Win sees Preston join Cardiff at top of second division

LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) Preston North End joined Cardiff City at the top of the English second division thanks to a 1-0 victory at Leicester City today.

After leaders Cardiff had suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at home by Queens' Park Rangers yesterday, Patrick Agyemang's sixth goal of the season, scored in the 15th minute, was enough to wipe out the three-point gap between the sides.

Preston, who last played in the top flight in 1961, and Cardiff, who were last there in 1962, both have 36 points from 18 matches, two more than Birmingham City who squandered the chance to join them in a 1-1 derby draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gary McSheffrey put Birmingham ahead but Jody Craddock struck a hotly-dispute equaliser in the 90th minute.

Fourth-placed Burnley remain on 31 points after going down 3-0 at improving West Bromwich Albion who move up to sixth. Derby County joined Burnley on 31 points with a 2-0 victory at Luton Town.

Leeds United's troubles continued despite the recent appointment of Dennis Wise as the club's new manager.

The ailing Yorkshire giants were hammered 3-0 at home by Southampton and are third from bottom. Southend United, who beat Manchester United to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup, still prop up the table after a 1-1 draw with Plymouth.

REUTERS SY KP2359