Preston's run under interim head coach, Frankie McAvoy, came to an abrupt end as they conceded five goals at home to high flying Brentford. The teams are poles apart and Preston's performance simply reaffirmed the need for a significant overhaul in the summer whoever is in charge.
Defensively Preston were poor and several of the goals could have been prevented. Barkhuizen started at left wing back and was totally out of his depth defensively.
The first goal came from a long ball over the top. Barkhuizen failed to track his man allowing him free reign down the right. A ball was played into the box and Mbuemo was free ahead of Van den Berg to open the scoring.
The second goal came before the half hour mark. It was another simple goal as Brentford were given room down the right with Barkhuizen failing to go out to his man. A cross was put in and Forss coverted.
The only effort for Preston was a Riis shot which was blocked but in reality North End failed to trouble the Brentofrd keeper all game. It was a poor perfromance.
After the break Brentford were allowed time and space down the left. A cross was put in where Toney was free to head home. Canos then made it four from close range before Marcondos added a fifth in injury time.
McAvoy did make changes in the second half to try to force the issue but it made Preston more open and Brentford could have had several more with near misses and Iversen's saves keeping it to five.
It is no surprise that Preston were defeated by Brentford. North End have played poorly for the majority of the season but the manner of the defeat will be concerning with several of the goals avoidable.
It is clear that changes will be required in the summer. Defensively North End look poor and it will be interesting to see what happens in the off season.