Preston North End beat Leeds United 2-0 on Tuesday night.
All the plaudits heading into the Leeds United’s Carabao Cup clash with Preston North End were given to the hosts – but it was the visitors who ended up claiming the win and a spot in the next round of the competition.
Leeds went into the game having thrashed Norwich City 3-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon, whilst Preston lost 2-0 on their travels at Derby County, with both sides ringing the changes.
Ultimately though, it was Preston who turned in a fine display at Elland Road, which was kickstarted by Daniel Johnson’s second minute penalty after Louis Moult had been tripped inside the area by Conor Shaughnessy.
North End did go down to 10 men in the first half though as Ryan Ledson was given a straight red card for a rash challenge, only for Brandon Barker to break from his own half and score a stunning solo second for Preston.
Barker’s goal ultimately took the wind out of Leeds’ sails, as he raced half the length of the pitch before smashing a left footed strike beyond Jamal Blackman and into the top corner of the Leeds net.
Leeds attempted to get back into the game by bringing on Samu Saiz and Mateusz Klich at half time, but Preston stood strong and saw out the game in a 2-0 win – and Barker grabbed the headlines.
Barker is one of two Manchester City talents to have signed for Preston on loan earlier this month, with Lukas Nmecha also signing for the Lilywhites, and winger Barker has caught the eye so far, even if he is yet to start a league game.
Fans took to Twitter to hail Barker, with North End supporters excited to see more of Barker in action, urging manager Alex Neil to start Barker in this weekend’s game against Bolton Wanderers having starred against Leeds.
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