A stunning Eddie Lewis free-kick restored parity for Leeds United after Preston North End's Dave Nugent had given the visitor's a 48th minute lead in front of Elland Road's biggest crowd of the season this evening.
In front of 35, 239 boisterous fans it was Billy Davies' men who drew first blood, fit again Nugent slotting past Neil Sullivan following a mazy run deep into the heart of the home rearguard.
However, the Yorkshire outfit was not to be denied on the night, and Lewis made Claude Davis pay for an indiscretion on the edge of his own penalty area, the American sweeping home a superb left footed free-kick that crept in despite the best efforts of a back tracking Graham Alexander.
A reminder that the second leg takes place at Deepdale on Monday 8 May, Kick-off 7.45pm.