Preston North End
- 25 Arestidou 5 - showed how important Stuckmann has been for PNE. Could have done better with the first goal, slowly improved through the game though.
- 02 Gray 4 - awful error for the second goal, dragged off at half time. Inconsistency is becoming a problem for the former Man Utd player.
- 05 Robertson 6 - didn't appear to be too involved, but arguably that is a sign of a good defender. No mistakes, could not have done much to help prevent the two Charlton goals.
- 06 Morgan 7 - another strong performance at the heart of PNE's defence. Hopefully will be a key player next season.
- 26 Wright 6 - fairly solid at left-back, nothing too adventurous when going forward but did a sound job filling in.
- 42 Hunt 7 - scored a nice goal from outside the penalty area. Started in a odd defensive midfield role but switched to his more familiar position at right back after half-time. Booked
- 08 Coutts 7 - clearly does not enjoy playing on the left as he has many times under Westley and did in the first-half yesterday. Looks twice the player in the centre and adds so much more to the team. Often doesn't look interested, maybe a sign that he will be leaving in the summer.
- 16 Mayor 6 - despite recent form he was not at his best yesterday. Charlton appeared to have done their homework on the winger, doubling up on the youngster from the kick off.
- 35 Ehmer 6 - went missing for large spells of the match, possibly tiring after a run of games in the side. Substituted late on.
- 09 Proctor 5 - largely frustrating, worked hard but appeared to lack the confidence to have a strike on goal.
- 37 Holroyd 6 - as always worked tirelessly but didn't offer a realistic goal threat. Meaning PNE's strike force was fairly ineffective all afternoon.
Substitutes
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| Brilliant end to a brilliant career. |
- 22 Alexander 8 - nobody at Deepdale yesterday will forget that lovely free-kick in a hurry. A brilliant moment to end a brilliant career. A fantastic servant to PNE and lets hope we see some more of the veteran in the years to come in whatever role that may be.
- 14 Hayhurst 7 - the youngster came on at half-time and impressed. He showed off a decent left foot, worked hard and put some good crosses in. Hopefully we will see more of the midfielder and more of the title winning youth team next season.
- 44 Aneke 6 - came on and played in a central role. Made some decent runs forward and offered another attacking option for PNE.
Brief Judgement: A real end of season affair, where both teams lacked any real urgency. Charlton rested a few key players and made the most of poor Preston defending early in the first half and went into the break 2-0 up.
But the second half saw an improved PNE, as they attacked the League 1 champions and deservedly pulled a goal back through defender Nicky Hunt.
But of course the day will forever be remembered for the injury time free-kick from PNE veteran Graham Alexander, who celebrated in style and confirmed his status as a PNE legend forever more.
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| Fans warming to Westley? |
No words can truly portray the gratitude we feel towards "Grezza" for his contribution to the club and it is fantastic that his achievements have been nationally recognised. It looks as if he will stay at the club in a staff role, which is excellent news for all involved.
Hopefully the Lillywhites can end the season on a high with a victory at Bournemouth next weekend. Criticism of Westley seems to have subsided for the time being as the team's performances have improved, despite his bizarre mid-week rant at his "mediocre" players.
In other news, it has been reported that Westley has already been very active in pursuing his transfer targets for next season. Hopefully he will be looking to get some good business done early and get the majority of the team together for a good pre-season.
Also out of favour Brain McClean and the curious Jamaican, Keammar Daley are rumoured to have been "paid-up" by the club, after not featuring under Graham Westley.
