: Joel Piroe's stoppage-time penalty boosts Leeds' automatic promotion hopes

Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Preston North End at Elland Road on Sunday; Joel Piroe scored a stoppage-time penalty to boost their automatic promotion hopes; Dan James equalised for Leeds after Will Keane's 65-second opener for Preston

Sunday 21 January 2024 16:09, UK

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Joel Piroe scored a stoppage-time penalty as Leeds boosted their automatic promotion challenge with a 2-1 home win against Preston.

Second-half substitute Piroe converted from the spot in the third minute of added time after Ryan Ledson was adjudged to have handled and Leeds' last-gasp victory saw them close the gap on the top two back to four points.

The penalty decision left Preston boss Ryan Lowe fuming and believed if VAR was in use the referee's call would have been overturned.

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He told Sky Sports: We've been undone by a decision that I know my feelings on it, and I know if there was VAR and it was in the Prem [Premier League] it doesn't get given.

«I just want it to be fair for both teams and I don't think it was today. In my eyes, it's definitely not a pen.»

Will Keane gave Preston a second-minute lead and although Dan James equalised four minutes later it proved a frustrating afternoon for Leeds against dogged opponents.

Preston were without Duane Holmes, Freddie Woodman and Milutin Osmajic due to illness, but they made a flying start.

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Ben Whiteman's free-kick into the penalty area was headed back across goal by Liam Lindsay and, after Leeds failed to clear, Liam Millar's miscued shot