Soccer: Leeds beat Preston to reach playoff final

Leeds United moved a step closer to a return to the English Premier League today when they reached the second division playoff soccer final by beating Preston.

Leeds, relegated and hit by a cash crisis two years ago, won 2-0 at Preston for a 3-1 aggregate victory, thanks to two goals in five minutes early in the second half of a combative contest.

Striker Rob Hulse scored the first with a header from a Gary Kelly corner after 56 minutes and then made the second for Fraser Richardson, who was left with a close range tap-in.

Leeds, who had eight players cautioned, were reduced to 10 men for the final 22 minutes when Stephen Craney was sent off for a second bookable offence. They were down to nine when Richard Cresswell was dismissed in added time.

Leeds will meet Watford or Crystal Palace in the Cardiff final on May 21.

Watford lead 3-0 after the first leg of their semifinal. The second leg will be played on Wednesday.

- REUTERS