Paul Heckingbottom says Leeds United now have something over Sheffield United and Burnley

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Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom has praised Leeds United following his side’s 2-1 defeat at Elland Road on Saturday and says the Whites have a big advantage over their title rivals.

After looking down the pit of despair a week ago, things could not be looking brighter for Leeds United after defeating Preston North End.

Two successive victories and three defeats on the spin for Sheffield United mean Leeds are five points clear of the Blades, who sit in third place, and have taken a huge step towards Premier League promotion.

Manor Solomon was the star of the show against Preston, scoring a stunning opening goal after just four minutes.

Noth End hit back immediately but Leeds remained calm and scored again when the ‘sensational’ Jayden Bogle turned in Solomon’s pinpoint cross.

If Joel Piroe wasn’t so wasteful in front of goal, Daniel Farke’s side would have won by a much larger margin but it mattered little, as the joyous scenes at full-time proved.

Preston boss and former Leeds manager, Paul Heckingbottom, reckons his old club will now be delighted that the Blades and Burnley still have to play each other.

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom reacts to Leeds United result

Speaking after the game, Heckingbottom praised Leeds. He said: “They’ll take some stopping.

“As a Leeds manager and fan, you’ve got to be delighted about that fixture coming up.”

Burnley and Sheffield United go head to head at Turf Moor on Easter Monday in the third-to-last fixture of the season.

Just a week ago, the game promised to be a winner-takes-all clash in the hunt for the Championship title.

Now, however, it could condemn the Blades to the play-offs and hand Leeds the title, should the Whites ensure they don’t slip up again beforehand.

Either way, at least one of Leeds’ rivals will be dropping points.

When Leeds United can now secure Premier League promotion

Sheffield United’s shock defeat at bottom side Plymouth Argyle – and Chris Wilder’s subsequent kick-off – has made a good day a great one for Leeds.

As a result, Leeds’ long-awaited return to the top flight could be confirmed by next Monday.

The Whites take on Oxford United on Good Friday at 8 pm.

If they match or better the Blades’ result in their 5:30 pm match against Cardiff City and then Wilder’s side lose against Burnley, Leeds will be up as long as they have already beaten Stoke City.

It’s in touching distance now.