Lockwood late show punishes PNE

15 August 2009 17:34
Chris Brown had put the hosts ahead after 28 minutes, latching on to Ross Wallace's throughball before beating the onrushing Neil Sullivan. The goal was no more than Preston deserved for an impressive first-half display, but the hosts came roaring back after the interval and James Hayter hit the post before Lockwood levelled with 10 minutes remaining, converting Brian Stock's free-kick from six yards. Lockwood's strike means both sides are still looking for their first league victories of the season, having each been held to draws on the opening day. Jason Shackell was handed his debut in the heart of Doncaster's defence following his arrival on loan from Wolves. Manager Sean O'Driscoll made a total of seven changes from the midweek Carling Cup victory over Notts County, while Quinton Fortune was named among the substitutes after the club received the necessary international clearance. Preston boss Alan Irvine also rung the changes, making five to the side that defeated Morecambe 5-1 on Tuesday. The hosts were the first to threaten, with John Spicer firing over the bar from 25 yards in the fourth minute. Chaplow had Preston's first effort after 16 minutes, but home goalkeeper Sullivan was equal to his 20-yard effort. The visitors had another chance eight minutes later as Barry Nicholson headed wide from 12 yards. And soon after the Lilywhites were ahead as Brown added to his goal against Morecambe in midweek. Paul Parry wasted a great chance to extend Preston's lead seven minutes before the break when he headed wide from six yards after being picked out by Callum Davidson's cross. Doncaster finally came to life in first half stoppage-time but Lockwood headed over from close range. Whatever was said in the home dressing room at half-time certainly seemed to work as Doncaster came roaring out of the blocks in the second half. Spicer's cross-shot drifted narrowly over the bar after 49 minutes and three minutes later Hayter hit the post from six yards with Lonergan beaten. The visitors were forced into a change after 54 minutes, with Liam Chilvers replacing the injured Youl Mawene. Doncaster then went close again moments later as Lonergan denied Stock from close range. Ross Wallace became the second Preston player to leave the field through injury shortly after the hour mark, with burly forward Jon Parkin coming on in his place. Chris Sedgwick forced Sullivan into a smart stop as the visitors looked to wrap up the points with a second goal. At the other end, Stock tested Lonergan again from 20 yards before Lockwood pulled Rovers level with 11 minutes remaining. Substitute Dean Shiels almost put Rovers ahead two minutes later, but Lonergan reacted well to tip his 20-yard effort around the post. In a dramatic finale, Hayter then volleyed wide for Doncaster before Sean St Ledger saw his late effort superbly saved by Sullivan. Parkin also had a chance to earn Preston three points, but he fired wide from Barry Nicholson's corner.

Source: Team_Talk