Bamford’s double strike takes Leeds up to second, five points behind the Canaries

Former Norwich City loan player Patrick Bamford hit a second-half double as Leeds moved back into the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship with a 2-0 win at Preston.

Former Norwich City loan player Patrick Bamford hit a second-half double as Leeds moved back into the automatic promotion places in the Sky Bet Championship with a 2-0 win at Preston.

Bamford got Leeds up and running just after the hour mark when he smashed the ball into the top far corner of the net from the edge of the box. He then headed home with 76 minutes gone as the visitors took full advantage of Ben Pearson’s straight red card.

Pearson was sent off for the third time this season after bringing down Bamford when he was the last man four minutes after the restart.

It swung the game dramatically in the visitors’ favour as they made their numerical advantage count to move two points clear of Sheffield United, and within five points of the Canaries, having now played one more game.

The Blades will be aiming to reclaim second spot on Wednesday evening when they travel to a Birmingham side who are still not save from relegation after being deducted nine points.