Southampton 1-5 Preston North End

The lads were all set for their first away match of the season. This time we were making the mammoth trip to Southampton. Everyone met at Deepdale, ready for the 3:00am set off time.

The journey was a successful one! A big helping hand goes to Alex (Mr. Bean) Higgins’s Satellite Navigation. Once we found the hotel, we all dumped out bags and had a team talk in the impressive hotel.

Once everything was done and dusted, the team mini-bus headed off to Southampton’s Wide Lane sports complex, which again was an impressive set up. Everyone got changed into their home strip ready for the big kick-off.

North End didn’t start too brightly in the first half of the match. Preston’s long journey took its toll on the lads as they went down 1-0 in the first half. The defence were still asleep when a long ball split the backline. The home striker got on the end of the pass to flick home from close range.

Preston did create some chances in the first half, which were all dealt with brilliantly by the impressive home keeper. The best effort of the first half for Preston was Jonny Kershaw’s volley from 20 yards which was tipped of the bar by the Southampton stopper.

The first half ended, with North End still a goal down. Steve Cowell gave his half time team talk, which encouraged the lads to put in a memorable second half performance. North End came out all guns blazing in the second half. Chris Chambers didn’t take long to find the net, as the levelled the score at 1-1.

Southampton changed their keeper, which was an advantage to North End. Chambers was in on the act once again as he found the back of the net to grab a quick brace. North End at this point were starting to get on top, Southampton still posing a threat on the break. The North End back line held well, as they seemed to have woken up.

Chris Chambers went on the score his hat-trick goal. Chris flicked the ball over the tall defender then latched onto the ball to lob the sub keeper with a smart header. North End were now well in front, substitutions followed. Atky came on for Pete, Jonny Ellithorn came on for Kershaw. Alex Higgins also came on midway through the first half.

Chris kept up his goal scoring touch, as he fired his fourth of the afternoon. Chris fired home his final goal of the game with a low drive with his right foot. Preston’s second half performance was brilliant, maybe it was down to the team talk?

Tim rounded off a fine team effort, as he put North End 5-1 ahead. The goal came from a nice one-two from Jimmy Higgins and Andy Dodwell who put the advancing Tim in on goal, Tim made no mistake as he shot past the keeper. Jonny Wallace came on for Chris Chambers soon after.

The matched finished, all the lads put in 101% effort in the second half and came out deserved winners. The lads now went back to the hotel to get showered and changed before watching the professionals.

Top: Jonny E, Dan, Pete, Chris H, Matty, Jimmy H, Alex, Jimmy A

Bottom: Steve, Jason, Jonny K, Tim, Chris C, Andy, Jonny W, Atky