Football League round-up – Preston hit Leeds for six
Finally, things are starting to look up for Darren Ferguson and Preston.
After starting the season very slowly, including surrendering a 3-1 lead with six minutes to go at Burnley a few weeks ago, Preston have now made it two wins in a week to lift them out of the relegation zone. But they did it the hard way against Leeds last night, giving their opponents a 4-1 head-start before a rampant second-half display saw them turn the tables to win 6-4.
Ferguson was blown away with his side’s comeback as the pressure has seemingly been lifted off his shoulders for the time being. "I have never been involved in such an amazing game. But all credit to my players for their sensational comeback,” he told the BBC.
Millwall fans have once again made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
On the pitch, the Millwall players were a credit to their club, holding the rampant league leaders QPR to a goalless draw. It's just a shame that in the stands a section of hooligans continue to cast a dark cloud over the club’s reputation.
Police made at least 11 arrests during an evening in which supporters fought in two pubs close to the stadium and missile-throwing broke out in the stands as the supporters exited the ground.
It does beg the question why the Football Association scheduled a predictably fiery derby match for a Tuesday night, which gives sets of supporters the time to load up on alcohol before the game. Usually a game of this magnitude which requires a large police presence is scheduled for Saturday lunchtime. Rangers’ manager Neil Warnock was in agreement.
"It doesn't make sense – and you'll never get any sense out of them," he said of the FA’s fixture programme. "It will be a computer or somebody who has never kicked a football or thought about fans."
The R’s boss had witnessed his side frustrated by a dogged Millwall side, who became the first side this season to shut out the hosts. Goalkeeper David Forde and centre-half Darren Ward were both at the top of their game to repeatedly deny the creative Rangers forward line.
Both Cardiff and Ipswich missed the opportunity to close the gap on Rangers, who have stretched their lead to seven points. The Bluebirds were held at home by Crystal Palace whilst Ipswich were beaten 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium by Reading, substitute Simon Church grabbing the winner.
Wes Hoolahan scored twice for Norwich in their 4-3 win over bottom side Leicester City, who continue to struggle under Paulo Sousa. The Foxes had taken an early lead through Martin Waghorn, but defensive frailties once again cost them as Adam Dury and Andrew Crofts pushed the Canaries into third place.
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