Preston player ratings

Not had a chance to get on the forum since leaving the ground so here's my takes on things.

First 10 minutes we looked good. Attacked with pace and kept hold of the ball well. Lita had a chance which from my view he should definitely tested the keeper with.

15 minutes in and the ref changed the game. From my view beyond the goal it was 100% not a penalty. There looked to be minimal contact and the player was going over before Berry even swung a leg. Berry also pulled out of the challenge there was no follow through at all and definitely not enough contact for a penalty to be given. Anyway it was and apparently Danny agreed with the Referee.

From that point on it was the same problems we've seen for the majority of this season. A weak midfield, no ideas and no width.

Davies - 8 - Commanding and confident throughout. Distributed well, although at times he could have done so quicker to put us on the break. Made a few very good saves and probably deserves another start. Man of the match.

Smith - 5.5 - His performance was a strange one. Because the support were willing him to do so well they seemed to ignore his mistakes (myself included). I kept trying to convince myself he was playing well. In reality he was picked out and bullied by 2 very experienced players in Gallagher and Davies. In all honesty they tore him apart and he looked shaken by full time. My first opinion is he doesnt seem to have that natural class of Holgate or Stones. Too early to judge though and hope he starts again tomorrow night.

Ramage - 6.5 - Did okay. Won the aerial battles and lead by example. His distribution at times though was very frustrating. A few times he booted it out for a throw in when there was time to look down the channel.

Nyatanga - 6.5 - Same as Rambo but without the bad distribution.

Holgate - 6 - Worst game so far but you can tell he's going to be a great footballer. Oozes natural ability and just looks so comfortable on the ball. Worth another start.

Berry - 5.5 - Worked hard but was pretty anonymous all game. Moved central midfield and looked a little out of his depth. I like Berry but he needs to add more to his game.

Bailey - 3 - Dreadful. Gave the ball away time after time. We all know hes got ability buy whilst his focus and concentration is so off he's a liability. I'd give Diggers or Abbott another chance over him tomorrow night.

Hourihane - 6 - Better than Bailey and Berry but still not great. Made a few more tackles than usual and hit a cracking shot near the end. We need to find a better midfield 3 to play around him as at the minute it just isnt working.

Jennings - 6 - Tried and tracked back quite well but was ineffective going forward. Half a point more than Berry because he contributed slightly more in attacking positions. Messed up a great chance though with Hemmings in space for the square ball. Still its good to have him back in the side.

Lita - 7 - Best outfield player on the day. Holds the ball up very well and actually looks like he has confidence in possession. His great hold up play was often wasted by poor player from our midfielder. Should have taken his chance though. Think a goal tomorrow night and we'll start to see the best of him

Hemmings - 5.5 - Worked hard but another game where he seemed out of his depth.

Williams - I wont give him a rating but he looked enthusiastic. Played what I assume is out of position on the right wing. Was keen to get on the ball and give us width. Didnt have great quality in possession though.

Oates - Looked a natural target man to me. Probably worth a start tomorrow night.

 

Pretty much agree with that

 

Thanks for the report.