Preston North End 2 - 1 Tranmere Rovers

Danny Mayor scored his first league goal for Preston

Preston North End recorded their sixth straight league win in front of a record crowd of 17,281, after a 2 – 1 defeat of Tranmere Rovers at Deepdale.

A penalty from Graham Alexander and a first league goal from Danny Mayor were enough for the win, despite loanee debutant Jose Baxter equalising for Rovers and Preston’s Paul Parry being sent off for a second booking mid way through the second half.

Tranmere can count themselves unlucky not to get anything from the game, but the win keeps Preston on track for promotion.

Phil Brown was able to recall all his big names to the starting eleven after they were given the night off in the 2 – 1 midweek Carling Cup loss to Southampton.

Goalkeeper Iain Turner was unable to fight off a foot injury, so Brown reverted to the same side that impressively despatched Brentford 3 – 1 in their last league game.

Tranmere boss Les parry’s only change was to replace the injured Newcastle United loanee Ryan Donaldson with the new loan signing of Jose Baxter who joined from Premier League outfit Everton in midweek.

Despite Preston’s recent form, they started very tamely and it was the away side who had the majority of the early play.

After 10 minutes, Rovers’ Lucas Akins looked lively from the off and his volley flashed dangerously across the face of the goal, but no one was there to convert.

Adam McGurk had two chances in quick succession, but he failed to hit the target.

Paul Parry then picked up his first booking on 18 minutes for tugging back Akins on edge of area.

Tranmere pressed again, as the home side continually gave the ball away, John Welsh crossed for McGurk again, but he headed wide from just 5 yards.

North End finally threatened after 28 minutes, as Paul Coutts played in Jamie Proctor who found himself clean through, but after he had took the ball around the keeper and with an open net looming, fired over.

Then seven minutes later a rare North End attack resulted in Parry playing in Neil Mellor who chested the ball down and was then pulled back in the box, penalty to Preston said the referee, although it looked a soft one.

There was only ever going to be one outcome from the spot, as Alexander drilled North End into the lead.

On the stroke of half time, Akins was causing trouble for Preston’s Parry yet again as he again broke free down the right, pulled the ball back for Baxter, but the loanee scooped his effort over from 15 yards.

The second half started a lot livelier than the first with both sides going close.

First on 53 minutes Mellor pulled the ball back for Coutts but his shot was deflected wide.

At the other end, Raven’s low drive was grasped by Andreas Arestidou in the North End goal.

Tranmere then pushed forward and their first half efforts were rewarded on the hour mark.

Akins the dangerman, cut inside from the left hit a low shot which deflected onto the post, but debutant Baxter arrived to smash in the rebound from 3 yards to send the away fans into delirium.

Rovers were again on the front foot, Weir and McGurk both went close.

On 71 minutes, against the run of play again, a Preston counter attack allowed Coutts to play in substitute Mayor who coolly slotted low past Owain Fon Williams for his first league goal for North End.

But 5 minutes later, North End shot themselves in the foot, Parry picked up his second yellow after again pulling down Akins.

Rovers pushed for the equaliser, but North End held on for the win, whilst Tranmere were left thinking what could and perhaps should have been.

North End boss, Phil Brown took pleasure from his decision to bring on the winning goalscorer Mayor, but also credited the visitors,

“That's probably the best substitution I’ve made in my career.

“Give Tranmere credit, they threw the kitchen sink at us late on.

"They are a very dangerous team, but we grinded out a magnificent result."

Rovers boss Les Parry was disappointed with the officials and the award of the penalty,

“There’s a reason we lost the game, that’s obviously the referee.

“We showed a ten minute DVD of Mellor going down easy, he only put his hand on his shoulder - it’s not a penalty.

“It is our best performance of the year, I don’t think Preston will have a harder win this season.”


You can also follow Jamie on twitter: @Jamie_Journo

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