Preston 2 Leeds 4 - Leeds on the up

By Andy Baggott
November 13 2004

Leeds produced their best attacking football of the season to record a comfortable 4-2 victory over Preston at the weekend. Brian Deane started the ‘spree’ with a header form 6 yards following Jermaine Wrights corner.

Deano headed into the roof of the net for his second goal of the season. Before long, it was 2. The ball broke to Healey near the penalty spot, and he crashed home a low drive for his first Leeds goal, against his former club. It was all Leeds, and Deane could have wrapped up a hat-trick, firing against the keepers legs, then heading over from 4 yards when he should have scored. The third goal did come though, just before half time. Wright played a lovely ball over the top for Healey to run on to. He checked, beat his man, and slotted home to virtually seal the match. After the interval, Preston came back into it – Cresswell scoring after good build up on the edge of the area. Leeds though bounced back, and it was 17 year old Simon Walton with the 4th, after Deane’s header had left him with an open goal 2 yards out. Cresswells late flicked header into the far corner was little more than a consolation, and Leeds left with the points. Excellent performances from Wright, Deane and Healy, whilst Gregan showed why Blackwell fought so hard to get him with his best game for the club. Finally, loan signing John Oster did brilliantly, and won over any doubting Leeds fans with a great wing performance. A win at the weekend, and more takeover news expected today, means that things just might be looking up for the Whites.

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