Mayor Strike Lights Up Deepdale

Last updated : 15 February 2012 By @pnemad

The symetry was complete as Graham Westley gained his first victory with a one nil victory over Hartlepool which was exactly the same scoreline as Phil Brown's last win as Preston boss.

Westley made changes and Preston reverted to a 4-51 formation and don't get me wrong this was a 4-5-1 formation with no hint of changing into an attacking 4-3-3 like other clubs play.

The backline was completely changed with Nicky Hunt coming in at right back, loanee Macallister on the bench with new boy Robertson pairing Marrow in the centre.

Preston spread five across midfiled with Parry, Nicholson, Barton, Proctor and Holroyd almost playing as a flat five at times leaving new boy Cummins up front on his own which was a tough ask for the debutant.

It is clear that Westley wants to get the defensive shape of Preston right as any new manager would before pushing on and that is going to take some time. Hartlepool were restricted to two or three meaningful opportunities in the first half where better finishing might have seen Preston behind atthe break.

The home side posed no threat whatsoever until Danny Mayor came on in the second half. He started on the right but when Murphy came on to join Cummins up front he moved over to the left.

The winger cut in from his left wing position to rifle home a corker of a shot from twenty five yards out. It was a goal not befitting of this very average game. It was the only time Preston really threatened and Hartlepool will feel hard done by not to get a point.

The visitors were gfted a gilt edged chance ins toppage time when the linesman who had a shocker all night failed to spot three visiting players at least two yards offside int he box. The first hit the bar with the rebound attempt just going wide.

Westley will be glad of the three points and his side are taking some shape with all the changes that have recently been made. If they can improve and restrict Sheffield United on Saturday then there will be some hope that Preston can start to turn things round but don't expect too much attacking free flowing football.