Barry Nicholson missed a first half penalty as Preston North End played out a goalless draw with Southend United in the FA Cup first round meaning the two will now replay at Roots Hall.
The League One side had much the better of the chances, but they could not beat resilient goalkeeper Luke Daniels in the Southend goal who made a string of excellent first half saves.
Preston made two changes from the side that beat Rochdale on penalties in midweek.
Paul Coutts returned from suspension to replace Adam Barton in midfield and with Preston’s striker crisis clearly evident, 17 year old Luke Clark came into a five man midfield in replace of the cup tied Southampton loanee Jonathan Forte for his first North End start.
Shrimpers boss Paul Sturrock boss shuffled his League 2 leading side as Mark Phillips replaced Bilel Mohsni in central defence and JP Kalala took the place of suspended Anthony Grant who was sent off in Southend’s midweek JP Trophy win over Oldham.
Liam Dickinson led the line alongside top scorer Ryan Hall after manager’s son Blair Sturrock sat out nursing an abductor strain.
Phil Brown’s men dominated the first half and Coutts started that dominance when he broke from deep and unleashed a 25 yard right footed strike which Daniels tipped around his left post.
At the other end the south coast side’s only chance of the first half fell to Ryan Leonard, but he headed inches wide from a Hall free kick.
Both teams were vying for possession and it took 10 minutes for the next effort on goal, Coutts crossing from the left, but Tsoumou’s nod on trickled inches wide of the far post.
On 28 minutes, Southend were close to handing North End the lead after a weak back pass from Peter Gilbert was latched onto by Nicholson, but keeper Daniels blocked.
A minute later and Danny Mayor’s cross from the right found Coutts arriving late but his volley from 8 yards was straight at Daniels.
North End continued to press and Stuckmann’s long goal kick was chested down by Tsoumou, but he could only fire into the side netting.
This time it was Nicholson’s chance to test Daniels, but after Tsoumou crossed, Nicholson volleyed tamely at Daniels from 10 yards.
North End who had only two penalty successes to their name from their last nine games, were certain to take the lead on 37 minutes.
Nicholson had the chance to redeem himself from the penalty spot after Coutts was clearly brought down by Michael Timlin, but the former Scottish international blazed the spot kick miles over.
Then Coutts was involved again as his 20 yard curling free kick was palmed away by the on loan West Brom stopper who was single handedly keeping North End at bay and the score goal-less at the break.
The second half was a rather poor spectacle for FA Cup football with both teams failing to muster up any real clear cut opportunities.
Southend had more of the ball at the start of the second half, but neither keeper was tested.
But Preston did break on the hour mark, substitute Doyle Middleton won the ball high up the field and played in fellow youngster Clark but his attempted lob flew over the crossbar.
Finally after 25 minutes of the second half keeper Daniels was tested as he tipped over Middleton’s 30 yard fierce strike.
Hall then tested Stuckmann for the first time with a 25 yard low drive which got the 6”6” German stopper sprawling to tip around the post.
Three minutes later Middleton went for goal from distance again, but his 25 yard strike flew wide of the far corner.
Conor McLaughlin’s deep cross from the right touchline was headed back across goal by Middleton, but Tsoumou weak turn and shot was easily saved by Daniels.
Three minutes before the end, Mayor’s searching run and shot was fumbled by the keeper, the ball found its way to Coutts on the edge of the area, but his looping volley was helped over by Daniels.
Sturrock, who during the week sent some of his players off to work on a building site to experience the ‘real world’ certainly had to thank his man between the sticks for his efforts in ensuring the Shrimpers remain unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions, whereas it was North End’s first goalless draw for nearly a year.
You can also follow Jamie on twitter: @Jamie_Journo
Kirkland leaves Wigan Athletic with heavy heart
(Wed 23/05)
Blackburn Rovers target Ki focused on Celtic
(Wed 23/05)
Post a comment