The hectic week comes to an end with the visit of Bristol City, relegated last season and not breaking any pots this season although recent results 1 defeat in 6 suggests they are slowly turning the corner. They have ex lasher loan player Emmanuel-Thomas who has been in free scoring form this season, a player in my view should actually be playing at a higher level. For some reasons they have not got things going this season, hopefully that will continue on Saturday. North End will have to make changes or possibly given the success of playing with 10 men on Tuesday will start with the finishing line up that beat Vale. With Kilkenny either suspended or not allowed to play, or will Garner be suspended all will be revealed, it would be nice though to have a referee who knows what he is doing, so it's odds on we get Kevin Friend. Given our poop home record will go for a draw.
All change since original post, City have sacked O'Driscoll, Kilkenny has been reprieved and the card given to Garner who gets a three match ban even though the Vale player saying that Garner didn't hit him. Bizarre to say the least.
A game which will not live long in the memory saw Preston beat manager less Bristol City 1-0, in truth the home side looked slightly jaded after the exploits of Tuesday night at Port Vale, also two enforced changes and a family illness saw North End's midfield completely changed. A couple of early Gallagher efforts were easily saved by City keeper Parish. City started to dominate, a header from Flint was well saved by Rudd, but Gillett was a great chance by hitting a poor shot wide when well placed, slightly against the run of play North End took the lead following a free kick when King headed home from close range. Apart from an early chance for Laird, the second half was dull in the least although Wagstaff rattled the North End bar about 10 minutes from the end. As the game drifted to a close both sides were reduced to 10 men, City's Osbourne objected to a challenge from Gallagher, Osbourne butted Gallagher then threw a punch which flattened one of his team mates. Following the 20 man melee both players were sent off, with the argy bargy continuing in the tunnel as they walked off. It was that kind of game, three points though and that is all that counts. Preston North End 1 Bristol City 0 Att 8803
