The match was controversial throughout with Leeds playing a very physical game not allowing North End to play football. This was seen early on as Oremerod was on the receiving end of an unpunished tackle breaking his leg. This upset the North end tactics having started with four frontmen. The referee never had a hold of the game and was seen as weak throughout letting several Leeds players go unpunished.
Preston had several chances in the first half including Dichio heading wide. th eteams went in level at half time but the second half was delayed due to floodlight failure. The referee making one of many strange decisions decided not to restart the match when the lights came back on - despite the players being ready after a warm up in the dark and so a further ten minute delay was given.
Early in the second half Hulse escaped his marker to head home from yet another set piece. Richardson doubled the lead after having a free shot which Nash could not hold onto. Belatedly Derry was sent off for a second yellow after a rash challenge and Mears had a goal chalked off. Ex North Ender Cresswell wa salso sent off deep into injury time when the match was all but over.
Strange tactics, two errors and a bad referee cost Preston who will look back on another great season where the team achieved its highest finish in terms of position and points since 1964.
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