In midweek Preston were defeated by Middlebrough. The game was full of incident. Van den Berg hit the bar but following a comical own goal from Storey, a disallowed goal by Sinclair and Browne's sending off Preston never realictically looked like taking anything from the game. Iversen kept the score to a respectable two goals conceded.
Preston moved on to what was a crunch home game against Luton knowing that they faced a difficult run in towards the end of the season playing teams fighting for promotion
The game was turgid. North End lacked any creativity with the game plan to lump forward to Evans. Sinclair and Gordon were hardly in the game and Iversen was the busier of the keepers.
The second half was slightly better and the game was heading for a draw when a late cross was headed at goal. Iversen made a fine save but the ball ended out at Collins who played back to goal and Iversen who was already on the floor could not stop the ball going across the line.
The setup from the start was wrong. It has been for a while. One up front does not work. It plays into the hand of every team who plays at least two if not three centre backs. The wide playes are isolated and Preston never looked a threat today.
The team lack any intensity. It is unclear if this is under instruction or whether the players are lacking the will to play basic football. It has been dismal to watch.
Preston's recent form is concerning and in particular their complete inability to create chances. They may well limp home to safety but very shortly they will be looking over their shoulders given the difficult games ahead.