A hard earned but deserved win for Preston over an hard working Crawley side, the games only goal came on the quarter hour when Keane super cross was headed home with panache by top scorer Garner. North End had been close twice in the opening couple of minutes against a non too secure Crawley backline.
Following the goal chances were rare although Jones did force Rudd into a decent save when well placed.
North End started well in the second half Beavon going close although Garner possibly should have done better from close range. Jones the Crawley keeper pulled off an instinctive save from a Garner pile driver and saved well from a Holmes free kick .
North End dominated the game although Connelly's late header nearly saved the visitors. Wasn't a great game hence short match report.
Second place is still up for grabs going to be an interesting finish to the season.
Preston North End 1 Crawley Town 0 Att ?
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Unconvincing win
For the first time this season Preston managed to come from behind and win a game although in truth the 3-1 over Peterborough United was not the most convincing of performances, the visitors had the better chances in the second half but super defending and goal keeping kept them at bay.
The first half was played a walking pace both sides seemed to intent on not wanting to win the game, a Gallagher shot clipped the bar early on but there was little from the home side until they scored just before half time.
The Posh took the lead thanks to a mistake by Kilkenny who lost the ball in midfield, the ball arrived at the edge of the box were Swanson passed the ball into the net, classy finish.
Another mistake by Welsh almost led to a second goal for the visitors but Rudd denied Assombolonga. As the half drifted towards the end North End levelled, Garner headed on to Gallagher whose pass found Kilkenny in the box, he made no mistake. (1-1)
North End started brightly but it was Peterborough who should have scored, a superb last ditch tackle by Buchanan denied Ajose, from the resultant corner Rudd made a great save from a Posh forward from close range.
Another later effort was also blocked on the line by home defenders, with 10 minutes to go Beavon chased down a lost cause held off a defender and fed the ball to Gallagher whose shot hit the post, Garner lurking close by slotted the ball home. (2-1)
North End sealed the win when Holmes won the ball 30 yards out advanced into the area via the foot of Browne the ball landed at the feet of Garner who made sure from 12 yards. (3-1)
Mentions to Stuart Beavon great performance.
Preston North End 3 Peterborough United 1 Att 8200
The first half was played a walking pace both sides seemed to intent on not wanting to win the game, a Gallagher shot clipped the bar early on but there was little from the home side until they scored just before half time.
The Posh took the lead thanks to a mistake by Kilkenny who lost the ball in midfield, the ball arrived at the edge of the box were Swanson passed the ball into the net, classy finish.
Another mistake by Welsh almost led to a second goal for the visitors but Rudd denied Assombolonga. As the half drifted towards the end North End levelled, Garner headed on to Gallagher whose pass found Kilkenny in the box, he made no mistake. (1-1)
North End started brightly but it was Peterborough who should have scored, a superb last ditch tackle by Buchanan denied Ajose, from the resultant corner Rudd made a great save from a Posh forward from close range.
Another later effort was also blocked on the line by home defenders, with 10 minutes to go Beavon chased down a lost cause held off a defender and fed the ball to Gallagher whose shot hit the post, Garner lurking close by slotted the ball home. (2-1)
North End sealed the win when Holmes won the ball 30 yards out advanced into the area via the foot of Browne the ball landed at the feet of Garner who made sure from 12 yards. (3-1)
Mentions to Stuart Beavon great performance.
Preston North End 3 Peterborough United 1 Att 8200
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Blunted by the Blades
Well it ended goalless, two sides with long unbeaten records, one of whom had not conceded a goal for seven league matches previously and the other who have struggled to break down sides at home, you could possibly have predicted a draw especially when the visitors, to coin the phrase "parked the bus
However for 70 minutes the match between Preston and Sheffield United was quite an entertaining affair although all the effort was put in by the home side who didn't really get the best of luck.
12 seconds in Garner was almost in the right place to fire home a rebound from Davies powerful shot. Garner had a great chances about 15 minutes later however his headed ended up by going inches the wrong side of the goal.
United in a rare attack had a goal disallowed Coady being offside, a fate which happened to North End's Gallagher in the second half.
Towards half time North End had loud claims for a penalty when Wright's pile driver of a shot was blocked by a United defender, TV replays later confirmed it was hand ball, the referee Mr Eltringham was well placed to see it but failed to award it.(He gave us little all night)
United started better in the second half, but it was again Garner who went agonisingly close to scoring, when Brownhill's bouncing bomb of a shot hit the post got the feeling that we were not going to win.
United won a series of corners which were fired in under the bar but were well dealt with by the home back line.
With 20 minutes to go North End seemed to run out of ideas of how to penetrate the mass ranks of yellow shirts apart from a header by Gallagher which was well held by the keeper.
Goalless it was, mark my words Sheffield United will do well next season.
