Crainey hopeful of overturning ban

Leeds defender Stephen Crainey remains optimistic his suspension will be overturned in order for him to play in the Championship play-off final.

The left-back was sent off for two bookable offences as second-half goals from Rob Hulse and Frazer Richardson beat Preston 2-0 in a stormy semi-final second leg at Deepdale to win the tie 3-1 on aggregate.

Crainey’s first yellow card came just before the hour for kicking the ball away and he was shown a second for a challenge on David Nugent in the 68th minute.

Former North End striker Richard Cresswell was a second Leeds player to be dismissed in added time, while six other Leeds players were cautioned.

As it stands, both players will miss the final, but former Celtic and Southampton man Crainey spoke to referee Mike Thorpe after the match and hopes he can still feature against Watford or Crystal Palace at the Millennium Stadium.

Crainey said: “I think we’re going to appeal the second (yellow card). I spoke to the referee and he said that he’ll have a look at it, so fingers crossed that common sense prevails and I can make the final.

“Obviously, it would be a big disappointment if I missed out but the main thing is that we’re there and hopefully with one final push we can make it to the Premiership.”