Struck Out In The Ninth

Last updated : 19 May 2014 By @pnemad

Grayson made changes in personnel and also formation for the second leg away at the New York Stadium which was brimming to the rafters with a capacity crowd with 1200 travelling from Preston.

Nothe End played a 5-3-2 formation but it made little difference to the outcome of the game as Rotherham played a high tempo again not allowing Preston to play their passing game. Rotherham have an effective style which has served them well.

Preston took the lead early on as a Paul Gallagher free kick evaded everyone to bounce intot he corner of the net but the lead was short lived and the game slowly slipped away.

Before the break Preston were pegged back and soon behind. Both goals came courtesy of crosses from Pringle resulting in headers that ended int he back of the net. The marking was questionable but tiredness at this stage of the season seemed to creep in.

North End were almost level before half time when the home keeper let a ball slip through his hands but was thankful when it bounced wide. The margins were fine and this showed in the second half when the home side got in down the right before a cross was converted.

The visititors went all out attack but it was in vein despite hitting the post twice from two long range efforts. The home side also hit the bar and the score could have ended up more than it did.

The home side were better over the two legs adopting a Tony Pulis style of play with long throws, quick wingers, getting the ball upfield quickly and a high pressing game. It reqyuires a lot of stamina and Preston could not cope.

The season ended in disappointment but on the whole Preston were not far short in what was a competitve division. Grayson will look to retain Rudd and Gallagher whilst adding some quality to his squad for a promotion push next term.

In another season preston may have finished int he top two but this year Wolves were almost destined to runaway with the league with the rest fighting for second spot.

The league will not be as competitive next year with the teams coming down not in the same financial bracket as Wolves although they will still be fighting towards the upper reaches. Bristol City and Sheff Utd will also be in far higher positions after finishing the season strongly.

Preston's season was about small margins. They drew too many at the start of the season, could not finish teams off at home until the last couple of months and the impressive away record dipped towards the end. Last minute goals were a concern but if these small details can be resolved then there is a bright season ahead for the Whites.