It was a cold and windy lunchtime kick off as Preston took on Fulham before the sky television cameras. The crowd appeared to be thin on the ground largely due to the weather and the game being on television.
Lindsay came imnto the back three but otherwise McAvoy was looking to build on the fotunate midweek victory. This was always going to be a tough test but Preston gifted the visitors a first half lead.
Whilst Preston came out of the blocks quickly it was clear that Fulham were in control of the game and dominating within the first half an hour. Fulham opened the scoring thanks to some poor Preston defending.
Earl was sloppy and ended up bringing his man down near the touchline. The resulting free kick was whipped in and Ream tapped home from close range unchallenged. It is inexplicable as to how Preston have become so poor at defending set pieces.
The goal seemed to ignite Preston and in particular Riis. His pace and runs troubled the visitors. He had a shot which was deflected wide and flashed a ball across the box with no one running in. He was causing trouble.
Preston continued to have the mometum in the second half. Barkhuizen was taken down by Robinson. It was a rash challenge resulting in a yellow card but a red card would not have been unjust.
Soon after Barkhuizen limped off but Preston were still on the front foot. Evans came off the bench and proved to be a handful. Preston had opportunities and eventually equalised.
Evans got on the end of a Whiteman corner with the ball ending up in the back of the net. The visitors cried out for a handball but nothing was given.
Preston looked for the winner and have efforts. Robinson was again lucky to stay on as he committed another foul but it remained all square in terms of numbers and scoreline.
It was a much improved performance by Preston but they must show consistency if they are to move upwards in the table.