North End changed their line up as Colchester arrived at Deepdale in a game that North End were expected to win after an impressive victory at Leyton Orient last weekend.
Clarke and Laird occupied the full back roles whilst Jack King continued alongside Wright int he centre of defence. Kilkenny was given his first start in midfield with Welsh. Holmes and Gallagher occupied the wings whilst Davies and the in form Garner played up front.
Preston should have been ahead as early as the first minute when Davies headed the ball into the ground and over from inside the six yard area when it was easier to score. This set the tone of the afternoon.
North End have often been frsutrated when not getting an early breakthrough as visiting teams just look to sit back but Colchester were so poor Preston cut throguh them at every opportune moment.
By the end of the game the shot count was in excess of 20 with Davies missing a hat trick of chances. Others also missed opportunities which should have put the game beyond doubt.
The home side did find the back of the net just before the break. Garner powered a header home to give North End the lead and to continue his fine current scoring run. The floodgates should have opened but they didn't.
Davies missed the opportunity of the match when he was inside the box bearing down to shoot past the keeper when an outstretched foot blocked his shot. Further chances went begging and on another day Preston could have been five up.
It was always to be that Colchester would get one chance and from that chance they scored with a fine 25 yard left foot fizzer from Garbutt. If you are only going to have one shot all game then this alone was worth it.
Preston could not edge back in front and had to settle for a draw meaning that they lose ground on the leaders. They now head to Port Vale before another home game next Saturday against Bristol City to regain some momentum.
Source: WHITES
Source: FOOTYMAD
