PNE V Forest Match Thread

Nottm Forest play away at Deepdale on 23rd December at 3pm.


Last time out Preston grabbed a 1-0 victory against a promotion chasing Blades outfit.
'Jordan Hugill scored the only goal of the game as Preston beat promotion-chasing Sheffield United at Deepdale.

Preston had the better first-half chances, with Callum Robinson having a shot saved and Paul Gallagher hitting the bar with a free-kick.

Hugill gave the hosts a deserved lead when he volleyed in Robinson's delivery from the centre of the box.'

Alex Neil speaking to the press afterwards;

"It's been a good spell for us. We've come up against a lot of different challenges so we are delighted with what we have done.

"Sheffield United are a really difficult team to play against. I felt at half-time we hadn't moved the ball well enough and a couple of individuals could give a bit more and they gave us that second half, which is why we won the game.

"We have a plan A, B, C and D, and the players can slip into different shapes quite easily. I have a young clever squad who are hungry and want to learn."

The hosts' only concern from the game will be the fitness of full-back Darnell Fisher, who was replaced in the first-half after picking up a leg injury.

PNE haven't lost a game since Nov 4th when they went down 3-0 away to Ipswich. Since then the stats read drawn two and won four.

Preston went to Ashton Gate on 21st November and beat the Robins with a goal in both halves, this despite surrendering all but 35 percent of possession.

'Preston got their first Championship victory since 26 September, beating Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Paul Gallagher slotted in from 10 yards just before half-time after Jordan Hugill's shot had fallen into his path.

Ex-Bristol City loanee Callum Robinson sealed victory for North End with a neat finish from a right-wing cross.

Cauley Woodrow got a goal back for the hosts in stoppage time with a shot from 15 yards, but City lost for only the third time this season.'

This was Preston's first win in 7 games after losing a number of key defenders to injury from October onwards.

'Their defence played a pivotal role in Tuesday's victory, blocking goal-bound efforts from Jamie Paterson, Aden Flint and Nathan Baker during the 90 minutes.'

I was sitting behind Jordan Smith's goal in the first half down at Ashton Gate. If we go to Deepdale and play another first 45 minutes in such a casual manner there is only going to be another unwanted result for the Reds.


Live @ http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewLiveArticle/381296
One match ban enabled