02-02-2019, 10:02
Preston North End 0 Derby County 0
PNE line-up: Rudd, Fisher, Hughes, Pearson, Storey, Davies, Potts, Gallagher © (Barkhuizen, 79), Stockley (Nmecha, 65), Browne, Maguire. Subs not used: Ripley, Earl, Clarke, Johnson, Ledson.
Derby County line-up: Roos, Bryson, Tomori, Keogh ©, Wilson, Waghorn (Bennett, 65), Lawrence, Evans, Holmes, Nugent (Wisdom, 69), Malone. Subs not used: Carson, Jozefzoon, Johnson, MacDonald, Huddlestone.
Attendance: 12,124 (963 Derby County fans)
Referee: Mr D Bond
Only surprise about this one it was goalless especially in the second half when we did everything bar score but credit Derby put bodies on the line when it mattered .
A chilly old night at the ground but didn't stop North End making a fast start, could have been one up early doors Stockley couldn't direct Brown's shot which came at speed into the net. Stockley had another chance his shot on the turn went narrowly over the bar. Storey also headed over from a corner. In the first half we didn't create anything from open play dead balls looked our most dangerous weapon. It was apparent that when the Rams didn't have the ball they defend as a team all eleven behind the ball. The early play did give a warning of Derby's danger in the form of Wilson who pinged one against the bar from 25 yards, it did take a slight deflection of Davies which may have done us a favour.
Derby started to press Lawrence played through in the inside right channel fired high and wide should have scored and Wilson again hit the woodwork again unlucky not to score.
We probably were lucky to have eleven on the pitch Pearson quite easily could have got a red for his lunge on Lawrence but Mr Bond happily only gave a yellow, stay on your feet Ben.
Positional change at half time Potts into centre midfield Gallagher to the right and hey presto absolutely battered them, Roos saved well from Browne with his feet which sparked a spell of shots raining in on the Derby goal Potts and Fisher were also denied during this frenetic period. Maguire headed over pity really Stockley was probably in a better position. Following the positional change Potts and Maguire had more influence on the game, the Irishman now getting back to full fitness is becoming an integral member of the team.
A quality team move almost got Potts in just couldn't control the ball
Little was seen of Derby as an attacking force only a long clearence from the keeper caused us problems. Played really well second half without reward. This side is coming together especially at centre back were Storey and Davies look an excellent combination.
Finally fair play to Frank decent after match interview.
Preston North End boss Alex Neil said: "Things are positive right now and going in the right direction.
"With what we have got now in terms of the squad I would fully expect us to finish the season strongly.
"I have said to the players that I'm certainly not writing off the play-offs."
Derby County manager Frank Lampard: "It was a hard-earned point. We had the better chances in the first half, Harry Wilson especially.
"The second half was tough and we were up against it in the first 25 minutes. We brought on fresh legs, but it was a difficult game and we have to be happy with the point.
"Preston have a good team, they have a good mix and play good football. They are difficult opposition. This is a tough place to come.
"We defended well and put our bodies on the line, which we need if we are to be successful."
PNE line-up: Rudd, Fisher, Hughes, Pearson, Storey, Davies, Potts, Gallagher © (Barkhuizen, 79), Stockley (Nmecha, 65), Browne, Maguire. Subs not used: Ripley, Earl, Clarke, Johnson, Ledson.
Derby County line-up: Roos, Bryson, Tomori, Keogh ©, Wilson, Waghorn (Bennett, 65), Lawrence, Evans, Holmes, Nugent (Wisdom, 69), Malone. Subs not used: Carson, Jozefzoon, Johnson, MacDonald, Huddlestone.
Attendance: 12,124 (963 Derby County fans)
Referee: Mr D Bond
Only surprise about this one it was goalless especially in the second half when we did everything bar score but credit Derby put bodies on the line when it mattered .
A chilly old night at the ground but didn't stop North End making a fast start, could have been one up early doors Stockley couldn't direct Brown's shot which came at speed into the net. Stockley had another chance his shot on the turn went narrowly over the bar. Storey also headed over from a corner. In the first half we didn't create anything from open play dead balls looked our most dangerous weapon. It was apparent that when the Rams didn't have the ball they defend as a team all eleven behind the ball. The early play did give a warning of Derby's danger in the form of Wilson who pinged one against the bar from 25 yards, it did take a slight deflection of Davies which may have done us a favour.
Derby started to press Lawrence played through in the inside right channel fired high and wide should have scored and Wilson again hit the woodwork again unlucky not to score.
We probably were lucky to have eleven on the pitch Pearson quite easily could have got a red for his lunge on Lawrence but Mr Bond happily only gave a yellow, stay on your feet Ben.
Positional change at half time Potts into centre midfield Gallagher to the right and hey presto absolutely battered them, Roos saved well from Browne with his feet which sparked a spell of shots raining in on the Derby goal Potts and Fisher were also denied during this frenetic period. Maguire headed over pity really Stockley was probably in a better position. Following the positional change Potts and Maguire had more influence on the game, the Irishman now getting back to full fitness is becoming an integral member of the team.
A quality team move almost got Potts in just couldn't control the ball
Little was seen of Derby as an attacking force only a long clearence from the keeper caused us problems. Played really well second half without reward. This side is coming together especially at centre back were Storey and Davies look an excellent combination.
Finally fair play to Frank decent after match interview.
Preston North End boss Alex Neil said: "Things are positive right now and going in the right direction.
"With what we have got now in terms of the squad I would fully expect us to finish the season strongly.
"I have said to the players that I'm certainly not writing off the play-offs."
Derby County manager Frank Lampard: "It was a hard-earned point. We had the better chances in the first half, Harry Wilson especially.
"The second half was tough and we were up against it in the first 25 minutes. We brought on fresh legs, but it was a difficult game and we have to be happy with the point.
"Preston have a good team, they have a good mix and play good football. They are difficult opposition. This is a tough place to come.
"We defended well and put our bodies on the line, which we need if we are to be successful."
Why should a man go to work, if he has the health and strength to stay in bed?