Preston North End 0 Sheffield United 0 Att 8900
However for 70 minutes the match between Preston and Sheffield United was quite an entertaining affair although all the effort was put in by the home side who didn't really get the best of luck.
12 seconds in Garner was almost in the right place to fire home a rebound from Davies powerful shot. Garner had a great chances about 15 minutes later however his headed ended up by going inches the wrong side of the goal.
United in a rare attack had a goal disallowed Coady being offside, a fate which happened to North End's Gallagher in the second half.
Towards half time North End had loud claims for a penalty when Wright's pile driver of a shot was blocked by a United defender, TV replays later confirmed it was hand ball, the referee Mr Eltringham was well placed to see it but failed to award it.(He gave us little all night)
United started better in the second half, but it was again Garner who went agonisingly close to scoring, when Brownhill's bouncing bomb of a shot hit the post got the feeling that we were not going to win.
United won a series of corners which were fired in under the bar but were well dealt with by the home back line.
With 20 minutes to go North End seemed to run out of ideas of how to penetrate the mass ranks of yellow shirts apart from a header by Gallagher which was well held by the keeper.
Goalless it was, mark my words Sheffield United will do well next season.
Preston North End 0 Sheffield United 0 Att 8900
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Late relief
Three goals in the last 10 minutes gave Lancaster City a 5-2 win over next to the bottom Wakefield FC, after the visitors had levelled at 2-2 with 19 minutes to go. In the end City probably deserved the win though it was rather a pedestrian performance from the home side.
City dominated the opening 20 minutes of the game and it was no surprise that they would score first, however it was an own goal, a cross from the right and Steel headed a majestic own goal past his own keeper Hale. (0-1)
City ambled forward in search of an equaliser but rarely tested the decidedly dodgy visiting keeper Macorison until the stroke of half time, within seconds City hit the bar and post, the ball was cleared for a corner. From the corner Kilifin fire home to put the home side level (1-1)
The visitors though could have gone ahead almost immediately when their best move of the match ended with a shot going narrowly wide
Within a minute of the second half starting City were ahead when Marshall volleyed home following good work by by fellow centre back Steel. (2-1)
The game then entered parks level football when firstly Macorison was injured, as Wakefield didn’t have a substitute keeper their left winger went in goal, this was quickly followed by a Pardew incident, when City manager was pushed over by a Wakefield player who wanted to take a quick throw in. Both men were given a quick talking to by the referee.
City huffed and puffed, didn’t test the rookie keeper, before Wakefield equalised through Turfrey as Lancaster defenders left the ball to each other and the player lobbed Hale to score. (2-2)
Just as it looked like City were going to drop two vital points, Dodgson, Akrigg and Winder struck to give the scoreline a slightly misleading look.
Lancaster City 5 Wakefield 2 Att 177
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Hard fought derby game
Lancaster City beat local and promotion rivals Bamber Bridge 1-0 at a chilly Irongate gound in front of a decent crowd of 333.
The only goal of a hard fought game came after three minutes when Connerton headed home from close range after a fine passing Lancaster move, could be said that the statuesque Bridge keeper Dovey should have done better but his feet seemed to be stuck in the rather pudding like pitch.
An entertaining first half with chances at either end although has to be said Bridge created far more of them although Lancaster’s front two Killfin and Connerton lead the home defence a merry dance.
Plenty of meaty challenges , as you would expect from a derby match.
Bridge were unfortunate not to level the score when a misdirected header from a City defender, wrong footed everyone and just narrowly went the wrong side of the postfor Bridge.
A refereeing change at half time, delayed the restart and in truth a lot of the free flowing football disappeared as the game became more attrition.
Bridge went slightly more direct but could not find their way past City keeper Hale who dealt with everything that came his way with ease.
City had chances to extend their lead on the break, but were let down by the final ball. Bridge piled on the pressure at the end but City took three very vital points.
The only goal of a hard fought game came after three minutes when Connerton headed home from close range after a fine passing Lancaster move, could be said that the statuesque Bridge keeper Dovey should have done better but his feet seemed to be stuck in the rather pudding like pitch.
An entertaining first half with chances at either end although has to be said Bridge created far more of them although Lancaster’s front two Killfin and Connerton lead the home defence a merry dance.
Plenty of meaty challenges , as you would expect from a derby match.
Bridge were unfortunate not to level the score when a misdirected header from a City defender, wrong footed everyone and just narrowly went the wrong side of the postfor Bridge.
A refereeing change at half time, delayed the restart and in truth a lot of the free flowing football disappeared as the game became more attrition.
Bridge went slightly more direct but could not find their way past City keeper Hale who dealt with everything that came his way with ease.
City had chances to extend their lead on the break, but were let down by the final ball. Bridge piled on the pressure at the end but City took three very vital points.
Bamber Bridge 0 Lancaster City 1 Att 333
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Cricket nets with proper gear on
First proper nets of the season, got the honour of being the first in the nets to bat.
