Preston North End Vs Colchester United
Saturday 6th August 2011 nPower League One
After a summer of grieving for much of the North End faithful, the new season is finally upon us.
However, for many of the younger Deepdale visitor, English football’s third tier might be unchartered territory with 11 years passing since the Lilywhites last competed at such a level.
Nonetheless, both the fans and players alike are raring to go.
Kicking off the new campaign is the visit of John Ward’s Colchester United, who themselves have been found wanting when adding to their playing staff.
Ironically enough, Graham Alexander’s last game, his 400th for the club, was against Colchester back in 2007.
The former Scotland international could pick up right where he left off should the 39-year-old find a place in the starting eleven.
Previous Meetings
As alluded to above, the last time these two sides met in the league it turned out to be Graham Alexander’s last and 400th appearance for North End.
That afternoon in August 2007, North End slumped to a 3-0 defeat thanks to goals from Kevin Lisbie, a Teddy Sheringham penalty and a Mark Yeates strike.
The return fixture wasn’t much better either with a yellow-clad North End side going down to a 2-1 defeat at the now defunct Layer Road.
Scott Vernon put the home team ahead just after the hour mark from 12-yards before Neil Mellor thought he had salvaged a point.
However, Johnnie Jackson broke Preston hearts with an 88th minute winner.
On a more positive note, who can forget the 7-0 thrashing dealt by a then manager-less Preston North End in the FA Cup 3rd Round in January 2010.
Chris Brown put North End ahead early on before Chris Sedgwick doubled the home side’s advantage just before the half hour mark.
Jon Parkin netted a two minute brace after the restart before a Williams own goal made it five.
Darren Carter added a sixth before the Beast completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Team News
Who will be lining up for North End come Saturday is anyone’s guess with rumours of more incomings in the offing, particularly down the left hand side.
Iain Turner will make his first appearance for the club since his permanent move whilst Graham Alexander will be vying for a starting place in midfield in what will be his 401st appearance for North End.
It is widely expected that ‘Grezza’ will fill the void left by the yet fit Ian Ashbee.
Paul Parry could slot in along the left flank following the departure of Keith Treacy whilst Jamie Proctor is in pole position to start up front alongside Iain Hume having enjoyed a fruitful pre-season.