Defensive Frailties Cost Preston

Last updated : 06 February 2021 By @pnemad

Several changes were made after the hectic transfer window came to a close. Lindsay made his debut alongside Huntington who was named captain. Rafferty featured at right back in place of Browne who was ill.

Gordon was thrown staright in on the left whilst Evans was given his first start at the club. The midfield three of Ledson, Molumby and Whiteman remained constant.

The game started terribly. Within twenty seconds Preston were down. Rotherham kicked off pressed forward and a cross from the right was headed into his own net by Rafferty. If he hadn't dived for the ball there was a Rotherham player waiting to tap home behind him.

The rest of the first half was all Preston. They created more chances than in usual times although they were facing a Rotherham outfit who were struggling towards the bottom of the table.

Molumby and Whiteman had efforts from range. Gordon looked threatening on the left always cutting in and had a shot which curled past the post.

There were two free kicks of note. Gordon curled one just past the post and Whiteman went one better by curling his free kick against the post before it rolled in front of the line. In fairness the keepr may have got a touch to the ball.

The best chance of the half came when Ledson played Barkhuizen in. The forward simply had to pass the ball either side of the keeper but tamely poked the ball right at the Rotherham stopper.

It seemed the second half was going to be much of the same as Preston came out on top. The game then changed within moments. There was a warning sign when Ladapo was given a free header at the near post but couldn't convert.

Rotherham then cut through the Preston back line with ease and Wiles converted from a pass inside the box to power home. The visitors had rarely attacked but were two goals ahead.

Substitutions were made and Preston tried to get themselves back into the game. Evans caused havoc for the keeper from a cross and managed to swivel before scoring from close range.

The game then became open with Wiles having a chance to extend the lead for the visitors but failed. Sinclair had the ball in the net for Preston but he was ruled offside. Rotherham held on for the win.

Many may sugar coat this by saying Preston looked better going forward. Undoubtedly Preston created more chances but the opposition were not of the highest calibre.

Defensively Preston were poor and it may take some time for things to adjust with so many new players but ultimately a better team may have carved Preston open more often today.

The remainder of the season is likely to see Preston muddle through before they will have to make decisions in the summer over permanent signings and the direction of travel for the future.