Parkin treble aids Preston comeback in 6-4 win over Leeds

JON PARKIN struck a hat-trick as Preston completed a remarkable comeback from three goals down to beat Leeds 6-4 in an enthralling npower Championship match at Elland Road last night.

Darren Ferguson's side had taken an early lead through Parkin but Leeds raced 4-1 ahead before half-time thanks to goals from Luciano Becchio, Alex Bruce and a Davide Somma double.

Preston's turnaround began just a minute later, however, with Parkin getting his second before Keith Treacy and a Callum Davidson penalty brought Preston level. Amazingly, they were ahead with 64 minutes played when Parkin completed his treble. Iain Hume then sealed Preston's second successive away win 11 minutes from time.

Burnley thrashed Hull 4-0 while top two QPR and Cardiff were both held to goalless home draws against Millwall and Crystal Palace respectively. That allowed third-placed Norwich to make ground at the top as they won 4-3 against Leicester.

Swansea held on for a 3-2 win at Watford, while Portsmouth moved out of the drop zone with a 3-1 win over Bristol City.

Simon Church struck an 88th-minute winner as Reading and Ipswich both finished with ten men and a Kris Commons double helped Derby come from behind to beat beleagured Middlesbrough 3-1. Coventry beat Doncaster 2-1 while Barnsley's game versus Scunthorpe ended goalless.