North End boss hails hitman Parkin

15 March 2009 12:52
North End had collected a solitary point from their three previous outings but in-form Parkin notched his fourth goal in as many appearances to secure his side's 14th home win of the campaign.[LNB]Coventry led in the 17th minute when Stephen Wright's cross-shot was converted by Clinton Morrison but Preston deservedly equalised in the 38th minute when visiting defender Ben Turner headed into his own net.[LNB]And they claimed victory with 18 minutes remaining when Parkin showed outstanding poise to capitalise on an awful clearance from Sky Blues goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and rifle home a fine left-footed finish.[LNB]It was his 10th goal of the season and his ninth for Preston since joining the Lancashire outfit from Stoke last August.[LNB]"It was a good finish from Jon," said Irvine. "There was a lot of composure, he timed his run well and when he got through he sat the goalkeeper down and went round him.[LNB]"It was a terrific goal and we showed great character to come back and we've done that a lot of times this season.[LNB]"The lads' heads could have gone because we missed chances but they kept going and have done that many times this season."[LNB]The result lifted Preston into sixth but Cardiff have four games in hand on Irvine's men and play Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Sunday.[LNB]"I think it will change every week - teams will move up and teams will move down," said Irvine.[LNB]"It's going to go right through to the end, I'm quite sure, but that's the nature of this division."[LNB]The only negative for Irvine was an injury to midfielder Barry Nicholson, who sustained a rib injury after bravely blocking a shot from Turner and had to be replaced 10 minutes into the second half after lengthy treatment.[LNB]He was taken straight to hospital and Irvine said: "I think he may have broken his ribs unfortunately.[LNB]"I have to say that it was a fantastic piece of defending from Barry and stopped a certain goal.[LNB]"Unfortunately he's paid the price for that and he's gone to hospital now. The feeling from the medical people is that he's probably broken his ribs."[LNB]Coventry boss Chris Coleman admitted mistakes are costing his side dear after they slipped to their fourth straight defeat in all competitions.[LNB]Coleman said: "We have lost four games on the trot and all have come from individual errors.[LNB]"We've got to cut that out because if you keep doing that then you're going to lose games and that's what has happened.[LNB]"In the first half we played some good stuff but in the second half Preston came on strong.[LNB]"I didn't think we were going to lose but again, from a kick by Westy (Westwood) we have gifted them another goal and it's disappointing."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk