Millwall 6-4 PNE

Match images here

Preston North End made the long journey to Millwall to play the London side, which turned out to be their toughest match as of yet. It was another early start for the Preston lads, 04:00am this time, for the five hour trip down south.

North End arrived on time at the ground which was impressive, check the images above for an example. Good facilities were on offer as well, nothing to complain about.

The match kicked off in good spirit, Millwall taking the game to Preston early on. North End looked shaky in the first 20 minutes, finding it hard to get hold of the ball. Millwall's good passing game created some good chances which were kept out by Chris in goal.

It was Millwall who got the first break through, scoring a good goal on the counter attack. There was nothing Chris could do as the Millwall left winger shot into the top corner.

Preston finally got the ball down on the floor, playing that slick passing game that we knew we had in us. Andy started to cause the Millwall defense some problems, making the keeper pull off a good save.

North End got caught napping again as Millwall took a two goal lead. Millwall's strong point was their corner kicks, where they scored most of their goals from. The London side got their two goal cushion direct from a free kick which was placed into the top corner.

Preston kept their heads held high, looking for a way back into this match. North End got a foothold in the game playing some good football in the middle. Mike and Jimmy got the ball down on the floor giving Johnny on the left a chance to run at the defence.

North End found themselves back in the match at 2-1, the goal scored by Allan. The tall striker found himself clear through on goal with no defenders around him. Allan starting his third game for the team netted with a strong shot from 15 yards out.

Team confidence was back as the team were buzzing. Celebrations were brought to a end moments later as Millwall hit a sucker punch. Another ball over the top punished North End as the pacey Millwall striker pounced to make it 3-1.

Millwall's third goal saw North End pile more pressure on the hosts. Some tough tackling and high feet were flying around all over the place as the game started to get heated. Millwall's rough and ready reputation was certainly true.

The match took another funny twist before half time, North End were keeping the pressure on Millwall. The PNE back line doing well to keep Millwall at bay, Alex doing well with some great defensive headers.

Preston managed to claw themselves back into the match once again. Pete beat the offside trap when played through by Jimmy. Pete took one look up seeing the Millwall keeper off his line. Pete let fly with an ordacoius lob from all of 40 yards which dropped into the net.

Both teams made some changes in the second half, Johnny being replaced by Lewis. Two Millwall subs changed the game. Millwall started to get back into the match playing some good passing movements. Preston found themselves down 4-2, again Millwall scored from a corner kick.

Eventual man of the match Chris Hall made some fabulous saves to keep the score line down. The pick of the bunch was a super save getting down to his left from an Millwall over-head kick.

Millwall's good set pieces hit Preston once again as they took a 5-2 lead from one of numerous corners. Mike took a serious injury which was a blow to Preston, Mike seemed to go over on his ankle which later blew up like a balloon.

Preston keet their heads together, making a dramatic come back. Steve moved into the middle, after Mike was taken off the Stewart. PNE got the ball down to Andy, who sprinted past Millwall back line to pull a goal back.

Andy scored his 11th goal for the team, maybe his best. The pacey North End striker emulated David Nugent's playoff chip to dink the ball over the keeper to make the score 5-3. North End started to believe in themselves.

Millwall were still causing a threat to the PNE rear guard. Sub keeper Jimmy being brave going into a tackle which some him draw blood. Soon after it was North End who scored a well worked goal.

Prior to the fourth Preston goal, Lewis could of made it one more. An excellent footballing move from the Whites saw Lewis unable to connect from close range.

Lewis made amends soon after, grabbing his second goal for the team. The goal came from another slick passing move his saw Lewis in the same position to side foot home inside the box.

Lewis raced back with the ball "COME ON LADS, WE CAN DO THIS". It wasn't to be, North End couldn't complete a great come back. Millwall sunk Preston's hope with a goal late on to make the final score line 6-4.

Taking into account Millwall won the league last season, being tipped as one of the best teams in the league. The whole team deserves a big pat on the back for all the effort put in!

Top: Steve, Des, Jimmy, Stewart, Allan, Chris, Jimmy

Bottom: Johnny, Mike, Dan, Alex, Rosie, Andy, Lewis, Pete, Atky