Preston downed by Doncaster

07 August 2010 18:01
New-look Preston endured a bitterly disappointing 2-0 opening-day defeat at the hands of 10-man npower Championship rivals Doncaster. Rovers established an early two-goal advantage with goals from James O'Connor and James Hayter to secure victory before the late dismissal of debutant midfielder Simon Gillett. North End never recovered from their early double blow as a previously optimistic mood at Deepdale gave way to an air of deflation and disappointment among the stunned home fans. O'Connor opened the scoring in the 12th minute when he finished off a fine move down the left flank with a fierce right-foot strike across home goalkeeper Andy Lonergan and into the bottom left-hand corner. O'Driscoll handed debuts to summer signings George Friend and Gillett and the duo both helped the visitors to dominate the opening exchanges and it came as no surprise when they added their second goal in the 18th minute. Defender Friend crossed dangerously and club record signing Billy Sharp greeted his delivery with a firm header. Lonergan made a parried save but Hayter nodded in the rebound from 12 yards out to put Rovers 2-0 up and in total control. Rovers lost Gillett to a second bookable offence with 12 minutes remaining but they held on with relative comfort to leave Darren Ferguson with plenty to ponder.

Source: PA