Nugent (13)
Alexander (P 86)

The first 10 minutes of the first half was going so well! Certainly our general shape and look of the team was much improved. Wade Elliott showed glimpses of what we have in the future, and some of his runs into the box brought great optimism. The pace of the game was electric and the atmosphere was incredible. Then on 13 minutes everything changed with John McGreal being penalised for a challenge on Dichio. Whether you class the resulting free kick as a well worked and clever one, or the Burnley defending as woeful is up to you. My initial reaction was it being our centre half's fault, but having seen the goal since on TV my opinion is James O'Connor was meant to be covering as a very neat flick was met by a clinical finish by Nugent (Here's hoping they have to sell him and feel the pain!) With a tactical switch of full-backs from Preston, the threat from Elliott was sorted out and we basically got worse. With one save from Micah Hyde's long range effort that was pretty much it.

The Second Half substitution of new signing Stock for old man Lucketti signaled a resolute display of defending by Preston. Let's be honest, we never really tested them with no forward line! I'm not wanting to mention the ref (!) or the lack of depth in our squad, or the need of a front line, or the look of "who cares" from some of our players or the completely inept display from Micah Hyde and others! The penalty decision for Preston on 86 minutes was correct from where I sat and it was obvious that they would score!