Preston Breeze Past Stoke

Last updated : 22 August 2019 By @pnemad

Preston have had significant woes away from home but back at Deepdale they felt comfortable and performed well before the Sky television cameras.

Alex Neil fielded a changed line up without a strike on the pitch. Barkhuizen was given the role of playing up front after Moult's injury at the weekend. Harrop was given his first start since injury on the left whilst Bodin played on the right.

Daniel Johnson continued in the number ten role and he yet again impressed. A few weeks ago there was a suggestion he might be leaving the club but he has now refound his form and goals have once again been flowing for the midfielder.

The scoring started early on when Johnson managed to slot home. It appeared the Stoke keeper may have done better but it was a great start to the game.

Shortly after Bodin doubled the lead. The keeper came to punch but the ball ended up with Bodin on the edge of the box. Stoke got men back int he box but Bodin shot and the ball appeared to crawl under the keeper and into the net.

Stoke looked poor and Preston capitalised with a third after the break when Harrop sealed his return to the starting line up with a good finish to give Preston all three points.

McClean added a late consolation for the visitors as he was left umarked at the back post to fire home past Rudd. Along with a yellow card for Pearson and injury to Clarke these were the only black marks on an otherwsie comfortable night.

Preston now face Sheffield Wednesday at home who have had a good start to the season. Alex Neil has been linked with the vacant manager's position in Sheffield although largely through the bookmakers. It will be an early seasont est to see if Preston can maintain their good home form.