Steve Evans' Leeds United beat ten man Preston North End 1-0 at Elland Road to go 13th in the Sky Bet Championship table. 

Steve Evans' Leeds host MK Dons this afternoon (3pm kick-off)

Preston keeper Jordan Pickford was sent off in the 30th minute for handling outside the area, and in his place came youth academy player Mathew Hudson to make his debut.

However, Leeds failed to make the numerical advantage count in the first half, and the sides went into the break level.

Less than a minute into the second half though, Leeds found a breakthrough, as a Stuart Dallas cross hit Preston defender Browne which ballooned past young Hudson into the net.

After the home goal though Leeds found themselves on the back foot as Simon Grayson's side poured forward seeking an equaliser, Neil Kilkenny in particular was a danger and forced three brilliant saves out of Leeds keeper Marco Silvestri.

FootballLeagueWorld writer Anthony Yeo identifies three things that we learned from a gripping encounter at Elland Road...

1) Leeds need to boost their attacking options

Having only scored eight goals at home this season, Leeds sometimes look a little light up front.

If the budget allows for some investment in January, it is in the forward line where the squad needs strengthening.

Leeds manager Evans has defended the goal tally, but if you don't stick them in they won't count, and eventually they will be punished for the lack of goals.

2) Matthew Hudson looks like a fine young prospect

Apart from the goal, which he could do nothing about, substitute keeper Hudson did very little wrong.

He looked assured in his handing and held his nerve well after coming on in such controversial and difficult circumstances.

I'm sure this young man will have a great future, and will probably be on the bench again now with Pickford facing suspension, as former England international Chris Kirkland should be fit for their Boxing Day clash at Huddersfield Town.

3) Both teams will be playing in Championship next season

Leeds moved up to 13th climbing, above Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest, while Preston remain in 16th, seven points from the bottom three.

Both clubs are in no danger of being embroiled in a relegation battle, but they won't make an impression at the other end of the table either.

This was a mid table game and this is where I think both teams will finish come May.

Leeds and Preston fans.... what did you make of the game? Leeds fans do the lack of goals worry you? Preston fans what did you think of young Hudson's debut? Should Pickford have been sent off? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!