[themaclad]

A big week for North End with two home games against Chesterfield and Crawley, with a stack of injuries and Hugill's suspension not going to be an easy one for North End manager Grayson. Pressure starting to be put on the manager due to lack of a consistant team selection and system played by the side. PNEonline has already started a thread calling for him to go. Dropped points this week will not make it easier for him.
Tough first game against a decent Chesterfield side who have settled really well in the division. Managed by ex Claret Paul Cook who had a decent record against us as a player, they have a decent squad with the clever winger Gary Roberts and top scorer in the league Doyle. They dispatched Scunthorpe on Saturday after going behind to the tune of 4-1.
For us Garner, Little and Humphreys doubtful. Will Kev Davies do the business against his old club. Only time wil tell. Will be a match report but probably be Thursday before it's on going to Fleetwood v Barnsley on Wednesday.

[themaclad]

Three up after 28 minutes and cruising, spend the next 66 minutes frantically trying to defend a three goal lead and failing is up there with one of the better Preston balls up.
Goals by Browne, Garner and Brownhill had put North End in charge against visitors Chesterfield by the half hour mark, two headers and a comedy goalkeeping error goal should have meant three points for the home side, but no.
Six minutes gone Browne stole in unmarked to head home a Hayhurst cross. Nine minutes later Chesterfield keeper Lee went walkabout Garner took his time and scored.
On 28 minutes Brownhill nodded home from close range after some canny play kept the ball in play when Chesterfield were down to 10 due to an injury.
Doyle had so nearly scored but just failed to get on the end of a good team move.
He made amends on 31 minutes when chipping the ball past Jones. North End were pinned back for the rest of the half and could barely get out of the penalty area. Boco should have reduced the arrears further firing over from close range after a Doyle flick.
Second half North End forced back same scenario as the later part of the first half, O'Shea should have done better withb a chance but North End held out quite well. Outbreaks of hand bags occured but North End seemed to have survived until 11 minutes from time when Doyle slid in at the back post to make it 3-2. King almost presented Gnaduillet with a chance but a great block by Wright kept the scores level.
Then the pivotal moment of the game, great cross by Preston winger Reid, bullet header from Garner, super save by Lee, minutes later Garner had a numpty moment handled the ball in his own area from a corner, penalty, Doyle duly completed his second hat trick in four days. Six minutes of injury time failed to produce a winner and the home fans frustration at the side is beginning to grow.

Preston North End 3 Chesterfield 3 Att 8399

[Dancingwilldoit]

Nice report Themaclad. Sounds like a good game would have been there if I had been at home but sat in sunny Spain instead - not complaining tho.

[themaclad]

Impressed with your lads play football on the ground, could do well this season

[Devongone]

We all hate Dancing. He always manages to let us know when he's in Spain or somewhere. Costa Del Ginger!

Thanks for the kind words Mac. If Chesterfield mananged to finish in the current position (which would be a miracle) it would be their highest placing since I began supporting them. An' it's a long time.