Preston North End, Rotherham United evenly poised after first leg

Preston North End and Rotherham United have played out a 1-1 draw in this evening's League One semi-final playoff at Deepdale.

The home side made a good start to the game, but their calls for a penalty appeal after Joe Garner had gone down inside the opening minute were quickly dismissed.

Rotherham broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Alex Revell latched onto a long ball before racing clear of the Preston defence and slotting the ball past Declan Rudd.

Garner attempted to level the scores from outside the box with a speculative effort midway through the first half, but this was easily collected by Adam Collin.

Just a few minutes after the interval, the home side struck back in emphatic fashion through Garner. The 26-year-old controlled a looping ball before sending it over the head of Joe Skarz and volleying past Collin from outside the box for his 24th goal of the season.

The Millers could have retaken the lead just five minutes later after Wes Thomas played a ball through to Lee Frecklington, but Rudd was quick off his line to thwart the danger, while just after the hour mark, Robert Milsom's effort whizzed just wide of the post.

Midway through the second half, Rotherham kept piling on the pressure and were able to break with a swift counterattack, but Kari Arnason's effort from outside the area was comfortably held by the opposition keeper.

Rudd was then responsible for a timely reflex save to keep out Haris Vuckic in injury time, ensuring that the scoreline would end in a draw.

The return fixture takes place next Thursday at the New York Stadium.