Mistake Costly For Preston

Last updated : 29 November 2018 By @pnemad

Alex Neil was restricted in team selectiond ue to several long term injuries and Ben Davies was also unavailable due to injury although his return is anticipated sooner rather than later.

As with the Blackburn game Preston started strongly. In the opening minute Barker drove down the left and forced his way into the box but he lacked composure at the vital moment.

North End had the better of the first half and the visitors resorted to aimless long ball football and reliance upon set pieces which is not unsurprising given the manager in charge.

Preston had chances to take the lead and eventually did so just before the break. Barker cut inside from the left and laid the ball across to Browne who fired home from just inside the box.

Much of the good work was undone shortly after the break, Despite the visitiors playing poorly they are still deadly. A ball was played through and Tavernier chased. Huntington appeared to have at least three yards on his man.

Inexplicably Huntington did not make a challenge despite the foot race starting from the half way line. Tavernier won the race and managed to slot past Rudd. It was a poor goal to give away.

Preston did not wilt and tried to win the game but neither side could find a decisive goal. It shows how far the squad have come that there is disappointment in dropping two points at home to a team looking for automatic promotion.

North End now travel to Birmingham on Saturday at the start of a busy December. They will now be looking up the table to try and claw their way further from the drop zone. Despite the mounting injuries it seems Preston still have the players to test anyone int he division.