Preston North End vs. Leeds: A Rivalry for the Ages
Preston North End and Leeds United are two of the oldest and most storied clubs in English football. Their rivalry dates back to the late 19th century, and it has been played out on some of the biggest stages in the game. In recent years, the two clubs have met regularly in the Championship, and their matches are always hotly contested. So, what makes this rivalry so special? Let's take a closer look.
The Early Years
Preston North End was founded in 1880, while Leeds United was founded in 1919. The two clubs first met in a friendly match in 1887, and they have been playing each other regularly ever since. In the early years, Preston was the more dominant club, winning the FA Cup twice and the First Division title once. Leeds, however, began to emerge as a major force in the 1960s, winning the First Division title twice and the FA Cup once.
The Modern Era
In recent years, the two clubs have met regularly in the Championship. Preston has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of the last five matches. However, Leeds remains the more successful club overall, having won the Championship title three times since 2000.
Key Players
Many great players have represented both Preston North End and Leeds United over the years. Some of the most notable include:
Memorable Matches
There have been many memorable matches between Preston North End and Leeds United over the years. One of the most famous was the 1960 FA Cup Final, which Leeds won 2-0. Another memorable match was the 2007 Championship play-off final, which Preston won 1-0.
The Rivalry Today
The rivalry between Preston North End and Leeds United is still going strong today. The two clubs are always keen to get one over on each other, and their matches are always hotly contested. The rivalry is also played out off the pitch, with the two sets of fans often engaging in friendly banter.
Preston North End vs. Leeds United: Head-to-Head Record
| Competition | Preston Wins | Leeds Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| League | 45 | 50 | 31 |
| FA Cup | 6 | 10 | 4 |
| League Cup | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Other | 3 | 4 | 1 |
Conclusion
The rivalry between Preston North End and Leeds United is one of the most passionate and long-standing in English football. The two clubs have met on many memorable occasions, and their matches are always hotly contested. The rivalry is also played out off the pitch, with the two sets of fans often engaging in friendly banter.
