Preston North End Football Club News

• Nickname:lilywhites
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Graham Westley

• Ground:Deepdale
• Capacity:22,226

Poor start angers Simpson

22 Jan 2007 - 10:14:41

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Preston North End manager Paul Simpson slammed his side for a dismal first-half showing despite the Lilywhites coming back from two goals down to defeat Stoke City 3-2 at the weekend.

Liam Lawrence and Mamady Sidibe fired Stoke into a sixth minute 2-0 lead at Deepdale before the home side roared back after the break and took the points through Kelvin Wilson's winner.

"It was an appalling first six minutes by us," fumed Simpson. "It was a dreadful start to the game.

"I thought we lacked communication at the back and we showed a distinct lack of desire.

"We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. However, after that I think we had 18 shots and we had a lot of pressure.

"We were fortunate as Stoke decided to sit back and defend deep. I changed the personnel in the second half and it is a really, really big three points.

"I wasn't particularly happy at half-time but I am delighted for Kelvin (Wilson)."