James blunts Blades

Published: 09 Feb 2010 - 22:59:51

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Manchester United rookie Matthew James made a dream debut for Preston with a fortuitous early strike which helped put a desperately disappointing Sheffield United to the sword in a 2-1 win at Deepdale.The England Under-20 midfielder, 18, claimed the credit in the 10th minute when his low 20-yard shot deflected off Blades defender Nyron Nosworthy and wrongfooted goalkeeper Ian Bennett.Jon Parkin added a killer second for Darren Ferguson's men in the 71st minute, tucking away the rebound after his penalty was saved by Bennett before United winger Mark Yeates grabbed a late consolation.Victory was no more than Preston deserved against a United side who offered precious little goal threat until the closing stages and who have now claimed just one point from four matches.The result was a welcome tonic for Preston after two successive defeats but their opener owed much to good fortune.

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