Millwall punish Preston with set piece strike and stoppage-time clincher | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Preston North End lost 2-0 to Millwall at Deepdale. Ryan Leonard put the Lions ahead in the 29th minute after a corner, finishing low from close range. Preston's best spell forced Anthony Patterson into a sharp save from Callum Lang (69.), before Luke Cundle secured the points in the second minute of second half stoppage time with a fast-break finish. Despite 57.1% possession, Preston managed only two shots on target from six attempts. The Lions stay third in the Championship and visit Hull next, while Preston drop from 10th to 12th and host Oxford United next.

Player of the Match: Femi Azeez drove the Lions on the counter, supplying the late cross for the clincher and adding four shots, two key passes and three successful dribbles.

Stat of the Match: Lions made 46 clearances, a resolute rearguard showing under late pressure.

Three Things We Learned: Set pieces count, with Leonard's opener arriving after a corner to tilt the game the Lions' way. Azeez was a constant outlet, posting four shots, two key passes and three successful dribbles. Preston slung in 21 crosses but connected at just 9.5% accuracy, reflecting their blunt edge in the final third.