Decisive figure's set-piece strike puts Millwall in control at Preston | OneFootball

Ryan Leonard settled the contest in the 29th minute with a composed finish from a corner, setting up Millwall's 2-0 win at Preston North End.

The defender timed his run into the centre and guided it in from Casper de Norre's delivery, a routine that punished a scrambled first contact and put the visitors on the front foot.

After the restart, he fronted up defensively, stepping out to meet crosses and block second balls as the Lions protected their territory against increasing home pressure.

He finished with one attempt and one goal, plus two tackles won, three clearances and seven successful final third passes from 65 touches, underlining how he balanced Millwall's set-piece edge with off-the-ball organisation.

Because Millwall's shape kept a spare defender on the cover and crowded the near-post zone, Leonard could attack the second phase untracked and then drop back to keep Preston at arm's length.

The Lions remain third in the Championship play-off places. Preston host Oxford United next, while Millwall visit Hull.