Source: FOOTYMAD
Preston Push On
The Whites were made to work hard against a spirited Tranmere side for their yet another league victory after their midweek loss in the Cup. Preston's biggest crowd of the season saw the home side stutter at first against a Tranmere side that made Preston work for everything. The visitors had the best of the first twenty minutes but could not convert any of their half chances. Proctor was then played through for Preston's first real chance and should have converted as he rounded the keeper but he could only blast wide. Moments later Mellor was pulled down in the box and Alexander converted the penalty. The referee was very fussy which was frustrating for both sides as he failed to allow any physical contact which saw free kicks and cards given at a regular interval throughout the match. The home side could not press home after taking the lead and Tranmere were always in the game without making Arestidou make any meaningul saves. All of a sudden the game changed when Tranmere forged into the area and a shot on goal was cruelly deflected slowing the ball down and past Arestidou who was following the original flight of the ball. The defence watched as the ball rolled onto the post before Baxter was first to the ball toslam home into the roof of the net despite tring his hardest to sky it over the bar. It seemed that Tranmere would then have the upper hand pressing forward but from their corner Coutts broke out and with the help of Mell managed to put Mayor on as a sub through on goal. The youngster cooly converted past the keeper to gove the Whites the lead. Parry was then given a second yellow for a foul and Preston were reduced to ten men by a very pedantic referee. Mayor having just come on and scored was taken off for the returning Gray and soon Ashbee linked up with Alexander to keep the midfield tight. Preston managed to hold on for the remaining ten minutes to keep up their good league form. They now travel to Wycombe to play their game in hand before travelling to Leyton Orient next Saturday.
