Follow live coverage as Preston North End face Bristol City in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Bristol City enjoyed an emphatic 3-1 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale to extend their unbeaten run to eight games. Yu Hirakawa opened the scoring after just six minutes when he latched onto a loose back pass, poking it round the keeper and scoring, the referee waving away the hosts' shouts for handball.

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom was left to rue a ‘diabolical’ decision - but also his side’s performance - in Saturday’s 1-3 loss to Bristol City.

Preston are three clear of the relegation zone and most of their points came from games here at Deepdale. Their sole defeat this season came on the first day when they were turned over by Sheffield United. They have lost only two of their last nine home league games and over two months ago they suffered a defeat at the Deepdale.

Liam Manning speaks after his side beat Preston North End at Deepdale. Image: Getty. Programme Website. Coming Up Next. now playing

Bristol City played out a goalless draw against Leeds United at Ashton Gate, extending their unbeaten run to seven consecutive games and remain undefeated at home.

Preston North End supporters watched their team lose at home, in the Championship, for the first time under boss Paul Heckingbottom. Bristol City attacker Yu Hirakawa scored a controversial opener after six minutes - with the summer loan signing having used his hand in the build-up.