The first of the local derbies arrives tomorrow with the visit of Wigan Athletic to Deepdale for the first time in quite a while, Latics record over North End is decent sadly, the last time the two met was on an exceedingly soggy night in the league cup about five years ago when Fergie Jnr was manager after being 1 up we lost 2-1. Newly promoted Wigan have splashed the cash this summer as they still had a parachute payment they had some to spend, at the moment though the new players are probably still trying to bedin and they are one of the few clubs below us in the league. Last season their chairman stated they were going to get 100 points in league 1 they ended up with 87 which was four less than we had for finishing third the season before. They have annoyed us all summer long with the Will Grigg's on fire song which should have been consigned to the dustbin seconds after it was made. They have not won in six since defeating the ever hapless Blackburn Rovers although Latics dour Scottish manager has stated they are a really good side. Last time out drew with Fulham 0-0. They have some useful players Nick Powell, Nathan Bynre, Adam Le Fondre, Yanic Wildschut and the aforementioned Grigg but at the moment just struggling a bit. If you get the chance check out Adam Bogden's blunder against Norwich superb bit of dodgy keeping. Meanwhile at planet Deepdale apart from long term injuries Grimshaw and Spurr have both been in this week, apart from that we have a full squad, which does give Grayson a dilemma who to pick, do the majority who played on Tuesday get first go or does he go back to the lot who crumbled at Brentford?! Apparently he used the diamond formation at Bournemouth. Interesting absolutely no idea what he will do, but a win is required. Will Grigg be on fire or will hat trick Mac fry the Pies Eaters. One thing to remember though no matter what the result Wigan will always be a rugby town. Wigan Athletic last three LLD Next three Wolverhampton Wanderers H Brentford A Burton Albion PNE last three WLW next three Birmingham City A Aston Villa H Brighton A
Reputedly WA provide the best pies in the whole of the English scene. Let that be their only tribute on Friday night. Do not have Sky, so will not be weatching. Would never contribute to anything owned by Murdoch...knowingly.Anyway have to go to a welcoming party to our new Brazilian parish priest.
Samba services Barnet!!!!! Well there you go last night was the perfect example of you ca play all the passing football you want but if you cannot put the ball in the net you lose. In the end thought we deserved the win, although Latics had the ball the amount of chances they made was minimal, apart from savig free kicks Maxwell o had one save to make and that was from Byrne in the secod half. North End started well with Wigan's defence looking suspect and it was no surprise whe we took the lead after six minutes, although there was a bit of fortue on the goal. McGeady's shot was headig towards the corner flag until it Hugill's knees and wrong footed Bogdan for the only goal of the game. Latics should have been level shortly afterwards but Grigg managed to head over instead of heading in. Wigan were getting loads of possession down the flanks with Wildschutt giving Baptiste a torrid time. Gomez on the stroke of half time had a great chance but failed to hit the target when well placed. Grayson's first half tactics of not playing any one in midfield did not really work, but North End got to the break still leading, and this should have been double almost immediately on the restart when Hugill wet for placement when in space but Bogdan made a good save to deny him. Back to Wigan possession, Byrne had two chances to level first saved by Maxwell and the rebound he put against the post and a Maxwell save from a Gomez free kick and that was it from Wigan. Pearson and Johnson came on for the home side and Pearson could have had two goals, first went wide the second Bogdan made a very brave save at his feet. North End began to dominate as Latics started to run out of ideas and in the end secured the points. Two things from last night Will Grigg has been extinguished and Jordi Gomez does not score when he wants. Caldwell complained about a foul in the lead up to the goal, there was one but tough as Mr Langford seemed to have a blue and white shirt on all night it was the only one he missed. Mr Langford also semed to forget that football at times can be a contact sport but never mind three points to the Whites. Preston North End 1 Wigan Athletic 0 Att 13077
A goodish crowd seeing the recent struggles of both teams and the presence of Sky. The difference between the possession football Pep gets his teams to play and the rest of the world is that he plays some characters who know where the nets are (pace Arsenal)
