Grayson returned to Elland Road in a managerial capacity for the first time since being sacked at Leeds several years ago. He changed the starting line up with the injured Johnson replaced by Welsh in midfield.
Preston started the btter of the two sides. Will Keane who has been average for the best part of the season fluffed a one on one with the keeper after having two bites.
Leeds came into the game and should have done better with an early opportunity but the game changed after half an hour with a ball that was played through.
Huntington was in trouble against the pace of Wood and so Pickford came rushing out to assist. Wood got to the ball first and tried to chip the keeper. The ball bounced off Pickford's chest to safety. That should have bene the end of the matter but for an easily influenced referee.
The majority of the 22,000 appeared for handball even though replays show it clearly wasn't. The limesman under pressure flagged with the referee then following with a red card for Pickford. Prestona re set to appeal the decision today.
The game changed from that moment on. Kirkland was ill and so Matthew Hudson who is in Preston's youth team at 17 years old made his debut. In fairness he did well and Leeds did very little to trouble him.
Every decision went for the home side and Preston picked up several bookings thanks to inconsistent refereeing despite Leeds causing several fouls which were equal to that of the Preston layers who received a booking. The referee was very much influenced by the home support.
The game then turned again just after the break. Browne tried to clear across but only managed to put a bullet header past Hudson who was helpless to prveent the goal.
Brown who has trouble scoring atthe corect end was then replaced by Kilkenny who changed the game in favour of the visitors. He had a long range shot tipped over the bar as well as a header well saved and another opportunity which was lept out.
Preston could not find the equaliser but were the better side when Kilkenny came on. Leeds had oportunities in the last ten minutes as Pretson piled forward but the distribution and final ball were woeful and the game remained one nil.
North End remain in 16th place and travel to Huddersfield on Boxing Day hoping that Pickford's suspension will be overturned.