3-1 And We're Going Down

Last updated : 28 March 2012 By @pnemad

Preston probably put in their worst performance of the season although that is debateable after the majority of this season has been very abject. It was certainly the poorest performance during Westley's reign.

The back four were unchanged but Cummins came in up front to partner Hume with Aneke pushed out wide. Holroyd who has been utterly disappointing since his arrival was left on the bench with Neil Mellor in the stands after his short comeback on Saturday.

The Whites had lost the game before Brentford even got into gear. The visitors had pace and power up front which troubled Preston's backline. One thing Westley had improved was the defence but apart from the odd draw against Carlisle and Notts County themajority of clean sheets were kept against sides near the bottom.

Both Bailey Wright and Paul Parry were at fault for the first as a cross came in from right to left. The Brentford attacker was allowed a free header six yards out. This was moments after Stuckmann had made a great save to keep Preston in it.

Danny Devine was then muscled out of a move and ended up pulling down a Brentford forward in the box. The penalty was converted and the first half had hardly begun.

The young Devine was then abruptly substituted for the second time ina  week with Holroyd coming on meaning Parry slipped back to left back. This made a slight impact as Preston were soon awarded a penalty for a push. Parry converted in what what was to be Preston's only shot on target.

To be fair Preston also hit the post in the first half from an acute angle but they diminished as an attacking force after half time when Brentford scored their third.

Another free header early in the second half meant that Brentford would go awat with the three points as Preston meekly surrendered to a team that might just fall short of the play off positions.

Westley and his team were left in no uncertain terms as to the fans feelings at the final whistle. There were even jeers when the announcer tried to give the man of thematch award until Stuckmann was announced being the only viable candidate.

There were calls for a return to Graham Alexander, presumably at the top end of things and not on the pitch and Risdale, who sat in his seat for two hours after the match will not have missed the fact that Preston are now deep in a relegation battle having to face Sheff Wed, Huddersfield, MK Dons and Charlton in the run in.

It is difficult to see where Preston will pick up the necessary points to survive. There maybe the odd goalless draw and the potential for points to be taken at Oldham and Bournemouth if they are in end of season carnival mood but expect no favours from Stevenage, Mr Westley.