Midweek Misery For Preston

Last updated : 15 December 2020 By @pnemad

Preston confused everyone with a change in formation and personnel after a disatrous weekend result away at Luton. Neil went with three at the back as Hughes and Fisher flanked Davies.

Josh Earl was given his first start in over a year at left wing back with Barkhuizen on the opposite side. Gallagher returned in a three man midfield whilst Maguire partnered Riis up front.

The game started well for Preston. A Gallagher corner ended up at the far post where Maguire was unmarked. The striker stooped to head in from two yards out. The keeper tried to push the header away but the officials confirmed it went over the line.

Barnsley then came back into the game. They had two free headers which went wide when they should have done better. Rudd also had to save from a shot on the angle.

Just before the break North End should have doubled their lead. They attacked on the nreak with Riis and Johnson. Riis managed to turn his man but instead of passing to Johnson who was free he decided to shoot but the keeper managed to save.

In the second half the visitors levelled the score. Mowatt was given time and space on the edge of the box. He curled a shot past Rudd as he was given an eternity to shoot.

Earl had Preston's best chance when he had a shot which was well saved and he couldn't convert the rebound. Substitutions then changed the shape of the side which essentially didn't work.

Browne was lucky to stay on the pitch when he received a yellow card as he went in late and high on the ankle of former Preston loan player, Matty James.

The home side took the lead when Adeboyejo beat the offside trap. He was in space just inside the box when he finished smartly with a curling shot past Rudd.

North End never looked like equalising. The Riis miss may have been critical just before the end of the first half but in reality Preston defended poorly allowing too much time and space for both goals.

Preston's form is inconsistent at best but two defeats on the trot now leave them looking over their shoulders hoping not to get dragged into a relegation battle.