The Glovers arrive at Deepdale on a bit of a slump, they were early pacesetters but are currently on a bit of a losing run, their last defeat was against the Blades with ex? player Neil Collins scoring the goal. The squad isn't packed with household names with possibly James Hayter being the most noted player. Manager Gary Johnson has done a decent job since he returned to the club but if we are too progress a win is a must. GW will probably make changes after the last two defeats. It's almost a year since Yeovil played at Deepdale losing 4-3 a similar result would be nice and entertaining.
A good game to bounce back from the 2 defeats. Hopefully, GW can sort out the leaking defence. NE needs another plumber!
Preston duly beat Yeovil 3-2 in a game whic only really came to life, in the second half after a truly dire first half. The visitors tooks the lead from the penalty spot after 6 minutes, a through ball was chased by Ugwu, the ball was going towards the edge of the penalty box, Stuckmann the home keeper dived punching the ball out for a throw in, Ugwu collapsed over the keepers prone body and the referee quite bizarrely gave a penalty, it was the first of many strange decisions by the official. Williams duly converted. (0-1) The remainder of the first half was eminently forgettable as Yeovil set up shop to keep the score at 1-0 whilst the home side seemed to be quite happy to lump the ball skywards or alternatively pass to people in the stands, can't recall either keeper being remotely troubled after the penalty. The second half started in similar vein until a couple of thunderous tackles by full back Keane sparked the home side into life. Both wingers Hayhurst and Monakana began to find a bit of space down the flanks and finally a Hayhurst cross was dummied by Beavon and Monakan only after about 3 attempts finally managed to put the ball in the net. (1-1) The home side started to take control and it wasn't long before the home side took the lead Monakana's cross being bundled home by Beardsley at the far post. (2-1) North End were in complete control and were firmly in the driving seat when Upson fouled Monakana, he received his 2nd yellow card and departed for early use of the shower. North End should really have killed the visitors off missing several chances but finally score again with five minutes to go when Beavon linked with King whose shot from the by line hit Burn and ended up in the net. (3-1) Game over well not quite, from a free kick a minute later Burn scored at the right end with a header from a free kick. (3-2) Yeovil threw caution to the wind and really should have gone further behind when Beavon blazed over from close range, Yeovil ploughed merrily on and were within inches of bringing the score level when Webster's header was cleared from the line by Wright. The home side clung on to the lead to edge the game. Preston North End 3 Yeovil Town 2 Att 8520
Phew! Close run thing but NE was the only team that deserved the three points. Having seen the highlights on the Football League Show on Aunty, I thought Stucks got it right & the ref and linesman got it wrong. In no way was that a penalty. If it was a foul by Stucks, shouldn't the ref have shown a red card? And the tackle by Upson was deserving of a red card in itself...according to today's standards.
