The fans panel
Written by Jimmy Atkinson
1-2
Where do I begin?
I headed down to the Valley on Saturday for Preston's first visit since the 1970's. I wasn't expecting much from the visit, but what I got blew me away.
The way that Preston played, which was with sheer emotion, passion and commitment made me prouder than I have been for a long time to be a Prestonian. I cant seriously fault any of the thirteen players that played their part on the field of play, and a lot of credit must go to our new supremo, Mr Irvine.
When we first appointed Mr Irvine I was a bit sceptical, didn't know how to take it. But I think over the past six weeks, the fight and determination that the team has put in has been reflected with the results we have got. I thought we were lucky to get all three points on Tuesday night, even though we worked tirelessly throughout. But Saturday was such a different story. Even though we lost one of our players of the season in Liam Chilvers in the warm-up, from minute one we were straight in their faces, and Charlton, even though man-for-man probably had a team with better ability, didn't have a clue.
"Blasted it into the roof of the net after fifteen minutes"..
When impressive debutant Tomas Priskin was sent through within the opening ten minutes, it was a sign of things to come. I thought at this point, that was it we'd blown it. But after more defensive fragilities within the Charlton back-line, Chris Brown's determination and unwillingness to learn the meaning of a lost cause meant he won the ball back, and blasted it into the roof of the net after fifteen minutes. It could of, and arguably should of been a couple at the break. Preston putting shots wide, and just over the bar on a couple of occasions. We were in complete control.
Second half came, and Priskin sent Brown down the line with a very clever piece of skill which epitomised what he was about. he was again sent through one-on-one with Nicky Weaver shortly before the hour mark, but the Charlton 'keeper managed to get a toe on the ball when Priskin should of scored. He looked a very good footballer, and was substituted to a standing ovation from the impressive Preston faithful after an hour.
However, that miss nearly proved costly, as soon after Charlton undeservedly snatched an equaliser. Pandemonium in the box led to McCartney stabbing home. At this point the NorthEnd faithful were silenced for the first time in the game. My comment was, 'whatever we do, we must not panic'.
And we didnt. We got back to the game plan, and moments later take one of Brown's goal was blocked by the Charlton defender. But take two, was a complete beauty. Cross from Whaley, and in one movement Chris Brown managed to turn, shoot and grab Preston the deserved winner they got. It was Bergkamp-esque. You could see what it meant to Chris Brown, he's an adopted Nobber now and you can see winning in the famous shirt of this club means so much to him.
"Delighted and so emotionally shattered that it was mind-blowing".
The last five minutes of the game were heart-stopping, tear-jurking moments. From Chris Brown's great skill in the corner where he managed to completely 'do' two Charlton players, to Matty Hill's cameo appearence on the left-flank. Lonergan had to be at his best to keep out Ambrose's free-kick, and when the final whistle went I think everyone was relieved, delighted and so emotionally shattered that it was mind-blowing.
The victory opitimised what playing for Preston should be about, sheer determination, passion and pride rolled into one. I am still, two days after the game, one very proud Prestonian.
Match Ratings
1. Lonergan - 7
19. Jones - 8
12. St Ledger - 8
5. Mawene - 8
3. Davidson - 8
7. Sedgwick - 8
16. McKenna - 9
11. Carter - 7
15. Whaley - 6 (18. Hill - 6)
9. Brown 9.5 - STAR MAN
25. Priskin - 8 (33. Mellor - 6)