Right Players Right Positions

Last updated : 18 December 2011 By @pnemad

Phil Brown was often criticised for playing players out of position and so it was a refreshing change to see the Alexander/Unsworth team sheet with eleven players in their correct starting poisitons.

Smith came in at left back with Parry pushed onto the left wing in a 4-4-2 formation. Mayor played on the right wing whilst Preston's in form player Coutts actually played alongside Doyle in the centre. Hume partnered Mellor up front.

Preston got off to the perfect start no thanks to the two wingers. Mayor put in an inch perfect cross ofr Parry to head home at the far post after two minutes. It was his first goal for two years but then again playing out of position at left back he may not have had that many chances.

The visitors should have doubled their lead after 15 minutes when Coutts was played clean through but under pressure sliced his shot past the keeper which then hit the outside of the post.

Thigs then started as MK Dons came more into the game when Mellor went off injured. The theory that Neil Mellor can pick up an injury doing absolutely nothing was proved when he appeared to hurt his knee whilst walking with no one within 15 yards of him.

MK Dons had the majority of the possession but hadn't really troubled the Preston backline by thehalf. Barton had replaced the injured Mellor and supported Hume in attack.

The second half saw Preston sit back and soak up the pressure whilst hitting the home side on the break. Stuckmann was tested on a couple of occassions late on but most of the shots were from range with the defence managed to block.

Carl Robinson, the MK Dons manager and the home fans were fuming when Mccombe was allowed to stay on the pitch for what appeared to be a tug. In fairness the big centre back was booked for getting too tight and tugging the shirt of the striker who was barely touched when he fell down like a sack of spuds. The yellow crad was harsh and a second similar incident followed but the referee and assistant waved play on.

The home side couldn't break through and Preston should have tied up the game when Tsoumou, on for Hume, was played through but a heavy touch allowed the keeper to collect and in injury time McGlauglin hit the post with a rasping shot.

Preston now have two home Christmas games although there will have to be a change to the line up as Smith picked up his fifth yellow card of the season even though he hardly seems to have played. Parry may revert to left back or McGlughlin may fill in.