Having no kit had to borrow everything, though having to use a thigh pad as a protective box gave me a slightly unusual stance to say the least although it did protect my crown jewels.
Did averagely with the bat missed out on a host of leg side gifts as cannot actually play any leg side shots which doesn’t help.
Faced a couple from first team bowlers nippy and through my ineffective defensive play.
Bowling was a different matter, never pitched my first two deliveries but once got settled into a rhythym of sorts pitched quite a lot short but hopefully when I’ve sorted out a run up that will improve.
Galgate have a good set of lads, nets again next week need to buy a box.
Having no kit had to borrow everything, though having to use a thigh pad as a protective box gave me a slightly unusual stance to say the least although it did protect my crown jewels.
Did averagely with the bat missed out on a host of leg side gifts as cannot actually play any leg side shots which doesn’t help.
Faced a couple from first team bowlers nippy and through my ineffective defensive play.
Bowling was a different matter, never pitched my first two deliveries but once got settled into a rhythym of sorts pitched quite a lot short but hopefully when I’ve sorted out a run up that will improve.
Galgate have a good set of lads, nets again next week need to buy a box.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Hanging on again
Preston's hard fought 2-1 win over Walsall, gives North End a mammoth 17 point lead over the side in 7th place in the league, so barring a catastrophic run of results the worst that can happen now is the play offs.
The top two are still in sight although they are 6 points clear of North End.
As for the match a collective groan went up when the added time at the end of the second half read 6 minutes, considering North End's inability to keep a lead at home, it was almost inevitable with 10 man Walsall throwing everything to salvage a point and sure enough came a 25 yard shot from outside the box which was heading in until a fantastic Rudd saved diverted it over the top of the bar to safety, not long after the referee blew the final whistle much to the relief of the home fans.
There was a chaotic start to the game two goals in the first five minutes from some absolutely hapless defending.
North End struck first with the help of the Saddlers Downing, there was nothing wrong with his backpass to the keeper except for the fact the keeper wasn't where he was supposed to be, the scrambling keeper O'Donnell managed to get his hands on the ball sadly for him the ball had already gone over the line for a goal.
Within a minute it was North End's turn to gift a goal, Clarke's sadly under hit clearence only dribbled a couple of yards to Mantom who after an initial save hammered the ball home to level the scores.
North End regained the lead on the half hour when Wright headed home Gallagher's free kick with the Saddlers back line no where in sight.
The result of the half consisted of North End constantly giving the ball away to the visitors who did the same. There were flurries of action and Mantom was inches away from giving the visitors the lead, whilst O'Donnell redeemed himself with two saves from Davies and Keane.
North End were camped in the Walsall half for the early stages, but O'Donnell denied Davies although he should have passed to Garner who was in a far better position.
Walsall started to push forward with their decent passing style of football although not creating anything like a chance on goal.
10 minutes from the end they were reduced to 10 men when Mantom clattered into Garner, the thud of boot onto shin pad was audible and off he trotted as the red card was whipped out in record speed by the referee, then the nervy ending.
Preston North End 2 Walsall 1 Att 10034
The top two are still in sight although they are 6 points clear of North End.
As for the match a collective groan went up when the added time at the end of the second half read 6 minutes, considering North End's inability to keep a lead at home, it was almost inevitable with 10 man Walsall throwing everything to salvage a point and sure enough came a 25 yard shot from outside the box which was heading in until a fantastic Rudd saved diverted it over the top of the bar to safety, not long after the referee blew the final whistle much to the relief of the home fans.
There was a chaotic start to the game two goals in the first five minutes from some absolutely hapless defending.
North End struck first with the help of the Saddlers Downing, there was nothing wrong with his backpass to the keeper except for the fact the keeper wasn't where he was supposed to be, the scrambling keeper O'Donnell managed to get his hands on the ball sadly for him the ball had already gone over the line for a goal.
Within a minute it was North End's turn to gift a goal, Clarke's sadly under hit clearence only dribbled a couple of yards to Mantom who after an initial save hammered the ball home to level the scores.
North End regained the lead on the half hour when Wright headed home Gallagher's free kick with the Saddlers back line no where in sight.
The result of the half consisted of North End constantly giving the ball away to the visitors who did the same. There were flurries of action and Mantom was inches away from giving the visitors the lead, whilst O'Donnell redeemed himself with two saves from Davies and Keane.
North End were camped in the Walsall half for the early stages, but O'Donnell denied Davies although he should have passed to Garner who was in a far better position.
Walsall started to push forward with their decent passing style of football although not creating anything like a chance on goal.
10 minutes from the end they were reduced to 10 men when Mantom clattered into Garner, the thud of boot onto shin pad was audible and off he trotted as the red card was whipped out in record speed by the referee, then the nervy ending.
Preston North End 2 Walsall 1 Att 10034
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