Leeds United draw with Preston North End due to second-half own goal

Leeds looked set to repeat their 1-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers two weeks ago when Jack Whatmough accidentally smashed the ball into their own net in stoppage time to snatch a draw.

United have dominated at Elland Road, but it's a different story on the road.

United's most dangerous player, Dan James, swung in a cross in the 93rd minute that was met by Mateo Josef and deflected past the hapless Whatmough, giving the team their third away defeat in four games. did.

It was a reward for the visitors' relentless late pressure, but for much of the match they were out of sorts, playing at a walking pace, especially in the first half, allowing North End to shape their defence.

It was like a repeat of the first 45 minutes at Ewood Park. They fell behind due to their sharp counter attacks and were unable to make a big impression until the subsequent stages.

Preston's goal in the 23rd minute was well set up, but United were far too easily taken ahead on the counter-attack.

Joe Rothwell lost the ball on the edge of the Preston box, then Brad Potts played a long ball to Milutin Osmajic, who moved away from his marker. He sped away down the right flank and lofted a cross to the far post, where the onrushing Potts beat Illan Meslier at the near post, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand on the ball. It was a goal that could have been prevented.

A large part of the lead wire had changed color. (Image: PA) Brenden Aaronson summed up United's first-half performance with a 10-yard shot into the stands.

The mood at Leeds darkened further when Preston midfielder Ben Whiteman, who had already been booked, lunged at Jayden Bogle and stole the ball before becoming man. It was a clear second yellow, but the only card referee John Busby issued was a protest against Leeds manager Daniel Farke. .

It was no surprise that Whiteman was substituted at half-time as the pitch temperature rose in the wake of the incident and Busby began to lose control of the game.

Having struggled, Leeds improved significantly in the second period but were constantly exposed to breaks and a well-placed Emile Rhys headed a shot straight at Meslier.

Farke made a number of attacking subs, but Leeds' constant pressure paid off when Patrick Bamford's close-range backheel went wide and James' 20-yarder hit the bar. It seemed like he was going to end up doing karate until he got caught.

“We didn't get off to a very good start until the last 20 minutes or something trying to get the tying goal. They defended really well,” Falke said.

“After taking so many risks and making so many changes in the match, scoring a goal in stoppage time in this way feels like a valuable and irreplaceable point, especially in an away game. .”