Late Away Day Victory

Last updated : 27 September 2017 By @pnemad

North End crashed and burned in the final 6 weeks of last season. They started the last two seasons poorly. Rarely would they come from behind to win or surge ahead towards the end of close matches.

This is the brave new world - the Alex Neil era where in the first ten games anything seems possible. There were concerns over an inexperienced back line. Not a problem - Preston hold the best defensive record in the league.

Preston hadn't won an away league game since the start of January. Not a problem - the victory at Hull was the second in succession and Preston are now firmly entrenched in the top six.

Hull have had a sluggish start to the season after relegation from the Premier League and Preston took full advantage. North End took the lead when Barkhuizen slammed home from an acute angle after a header across goal.

Sloppy defensive play allowed Hull back in the game. A free kick was swung in and a free header across goal ended at Bowen who had a tap in from inside the box. It was poor at best and questions will be asked.

Hull then went on the offensive trying to capitalise on what might be a weakness. The home side had a shot blocked before hitting the rebound which was tipped onto the bar.

Preston held firm and Neil made bold substitutes. Horgan used his pace to raid and find a simple ball across to Robinson for a tap in two minutes from time to give Preston the victory.

The league tends to settle down after ten games. Some teams do surge and some lose form but generally the league is set. It is a tight division but Preston have given themselves a start which is more than in recent seasons.