Game 52 Almost there

In the end this was a comfortable win for Preston against fellow strugglers, Scunthorpe, two late goals gave the scoreline a respectable look which in truth the home side deserved.
On the whole this was a poor game of football played on a dreadful pitch which didn't help the flow of the game. North End dominated vast periods of the game and until the last 13 minutes looked to be sneaking home by Holmes canny finish before half time.
Holmes tested the seats behind the Scunthorpe goal in the opening few seconds however apart from that little else happened, the church like atmosphere didn't help matters either.
There was little to trouble either keeper in a dull first half until just before half time when Holmes received Beavons pass in space in the visitors penalty box and passed the ball into the net. (1-0)
It was Holmes's last impact on the game as he departed before half time with a hamstring injury.
Little was seen of the Scunthorpe attack as they battled manfully away against a strong home defence.
As with the first half there was little action in the second half although Scunthorpe ventured forward more, they had the chance to level when Rudd in the home goal missed his punch and the ball sped to safety across the face of the home goal.
With 13 minutes to go North End sealed the victory with the goal of the season at Deepdale, Johansen in the Scunthorpe goal scuffed a clearance to Nicky Wroe 45 yards from goal on the right hand touchline, Wroe didn't hesitate hitting a first time shot which floated majestically into the vacant goal. (2-0)
Game over Scunthorpe gave up the ghost and should have conceeded a third but somehow from close range King managed to scoop the ball against the far post, the persevering King was not to be denied, with virtually the last kick of the game, Monakana floated over a super cross, King couldn't miss and didn't. (3-0)
So North End 10 points clear of Scunny 4 games to play, almost safe and on this showing PNE are safe, Scunthorpe will struggle to pick up a point.

Preston North End 3 Scunthorpe United 0 Att 8118