PNE 1-2 Leeds Quick Thoughts ... Leeds grind out midweek victory at long last

Tuesday night saw Leeds manage to battle their way to their first three points on a Tuesday night this season against a dogged and determined Preston side in a game that couldn't have been more different to the corresponding fixture at Elland Road earlier this season. 

Neil Kilkenny continued his renaissance following on from his best performance of the season against Doncaster by scoring an absolute peach, while "Come On Billy" Paynter managed to score his first in a white shirt after several fruitless but unlucky attempts earlier in the season. Ian Hume replied in spectacular fashion for Preston from thirty yards.

The game was fraught and frantic with neither side truly managing to wrestle control. Phil Brown's managerial know-how did wonders for Preston this evening, a vast improvement on the Kamikaze style they'd seen prior to his appointment under Darren Ferguson. Their midfield offered much bite, and caused Leeds to think quickly on their feet, forcing mistakes and preventing large spells of United dominance. Preston's attacking ploy consisted most notably of playing quickly into the lively Hume for him to spin on the ball and run at Leeds' back line. This provided several instances of success as he managed to wearable his way in behind on several occasions, as well as turn and run into space to blast in their goal.

Kasper was first forced into action with a spectacular tip onto the bar from a Keith Treacy effort, as I was still running to the ground after setting off late from Leeds. At the other end, Gradel was the main threat as he was rolled into play on several occasions, let loose to run at their back line. Leeds managed to cause some panic but had no early clear cut chances in an end to end opening.

Up stepped the much maligned Kilkenny to set critical fans (myself included) straight for the second game in succession, with an absolute pearler from thirty yards. A controlled side foot curler, first time, sent the 5000 traveling Leeds fans barmy, not only for the quality of the goal, but the fact some control had been afforded on a game that was so bitty. 

What followed was a spell of Leeds pressure. Billy Paynter had struggled with long balls being fired in his vicinity from all quarters of the pitch, but when a long pass forward was played in behind for him to run onto, he looked able to cause issue with his power and strength, firing on a couple of occasions wide after bustling his way into the box. Howson also went close after nicking the ball and driving forward in his typical composed and picturesque stride.

Phil Brown managed to re-instill Preston's self belief at half time and they came out in the spirited manner they started the first. A loose ball was hammered home from a few yards out after bobbling free from the aftermath of a corner, Sian Massey correctly raised her flag to rule it out, again proving just how much use Keys and Gray are on football coverage.

The danger of again throwing away control of a game we'd again had the best of seemed to act as a catalyst for Leeds who were doing their utmost to allay fears of another nail biter. 

Paynter was the man to extend the lead, much to the delight of the traveling support, who'd offered their undying backing of the striker despite his unfortunate lack of goals so far this season. Billy duly responded to the affections of the Leeds support, wriggling free on the edge of the box to fire home with a well struck effort across the keeper, 2-0 and what should have been a relaxed end to the game. 

The eleven Leeds men however contrived to make the game annoyingly interesting for the remainder, and Hume, who'd been a thorn in the side all night, turned and ran at a defence unwilling to close down, finishing with an arrowing drive into the top corner. It was hit with such definitive power that any keeper would have struggled. It was one to admire, and got Preston's kids giddy and taunting the 5000 traveling Leeds fans. Your guess is as good as mine as to why, with their side bottom, ours in the playoffs and them currently still losing. Chants of "you've got school in the morning" belittled their contributions off the field whenever they attempted to chime in.

The final third of the game was extremely uncomfortable as wave after wave of Preston attacks were dealt with by a scramble or last ditch header or block. It really was backs to the wall stuff, and left many querying why a change wasn't forthcoming in the midfield, which was lagging somewhat. Snodgrass in particular looked leggy.

Despite the Preston pressure, though, Paynter managed to steal in on a poor chest pass to the keeper only to see his trickling toe poke crawl painfully onto the inside of the post before being scrambled away. Billy really has upset the footballing gods with his move to Yorkshire this last summer.

Becchio replaced Paynter, Bannan replaced Kilkenny and Naylor made an appearance in place of Snodgrass who'd have been glad of the relief.

Becchio, Bromby, Naylor, O'Brien and Lichaj combined to act as an insurmountable blockade against the lofted barrage Preston offered, and with grit and determination Leeds managed to seal a narrow victory that proved oh so important once 5Live was switched on in the car and results from around the Championship came through.

Persistent Paynter

Billy capped a tireless performance with the least he deserved and the Leeds support loved it.

"Nice one Billy, nice one son, nice one Billy lets have another one..."

When he was given a chance with a ball played into him rather than into his vicinity he looked a threat and was ably playing the Becchio role up until the Argentinian's introduction.

Phil Brown commented:

"This will be Sean St Ledger and Craig Morgan's hardest game this season - Billy Paynter was exceptional."

"I was surprised Becchio wasn't starting but their manager deserves credit for that" 

The reaction of the players towards him, with them all going over to congratulate him, along with the 5000 fans going spare really does characterise the club's togetherness and was great to witness.

Kilkenny hushing critics, again

Kilkenny again silenced his critics with the second performance in two games that showed effort and effectiveness. Prior to this last week I'd been despairing at his inclusion in the side, he'd contributed pretty much the sum total of nothing to the side in regards product and effort, but since the Swansea game, his worst of the season, he's clearly been told he needs to buck up, and he's duly responded. Bannan's presence will only spur the Aussie on to keep his place in the side.

Back in the hunt

We have managed to come within three points of second, after being 8 adrift post Swansea two weeks ago - miraculous, our reprieve must be taken advantage of as the others continue to stutter.