If the season started in October and ended in March then Preston would be int he top six. Sadly the season lasts for 46 games with the first and last half a dozen games costing Preston dealry in terms of points.
North End have shipped goals against Leeds, Huddersfield and Norwch recently. It ws no surprise that Preston were second favourites travelling to Newcastle after being thrashed int he League Cup earlier in the season on Tyneside.
The home team took the lead early on and you could fear the worst. Perez was free at the back post and whilst he tried his best he managed to bundle the ball home from a yard out.
The nerves then hit the home side with the possibility of the Premier League football. Preston managed to take some control and found an equaliser. Barkhuizen crossed for Hugill who manage to guide the ball into the net off his shin.
Just before the break the home side capitalised on some hesitation in midfield and broker forward. Atsu finished off the move and Newcastle never looked back.
Preston then joined in the Newcastle promotion party by gifting the game away. Gallagher decided to throw himself on the goalline at a ball heading into the net. It was a clear handball and the midfielder will miss the remainder of the season. Ritchie converted the spot kick.
Perez added another shortly after and the home side declared at four goals against a ten man Preston side that just desperately want the season to end.
North End are in danger of sliding into the bottom half of the table which would not be progress on last season. It is clear Preston need to rectify their away form and add depth in key positions especially with Pearson, Clarke and Cunningham all missing last night.