Hard fought victory in the end. Lucky to be ahead at halftime as Preston probably looked more dangerous, without creating anything, We were more solid second half and created more as they came out and took more risks. Both our goals were Preston errors though, despite us doing well to capitalise on them. We looked a lot more solid when Doyle came on in CM. I suspect he was being rested but I'm still very unconvinced about Norwood and Berge as a partnership. First half we seemed to be playing more hopeful long balls. better in the second.
Wes - 6.5 - Almost nothing to do other than a good save down to his left near the end.
RND - 5.5 - Poor first half after a superb run of games. Took risks and put us in danger. Much better during the second and got forward a bit more. Should have taken his chance earlier. That was a first time shop.
Basham - 5 - Terrible first half on the ball. Extremely sloppy and gave them their best chances. Also put a couple of great tackles in. More solid during the second without really having to do much.
Egan - 6.5 - Solid, really. Put in a couple of good challenges but struggled a little with their forward play first half. Much better in the second.
Anel - 7 - Ok. Slightly iffy challenge to put in late on. Wasn't a penalty but could easily have been given. Probably our best CB. Won most things is a little flat footed, on occasion.
Baldock - 7 - Probably our best defender. Put a real shift in and our best play WAS going forward was down the right.
Berge - 6 - Poor first half. Lost the ball a few times and looks like he's running on treacle trying to get back. There was a huge gap on the left hand centre between him and midfield and he hardly went that forward. Put a couple of good crosses in and showed determination to rectify his heavy tough for the second.
Norwood - 6 - Mixed. Did some good things but largely wasteful with the ball. not convinced with his longer range of passing and set pieces today.
Ndiaye - 6 - Played further back today and struggled a bit first half. Didn't track the runs of Whiteman on a couple of occasions and his control was off. Play too far up, for me, and didn't provided much support for the CMs. Very calm for the goal and improved second half.
McBurnie - 5.5 - Thought he was poor first half. Got knocked off the ball far too easily and nothing stuck first half. Also looked flat footed and got beaten to balls which should have been his. Better second half but still not great. loses .5 for a second ridiculous booking for over-celebrating. No need.
Brewster - 6 - Unlucky not to draw a penalty with a good run. Hardly saw the ball first half outside of a clever chip. Didn't really see much of the ball first half but kept making runs to stretch them.
Subs
Doyle - 6.5 - Great dummy for the RND chance and we looked much more solid when he came on.
Sharp - 6 - Not on for long but used his experience well
McAtee - not really on long enough
Hecky - 6 - Sent out a more attacking starting side, presumably because Doyle needed a rest, and we looked far too open in the centre. They could easily run through us and we were lucky they were poor with the final ball. A bit more solid second half. The forward were noticeably a bit deeper. Better when Doyle came on. A bit lucky perhaps, but I guess you make your own luck.
Preston - Lots of need and tidy play and lots of strong determined play but they really struggle in the final third. Impressed with them defensively but they gifted us both goals with stupid mistakes. They'll be mid-table, no doubt.
vs. 
