LONDON, Dec 15, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Sheffield United extended their lead at the top of the Championship on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Wayne Rooney's struggling Plymouth as Leeds dropped points.

Chris Wilder's side took the lead in the 19th minute via a brilliant volley by Gustavo Hamer and Kieffer Moore converted a late penalty.

"Plymouth were undoubtedly the better side in the first half. They moved us about, pressed us better and had the better chances," said Sheffield United boss Wilder.

"Our quality wasn't very good and we kept giving the ball away cheaply. No excuses, we weren't great in that first half.

"We felt a lot more comfortable in the second half. There wasn't any complacency or arrogance from us -- I feel we had the better moments without being totally over the line until we got the penalty."

The Blades are three points clear of Leeds, who had earlier struck a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 at Preston.

Brad Potts put Preston ahead in the first half but Leeds' pressure eventually told when Mateo Joseph went to turn in a low cross, with the final touch coming off Preston defender Jack Whatmough for an own goal in the 93rd minute.

"To score the goal in added time, also in this way, after we took so much risk and made so many changes in the game feels like a valuable and priceless point, especially in an away game," said Leeds boss Daniel Farke.

"It's a good point on the board in a tough place. I think Preston defended really well."

Sunderland fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Swansea to go third, with Jobe Bellingham completing the turnaround.

Blackburn kept themselves in the play-off chase with a 2-0 win over Luton, who ended the game with 10 men.

Neil Harris's final match as Millwall manager end with a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough, who are up to sixth after an early goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath.

QPR's recovery continued with a 1-1 draw at Bristol City while Frank Lampard's Coventry side come from behind to beat Hull 2-1.

Stoke drew 2-2 against Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday fought back to win 3-1 at Oxford.