Source: FOOTYMAD
Unbeaten Run Extended
Phil Brown tasted his first one nil win as Preston manager as they defeated Exeter at Deepdale this afternoon although the scoreline should have been much greater for the home side. Preston's unbeaten run now stretches to four games as they moved up to fifth position in the very early stages of the league season. Another clean sheet saved the day for Preston although Brown will be disappointed Preston did not score more. The Whites looked confident despite the first eleven changing for this match. Hume was not in the squad so Preston reverted to a 4-4-2 with a diamond in the midfield. Doyle Middleton started at the head just behind Proctor and Mellor. The backline looked solid and Preston looked good going forward. THe deadlock was broken when a cross was put in from the right. Mellor was tugged down in the box and would have certainly headed on target. A penalty was gven and Tulley was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Alexander was named captain for the day and took the penalty. He drilled it down the centre and the keeper saved. It was the first time in white that he had missed a penaloty since the play off victory over Birmingham in 2001 that took Preston to Cardiff. The home side then dominated posession against ten men and took the lead before the break. Parry playing at left back swirled in a free kick which Proctor glanced into the net. Exeter played on the break and hit the bar from a long range shot but rarely threatend save for when Preston defence got jittery on the odd occassion. Mellor missed a gilt edge chance after having two stabs from close range whilst Mayor came on to create havoc in the Exeter backline. Preston couldn't find the second but held on for the victory.
