United striker Billy Paynter was delighted to score his first goal in a Leeds shirt on Tuesday - and he was quick to thank the fans for their support.

The summer signing from Swindon smashed home United's second goal of the night in the 2-1 win at Preston and the celebrations which followed were a joy to behold.

The 5,000 strong travelling support, who have been non-stop in their encouragement of the striker, were delirious, and he was joined by the majority of his team-mates as he celebrated what he hopes will be the first of many goals for the club.

"It was class just to see it hit the back of the net and then to see 5,000 Leeds fans going mental," said a delighted Billy. "I'm really chuffed to bits.

"Was it worth the wait? To see a reaction like that, definitely! Yet just when you think your luck has changed I stretched for another one and it hit the post.

"The gaffer's been tremendous with me. I got a run-out against Doncaster on Saturday and the reaction of the fans was superb then. I'm just really chuffed to bits. They have taken to me and it's nice to repay them as well.

"Every time I go on the pitch I try and give my all and I like to think they have noticed that, and it was great to score a goal for them. It's out of the way now and hopefully there's more to come."

Billy turned in a real hard-working performance at Preston as United picked up a win that closes the gap further on the leading pack in the division.

"Preston were fighting for their lives, but we're pushing for the Play-Offs and hopefully second place so it was a big result," he added.