Leeds United target Jermaine Beckford has turned on the style for Preston North End this afternoon, hitting a hat-trick to help his side win the League One playoff final 4-0 against Swindon Town.
Beckford, who is on loan at Preston and has been released by parent club Bolton Wanderers, scored with just three minutes on the clock at Wembley.
A second was added by Paul Huntington in the 13th minute, before Beckford then struck again on the stroke of half time to make it 3-0.
And the striker then completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, sending North End into dreamland.
He was delighted with his performance and told Sky Sports post-match: "We knew it would be a difficult game and it shows the character and the application we've got within the team and the staff. We did a fantastic job of exploiting the spaces."
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And Beckford, who almost retired through illness earlier this season, added: "I take every day as it comes. Fortunately for me, it was our day and I'm very happy."
The striker also spoke about his relationship with Preston boss Simon Grayson and explained that he feels he owes the manager a debt for believing in him.
"He makes me a happy person. I owe him a lot. We have a fantastic relationship."
Preston are one of a series of clubs hoping to snap Beckford up on a free transfer, with another being Leeds, who have already held discussions with his representatives.
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