Leeds United 1 v PNE 0

Last updated : 16 October 2004 By Sam

Former Manchester United winger Pugh struck the 79th-minute decider from eight yards following Brett Ormerod's determined burst through the box.

David Kelly, Preston's assistant manager, was ordered from the dugout in the 63rd minute by referee Graham Laws for shoving fourth official Craig Barker.

And earlier, Lilywhites manager Billy Davies was lectured by Laws for protesting too strongly over a tackle which earned Leeds' former Preston midfielder Sean Gregan a booking.

David Healey showed glimpses of the skill that has made the Preston striker a prime transfer target for Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell. And in the hope that he would stay, Preston fans chanted Healy's name when he was substituted with 15 minutes left.

With Michael Ricketts totally ineffective before giving way to Brian Deane after an hour of his recall to the Leeds attack, Elland Road supporters hope the directors can find enough cash to tempt Preston into parting with Healy after having two bids rejected this week.

Blackwell made three changes, Simon Walton, Matthew Kilgallon and Ricketts coming in for Deane and injury victims Jermaine Wright and Stephen Crainey.

Preston, already without the suspended Claude Davis, lost left-back David Broomes with an injury as early as the 23rd minute, substitute Eddie Lewis taking up a position wide on the left and Callum Davidson switching to left back.

When Davidson limped off five minutes before the break, manager Davies had more reorganising to do. Andy Smith left the bench and this time John Curtis moved into the 'jinxed' left-back spot.

There were several skirmishes in the second half as Laws struggled to keep control, and the game contained five yellow cards.