By Alex Atkinson -
PNEfans.net
Deja vous at Deepdale
Preston North End 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday
It was a case of deja vous at Deepdale for the opening day of
the new season, as the game was a carbon copy of last seasons 0-0
draw.
An overcast skyline set over Deepdale, 15,650
being the attendance, 3,200 from Sheffield. Paul Simpson’s
took his league game in charge, looking for a good start to the
season.
Sheffield Wednesday fans
at Deepdale The match was very tight in the first half, both sides battling
it out in midfield. Sean St Ledger had the first real chance for
North End. The centre back found himself inside the Wednesday box,
only for his half volley to be deflected away.
The match continued to be a tight affair, both sides playing a
defensive style of play. North End finally got their attacking
football flowing, when Simon Whaley put Nugent through on goal.
David Nugent looked set to break the net only for the young striker
to drag his shot wide.
Sheffield Wednesday found the back of the
net towards the end of the first half. Chris Brunt’s effort
was ruled out for offside. The half time whistle blew, with slight
jeers from sections
of the crowd.
The Preston North End fans team paraded around the pitch at half
time, showing off their IFA cup trophy. The Deepdale crowd were
very appreciative, showing their support to the lads, clapping
them around the ground.
Preston North End
supporters team took the flag away David Nugent had a glorious chance to put
North End into the lead. The chance came only a minute into the
second half. Matty Hill
picked Nugent out in the box. Nugent got on the end of Hill’s
cross with his header right at Brad Jones in the Wednesday goal.
Danny Dichio soon after had a great chance to fire Preston ahead.
The lanky target man got a lucky bounce with the ball. Dichio raced
through one on one, his shot on goal was well saved by Jones.
Simpson’s Lilywhites found themselves
with a numerical advantage when Lee Bullen was shown a straight
red card after a bad challenge
on Matt Hill. Sheffield Wednesday changed their game plan, and
sat back.
Preston pushed forward looking to break the 10-men of the Wednesday.
The North End faithful were put through the emotions of a football
fan when Liam Chilvers looked to have given North End three points.
Chilvers found the net from a corner, only for the referee disallowing
the goal for a push.
The referee was very picky throughout the game, being called by
the home and away supporters. The match then fizzled out as both
teams settled for a no score draw.
Overall North End will have to improve if
they are going to mouth a serious challenge this season. A new
striker and
cover at the
back are a priority for Paul Simpson as he looks forward to taking
on Norwich this coming Tuesday night.
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