PNE
2-2 QPR
Match
pictures here
North
End welcomed Queens Park Rangers to Springfield's' for the
11:00am kick-off. This will be the toughest test so far for
the North End players.
QPR
travelled north with a strong team looking to build on their
unbeaten record. Preston on the other hand were looking to
build on their impressive forum, in their first season in the
IFA.
This
was a high tempo match between both sets of fans, with bookings,
vicious tackles, a punch up, good skills on display, total
commitment from both teams.
The
first half was a close thought battle, both teams putting on
a great defensive display. QPR had the better of the chances
but failed to beat Chris in goal. Preston found it hard to
break down the visitors midfield, leaving Allan and Pete without
any service.
North
End did muster up one or two chances, failing to put the visitors
keeper under any pressure. The first half ended 0-0, all the
North End team getting a pat on the back from assistant Gary.
A
few changes were made at half time to freshen things up. Within
minutes of the restart QPR won a penalty, Alex Higgins was
guilty of hand ball in his own box. Chirs almost saved the
resulting penalty leaving QPR with a 1-0 lead.
The
Preston players head's didn't drop as they looked for a way
back into the match. North End pressed and pressed as the second
half flew past. The whites got the break through mid way through
the first half.
North
End won a free-kick about 25 yards from goal. Jimmy Higgins
stepped up to take the set piece. Jimmy got underneath the
ball to fire the ball over the wall and over the stunned keeper
to level t he score at 1-1.
The
match pressed on as it started to get a little heated. Some
late challenges were flying about from both teams as tempers
flared. The referee got a grip on the game calming the players
down.
North
End started to press for a winning goal, unfortunately Preston
were hit on the counter attack. Preston were caught napping
at the back only for the QPR striker to slot the ball nicely
into the bottom left corner. 2-1 to QPR, North End had to try
their best to get something out of the match.
The
Lilywhites kicked off for the third in the match. Time was
running out for the Preston players. Andy who was kept quiet
for most of the game came life towards the end of the match.
Andy danced past two or three QPR defenders, he was brought
down inside the 18 yard box as the referee waved play on.
That
mistake was could of been a crucial blow to Preston. It was
all a distant memory soon after, one of the QPR defenders passed
the ball back to his own keeper which was deemed a "back
pass".
Preston
were awarded another free-kick, Jimmy stepped up once again
to take the set piece. This one was closer to the goal but
nothing stopped Jimmy rifling the ball into the back of the
net. Sending the North End players into raptures celebrations.
The
final score ended 2-2. This was a thrilling end to a great
game of football. All credit to QPR for making the trip to
Preston. Thanks again to everyone who took part!
Top:
Des, Pete, Allan, Jimmy, Alex, Chris, Jimmy, Mike, Potter,
Dan, Stewart
Bottom:
Steve, Ash, Johnny, Lewis, John, Dan, Andy, Atky |
