Leeds eased past Preston with goals from Tom Lees, Sam Byram and Aidy White.

Trips to Deepdale have been regular occurrences in recent times, a consequence of the "boom and bust" years under a certain Peter Ridsdale. Ridsdale has arrived in Lancashire having reinvented himself as a troubleshooter rather than the fan on the board who got carried away.

Around 2500 Whites crossed the Pennines, many taking advantage of pay-on-the-day even though Leeds had failed to add the "new face" Neil Warnock hinted at and Rodolph Austin's arrival has been postponed until tomorrow (Sunday).

However it emerged at half-time that Lee Peltier had become Warnock's tenth signing of the summer, by then Leeds had gone in front Tom Lees showing magnificent composure on the edge of the box before firing home.

On 52minutes, the hosts drew level. North Ends new boy John Mousinho who followed his ex Stevenage boss Graham Wesley up north finished a well taken effort inside the area.

Self-confessed friendly hater Warnock made a treble substitution on the hour replacing Brwn, McCormack and Becchio with Pugh, Drury and Gray. However it was his earlier substition, Sam Byram, on for Paddy Kisnorbo on 30, who put United back in front by smashing home Paul Green's corner.

And two became three as Aidy White, who was just 11 when Ridsdale took a bow at Elland Road in March 2003, added to his pre-season tally following great work by Norris on 80.

So next stop Burton before next Saturday's curtain-raiser against Shrewsbury in the League Cup. With Rodolph Austin and Lee Peltier both available for the trip to the Brewers, we may get a sneak preview if the Warnock revolution is taking shape as the pre-season results clearly suggest.

Photo: Action Images

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