Thankfully it has been alomst a decade now since Preston were in a relegation fight but after the past six weeks the momentum out of Preston's camapign has completely disappeared. I am at a loss to describe how so many defeats have come so quickly after good early season form. Injuries, lack of funds, tactical mistakes, lack of player effort, lack of fan effort have all been attributed at some time to Preston's downfall recently.
The amazing thing is Preston still sit in the play offs. The rather fragile state of affairs leaves Preston facing two games and the prospect of no points could end up leaving them in tenth position.
Preston put in lots of effort on Saturday against a struggling Leicester side. That effort, however, only meant one real effort on goal from Nugent. The side are struggling to create chances and it was clear for all to see. Simpson after leaking recent goals has gone for a defensive midfield with Soley and Davidson. This has been pretty much forced upon him but the forwards have been starved of any supply from anywhere on the pitch.
A defeat was perhaps a little unjust as Leicester did little themselves to force the issue but that win means they are pretty much safe.
I said a few weeks back that I am a pessimist and back in March said on form we would slip out of the top six. I hope i am wrong but Preston now face two massive games where they have to pick up points to have any realistic chance of the play offs.
The good news is that they have picked up a result on the last two occassions at Plymouth. The bad news is they play Birmingham most likely in front of the cameras on the last game who more than likely will need a win to seal the title.
Preston can improve but need to do so fast if the are to go anywhere this season. The only worry I have is that key word again momentum. Should Preston fall out of the top six I feel that in the bigger picture momentum could well be against us and next season will be a battle. I hope I am wrong.