Away Run Halted

Last updated : 07 November 2020 By @pnemad

Alex Neil named the same side that defeated league leaders Reading in midweek but quite frankly it was a totally different team that actually turned up. Passes went astray and the midfield were non existent in a below par performance.

The first half was scrappy with the home side troubling Rudd from a free kick. North End's best chance came when Riis played Johnson clean through on the left. Johnson, who had an awful game, side footed his shot straight at the keeper when he should have scored.

Rotherham took the lead early in the second half. They should have scroed when Browne was outdone on the right. A cross came in but the shot went wide when it was easier to score.

Rotherhan did score moments later when Preston failed to defend a free kick as the home side won a header at the back post. The ball fell for Wood who was unmarked and he fired home from close range.

Neil made changes but strangely made straight swaps as Stockley replaced Riis and Barkhuizen came on for Sinclair. The tactics remained the same. The plan unchanged.

Preston were fortunate to get back in the game late on. Ledson fired home from the edge of the box and in reality he was probably the shining light on a dismal day.

North End should have held on for a point but Potts who was poor throughout gave the ball away high up the pitch after dithering over a pass. Rafferty tried to break the attack up with a cynical foul but failed to connect with his man. Rotherham basically went unchallenged up the field and Crooks was allowed to fire past Rudd.

The game was stretched in the final few minutes. Stockley hit the post and Rotherham could have extended their lead. Gallagher replaced Fisher which was concerning given the full back seems incapable of putting a run of games together lately.

Preston did not deserve anything from the game. They underperformed throughout against a distinctly average Rotherham. There was no urgency until the last five minutes and a lack of any alternative plan.

The international break means a time to regroup and rethink but ultimately Preston need to address several issues moving forward.