James blunts Blades

09 February 2010 22:59
Manchester United rookie Matthew James made a dream debut for Preston with a fortuitous early strike which helped put a desperately disappointing Sheffield United to the sword in a 2-1 win at Deepdale. The England Under-20 midfielder, 18, claimed the credit in the 10th minute when his low 20-yard shot deflected off Blades defender Nyron Nosworthy and wrongfooted goalkeeper Ian Bennett. Jon Parkin added a killer second for Darren Ferguson's men in the 71st minute, tucking away the rebound after his penalty was saved by Bennett before United winger Mark Yeates grabbed a late consolation. Victory was no more than Preston deserved against a United side who offered precious little goal threat until the closing stages and who have now claimed just one point from four matches. The result was a welcome tonic for Preston after two successive defeats but their opener owed much to good fortune.

Source: PA