[themaclad]

North End continue their unique run of fixtures, Chesterfield,Crawley, Coventry and now Colchester feels like an episode of Seasme Street, brought to you by the letter C.
United had a poor start to the season and have already changed manager with Joe Dunne being replaced by Tony Humes, as is the case results have picked up since the change of manager, they beat Crewe last week 3-0. Squad wise they have Freddie Sears ex of the Hammers leading the line. Between the sticks they have Sam Walker who if memory serves me right had a blinder at Deepdale last season.
North End have doubts about Woods who limped off at Coventry last week, Little may be fit and on a personal view it would be good to see young Robinson get a bit longer on the pitch. Should win but last year battered them and drew.

[themaclad]

Match stats showed there were 34 efforts at goal in Preston's 4-2 win over Colchester, although the scoreline shows a comfortable Preston win, this was anything but a walkover.
After Gallagher wasted a glorious chance in the first minute to give the home side the lead, it was Colchester who dominated and took the lead through Healey after 16 minutes, he was slightly fortunate to get the ball following several deflections but scored from close range.
Within nine minutes North End were ahead, firstly Wiseman picked up the ball 30 yards out brushing off non existant tackles, he toe poked the ball past Walker from 12 yards. Colchester's defence didn't exactly cover itself with glory for the second one either, a hopeful punt downfield caused confusion in the ranks, Humphrys miscontrolled the ball but was lucky that Browne was also in the box to put the ball in.
Colchester took the intative following the double set back finding plenty of joy down their right wing were Clohessy was causing plenty of problems, it was no surprise when they scored again through Gilbey although have to say it was a great shot from 25 yards which would have beaten any keeper.
North End retook the lead within two minutes of the second half starting, Gallagher's speculative effort beating the rather cumbersome Walker, not a great bit of keeping.
Colchester rallied and Moncur walked through the home defence, should have scored but his shot was poor. Walker almost blundered again shortly after leaving a Garner shot which hit the post, later Garner also headed against the bar.
A great poass from Gallagher set Humphrys free on goal, he jsu about got the ball past Walker before walking the ball into the net.
Reid almost set up Humphrys but he was denied by a great last ditch tackle, whilst substitute Robinson curled one against the Colchester bar. Sears who looks wasted at this level forced Jones into two good saves as Colchester pressed also Wright cleared off his goalline to stop United reducing the arrears. There were no more goals but fair play to Colchester for playing an attacking game, didn't quite work for them this time.

Preston North End 4 Colchester United 2 Att 8478