By Alex Atkinson -
PNEfans.net
Preston
North End 1-2 Hearts
Simpson's
North End suffer defeat
Paul Simpson fell
to his first defeat as Preston manager at the hands of SPL
outfit Hearts. Simon Whaley grabbed
the only goal for PNE.
It was the return to Deepdale,
for the first time since exiting the playoff semi final against
Leeds Utd. The pitch
certainly impressed me, the baking sun shining down bright on the
perfect green “carpet” of a pitch.
Preston manager Paul Simpson started the match with a strong squad
of players, Liam Chilvers and Danny Pugh making his home debuts.
Andrew Lonergan made his comeback to the North End side, following
his lengthy injury last term.
The 2,000 visiting Hearts fans! Preston started the game well, David Nugent
and Simon Whaley linking well on the right side. North End’s
good opening play didn't
cause the Heart’s defence any problems. IT was the Jambo’s
who took the lead after only 13 minutes on the clock. The PNE rear
guard was unlocked with a through ball, which caught Liam Chilvers
sleeping, for Roman Bednar to fire the visitors ahead.
Hearts found themselves with a two goal cushion five minutes later.
Saulius Mikoliunas left the Preston defence ball watching as he
ran through to smash the ball home past the stranded Andrew Lonergan.
The Preston supporters were silenced, the travelling support going
crazy.
The Lilywhites needed waking up, Graham
Alexander lead by example creating PNE’s first shot on
goal. The North End captain, filling in at left back, cut inside
from the left side to release
a right footed shot which was always rising. Preston finally got
going in the remaining 20 minutes of the first half, Simon
Whaley pulling a goal back after 33 minutes played.
The right winger released a shot from the
edge of the box, which was deflected back into his path. Whaley
smash the rebound back
on target, only for Banks to made a good save, Whaley didn’t
miss the second rebound tapping the ball home, after some brave
play. Preston kept pressing the visitors, Danny Pugh almost levelling
the score line with a sweet volley at the back post, which was
saved well.
Carlo Nash and Patrick Agyemang came off the bench for Lonergan
and Dichio respectively. Agyemang started to cause the Hearts back
line some problems, only lacking the final pass. Hearts found the
back of the net once more, only for Mikoliunas effort was ruled
offside.
North End went close midway into the second half. Danny Pugh was
fouled on the edge of the box. Paul McKenna hit the resulting free
kick just wide. Simpson made two more changes, Chilvers and Whaley
went off for Lewis Neal and Chris Sedgwick.
Preston didn’t create anymore clear cut chances, Patrick
Agyemang doing well towards the end of the match, again failing
to release a shot at the right time. Kelvin Wilson, who played
a solid match, could have nicked a draw at the death with a free
header which didn’t cause the keeper to make a save.
Overall this match was a step up from the
previous two friendly matches against Chorley and Bamber Bridge.
The PNE defence will
reshape one Matt Hill and Callum Davidson return to full fitness.
In Paul Simpson’s post-match interview with pne.com the former
Carlisle boss quoted "It's pre-season, it's about getting
the match fitness, and we know that the lads are not going to be
fully fit for the full 90 minutes.
The impressive Deepdale surface!
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