Simon Grayson named an unchanged side but unfortunately fell to the hoodoo of the Manager of the Month award as his side failed to stop a Peterborough side which seem to be well equipped for a swift return to the Championship.
It was a sunny day in Peterborough but it wasn't shining on Preston for long although the game could have been so different had the bounce of the ball gone in favour of Preston.
Davies had an opportunity to put Preston in the lead inside the first couple of minutes. A cross was put in and the striker hit a goalbound shot with the keeper strandard only for a deflection to send the ball out for a corner. That was the only real positive of the first half.
Moments later the home side were in front. A long range shot bounced in front of Rudd who has been superb all season. The ball hit his chect as he went to collect and boucned out to Barnett who had a tap in.
McCann added a second just before the half hour mark. He had a long range effort which was at a comfortable height for Rudd but unbelieveably the youngster let the ball slip through his hands and roll over the line. There were embarrassed faces all round for botht he striker who didn't want to vcelebrate and the keeper.
Rudd did keep the score down by making a double save to deny the home side extending their lead further although the damage had been done.
Grayson had kept a 3-5-2 formation but with Peterborough playing a diamond in midfield both Humphrey and Laird were marking space at times with the midfield being overrun. They were both seemingly scared of going forward and due to Peterborugh's pace, Preston sat deep.
Welsh and Wroe came on at half time. Hume who was ineffective behind the strikers went off as did Byrom. The midfield was packed and Preston got a firm grip on the game.
The visitors were on top but just could not find the net. Bailey Wright hit the bar with a screamer from outside the box and second half substitute Garner header onto the bar. The home keeper was also forced into action on a number of occasions.
If Preston had pulled a goal back then the home side might have caved under pressure but it wasn't to be. The referee was also very poor seemingly allowing no contact when Preston touch a home player but allowing the home side as much freedom as they liked when they wished to tackle.
You cannot win every game and this was always going to be a tough test. Peterborough are a decent outfit and Grayson will lament the fact that he did not match Peterborough in midfield at the start of the game as the result may have been different.
Some will blame Rudd and he will be disappointed with the basic errors he made but if he can continue what has been an otherwise good season so far then the team will only benefit.
Source: WHITES
Source: FOOTYMAD
