No welcoming return

In the end North End ran out fairly comfortable winners against Stevenage managed by ex Preston Manager Graham Westley, a lot of pre match hype in respects of the game had been whipped up by the ex and some home fans found it almost impossible not to boo the man when he strode down the touchline in his bright red tracksuit clutching his pre match brew.
He snubbed the handshake of his former assistant John Dreyer and from then on Mr Westley's afternoon was only destined to deteriorate.
His team however were far more up to the challenge in the early stages against a very pedestrian home side, though saying that Hume should really have put the home side in front with a header at the back post.
Stevenage began to dominate although their efforts at the home goal were dreadful, corner flags were in more danger, eventually the home side upped the pressure and both Beavon and Hume hit the woodwork within the space of 10 seconds.
Stevenage also had a glorious chance to take the lead but following a bit of pinball in the North End area, Deacon's shot sailed safely over the bar.
The home side took the lead on the stroke of half time when Byrom made some space in the area following a corner and chipped the ball to Huntington who did the rest with his head. (1-0)
A far more open second half with chances at either end, Shroot for the visitors began to make his mark, one mazy run left defenders for dead, as he tried to set up a colleague however a brilliant Wright challenged saved the day.
North End nearly doubled the lead but Beavon's super volley was excellent one handed save by Day saved the visitors although not for long.
A fine move by Davies and Beavon led to Humphry's putting over an inch perfect cross for ex Stevenage player Laird to head home. (2-0)
North End started to play with freedom and started to get on top although Rudd had to make a great one handed save.
A third goal with six minutes to goal sealed the points again this was a quality goal, Beavon, Holmes , Laird combined to tee up Davies, he blasted the ball home from close range. (3-0)
Mr Westley was now being serenaded by the home fans, much to the delight of many, his side nearly scored with the last move of the game but Jones' header hit the bar.
Mr Westley didn't wait to greet his players he disappeared down the tunnel, refused to talk to the local journalists and probably left Deepdale for the last time never to be seen again by the home faithful.


Preston North End 3 Stevenage 0 Att 8855