Leeds United were handed a boost last night when all three of the sides directly behind them failed to win at home, including Sunderland needing a late equaliser at home to Preston. After losing at Portsmouth, Leeds knew that this week could see the pressure ramp up in the promotion race if the form of those behind them continued. All of the top four had home fixtures this weekend with Leeds playing tonight against Millwall, having to respond to whatever Sheffield United, Burnley, and Sunderland did on Tuesday.Sunderland draw at home to Preston in frustrating result

Having won their last two games to cut the deficit to eight points heading into their match last night, Sunderland were still in the running for a top two finish after Leeds dropped five points in their previous two games.

They were unable to get any closer, though, as they were only able to draw with Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston at the Stadium of Light. Emil Riis’ goal was negated by Black Cats winger Romaine Mundle’s spectacular goal from outside the box in the 86th minute.

As Sheffield United and Burnley also split the spoils at one apiece, Regis Le Bris’ team now sits seven points behind Leeds and bemoans their inability to cut the deficit to five points.