Wycombe 2-4 PNE

Match images here (thanks to Jimmy)

Manager's report

1-0 down how many times after completely dominating the opening part of a game does that happen to us? As usual it was came from a long ball over the top of our defence! At the start of the game I asked us to go in level 0-0 at half time has we were up against a strong wind and they were a big strong side.

I was bit gutted when they scored but my lads didn't let it bother them and still continued to play the game the right way! A quality 6 man move just before the break finished off by Alan Cookson meant we did go in level at half time.

With the strong wind at our backs at the start of the second half we took the took the game straight to Wycombe and it was no surprise when we scored two quick goals from Jason and Andy Dodwell to make the score 3-1 both goals came through five and six man passes before they were put away with aplomb by the respective players.

Wycombe refused to accept defeat and came back once again to take the game in a tense final 10 min's with their second goal of the game but another goal from Jason Dodwell finally secured victory for the Preston Lads.

After the game the Wycombe Wanderers Captain said "You have a fantastic team there"

Even though I think that statement was bit over the top I do think some of our football was a joy to watch and even though the conditions weren't the best we always tried to play our way through the game and at times we weren't putting four and five man moves together on a regular basis Our equalizing goal in the first half came though a six man move and at any level that's "quality football"

We now look forward to our final league game away at Brighton and Hove Albion on the 11th March

Jimmy Atkinson's report

Preston got back to winning ways against Wycombe with a 4-2 victory in Buckinghamshire.

Preston lined up 4-4-2, with Chris in goals. Lewis, starting at right-back with Alex and Pete in the centre-half positions and Mike at left-back. Jason, in his familiar Right-Midfield position, Johnny and Steve in the centre of midfield and Ash making his first start for the team playing wide-left, leaving Andy and Allan up front.

Substitutes consisted of returning Jim, Des and Bradley. The conditions in Buckinghamshire weren't the best, with a swirling wind and quite hard under foot.

Preston fell 1-0 behind after just a few minutes, the Wycombe striker placing the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. Leaving Chris in the Preston net with no chance. However, Preston soon got back into the swing of things and soon got the goal back they deserved.

Allan smashing home the ball from 10 yards. Wycombe were looking for a lead, however Lewis and Alex were playing well at Centre-half, with Pete now playing right-back putting the ball down the flanks well.

Ash and Mike were attacking the left-hand side, and Mike was unfortunate not to get his first goal for the team when his left footed free-kick struck the wall, if it had been a bit higher, it was top-bag material. Half-Time was Wycombe 1-1 Preston.

Allan was brought off at half-time to be replaced by Jimmy. This forcing a minor re-shuffle, placing Johnny wide-right, Jason up-front and Jimmy in his familiar centre-midfield position with player/manager Steve.

Jason soon grabbed his 3rd goal since returning to the team from the armed forces, and then followed this once up with another to make the score 3-1, and taking his goal tally to 4. Wycombe then grabbed a goal back, to bring the score to 3-2 before Jason, on a hat-trick smashed the ball against the post.

Soon after, Steve released Andy, and Andy scored with a trademark lobbed finish from 20yards to put the game beyond any doubt, his 21st league goal of the season.

Top: Pete, Mike, Andy, Jimmy, Chris, Alex, Allan, Jimmy Higgins

Bottom: Steve, Bradley, Johnny, Ash, Lewis, Jason