Franchise arrive at Deepdale above us in the league table so technically we are the underdogs for this one. Games between the two sides have always been close in fact think the majority of the games played have ended in draws. Robinson as per normal has a useful squad with wonderkid Deli Ali being touted as the next big thing, whether they can hold onto him in the transfer window is a different thing. Robinson also has made a useful signing in Carl Baker who at this level is a very useful player one who we should have signed but never did. As long as the weather bomb does not play havoc over the next couple days this should be a good test for us. Similar line as played last week as far as I know no new injury problems/
KD to get his 150th and Beckford to open his account for NE. The BBC reported that Sylvan double-Barrel was at Deepdale, but no news on LEP. A stylish 2 - 0 win for NE will go down like a 15 year old Islay.
Would have taken a point before the kick off, slightly disappointed not to take all three in a game in which were probably the better side for the majority of the game, however missing chances as we did was always going to cost us against a decent Dons side. An entertaining first half saw North End defend a succession of early corner as the Dons started well. They could have taken an early lead when Baker's shot was turned over the top by Stuckmann although it would have been disputed as Afobe looked yards offside in the build up. Davies spurned a great chance when played in by Beckford, putting it over the bar instead of under it. Beckford also failed to find the target a couple of times when well placed and just before half time the home side paid the price. Deli Ali was afforded far to much space down the left hand side, advancing towards the goal, he slid a pass across the face of the goal where Baker netted with ease at the back post. We did well to hang on till half time as the Dons pressed forward. North End started well but Beckford spurned two chances and Huntington drew a save from Martin as the game just started to drift away from the home side. The Dons cou,d have been reduced to 10 men when Beckford was hauled back when running free on goal by McFadzean. He was the last man however being on the halfway line it was possibly doubtful that it was a goalscoring chance but have seen red given that far out. Not to worry 20 minutes from the end North End scored, a cross from the right was headed woefully towards the by line by Beckford but the ageless Davies did not give up a lost cause heading the ball back into the area where a surprised Scott Wiseman volleyed the ball home. All to play for but the Dons are now a bit more street wise and took the sting out of the game by slowing it down and taking a few injuries to waste time. To be fair the Dons could have sneeked it at the end, Carruthers firing narrowly and wide and with the last kick of the game another effort only just cleared the bar. So North End still have not lost a competitive game against MKD however we've only beaten them once. Preston North End 1 MK Dons 1 Att 9856
