To start with goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann was all game looking to roll the ball out to his defenders rather than the usual hoof up the field. The relatively solid looking defence also tried to keep the ball on the deck whenever possible. The team seemed to have a lot more width with Danny Mayor deployed mainly on the left, it was a shame there was little action on the other flank as Paul Coutts struggled once again playing wide.
"... Stuckmann constantly looking to roll the ball out to the defence..."
Another small change that occured which the Deepdale faithful have been crying out for, was that Westley opted to keep a few players up top when the opposition had a corner or free kick. This was in stark contrast to recent games when all the team have been ordered back to defend the incoming cross.
Does this represent a change in Westley's mentality after the dreadful negative performances of recent weeks? Has he had a change of heart? Has he been influenced by the board to change his playing style? Or has the pressure of the fans for change forced Westley's hand?
"... has the pressure of the fans forced Westley's hand?"
These are all interesting question to consider, but the most important question is will this change continue? The performance today was by no means "great" or even "good" but surely it would appear at this time to be a step in the right direction.
PNE's main problem today was the centre of their midfield. Andy Proctor once again looked slow and out of his depth, also his central midfield partner Max Ehmer did not look match fit. This allowed the Don's plenty of space in the middle of the park and at times looked like they could potentially hurt the Lillywhites on the break. But overall PNE definitely deserved at least a point, despite the disappointing second half where heads seemed to drop and our losing mentality kicked in.
It will be interesting to see how things pan out on Monday away at Stevenage to see if Westley really has changed. Hopefully the late equaliser will give the team confidence, which they have been so desperately lacking over recent weeks.
Match Ratings:
Preston North End
- 01 Stuckmann 6- Untested today, but inspirational late run up for the free-kick mixed things up, raising the atmosphere and the goal was scored.
- 05 Robertson 7- Did well looked solid against Alan Smith and big Ibehre when he came on.
- 26 Wright 8- looked solid all game, won his headers and obviously got the crucial goal. Looks a talent. Booked
- 42 Hunt 5- struggled, distribution was poor and came off due to injury.
- 08 Coutts 6- just, slowed down play out on the right, not his best position. Crucial to play him in the centre.
- 16 Mayor 7- did well, opposition eventually doubled up on him. Gave the team width. Wish he had got at their right back more, who was on a yellow for most of the game and looked vulnerable.
- 17 Parry 7- solid performance at left-back, decent distribution working with Mayor.
- 35 Ehmer 6- sluggish, looks overweight and unfit. Slight improvement second half before being subbed.
- 38 Procter 5- cheered when substituted (harsh) but he was poor, out of his depth and far too slow.
- 07 Hume 6- another odd Deepdale MoM, poor touch for most of the game but worked hard for the team and won some knock downs. Great in the air, gives defenders a hard time.
- 37 Holroyd 6- worked hard as ever running into the channels but just doesn't look like a genuine goal threat.
Substitutes
- 25 Arestidou
- 28 Miller - slotted in at right back for Hunt, not much time to judge him particularly out of position, did his job.
- 44 Aneke - brief cameo, poor first touch, not sure about Arsenal! More attacking option than others though.
- 09 Proctor - unfortunately didn't offer much in twenty mins, playing up top and on the right but first game back today.
- 39 Cummins
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