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The game began quite evenly as both sides looked to keep possession and probe at the opposition defences without really making any clear cut chances. Our best effort of the opening quarter hour was from a well worked free kick, and although his effort went over Kudiersky was flagged offside regardless.
Just after 20 minutes we made the breakthrough. Going off the form he's in this season it came as no surprise to see that it was Wes Fletcher who fired home. He was found on the run by a perfectly weighted Dil Chaggar ball and his sublime first touch set it perfectly into his path, allowing him to slot past the keeper.
It was to be a sole bright spot in what was for us a scrappy first period. We made another couple of half chances but nothing more. Preston exerted more and more pressure on us. Their livewire right winger was proving troublesome and his mazy run and shot deserved better than seeing his shot shave the post. The big number 6 was twice in our area and both times hooked shots goalwards, though McDonald was untroubled. Our sloppiness led to an equaliser as we gave the ball away and their nippy striker ran on and beat the keeper before cart-wheeling off up the field.
We were not at the races but, again out of nothing, Fletcher hit the post with a long range effort and the rebound was fired wildly wide by Brown. With our passing game so off cue today it was looking like a moment of inspiration was something we would have to rely on.
The second half gave PNE the wind advantage and it was this they used to take the lead. A corner on the far side was swung in and misjudged by McDonald. He flapped and a long scramble in the box ensued. We had chances to get it away but the mass panic did us no favours and it was stabbed home. The visitors were ecstatic and in truth deserved the lead.
It was the cue for us to begin making changes and this is what saved the game for us. James Craggs came on for Liam Newman up front and added more pace and experience to the front line. Dom Knowles also came on for Chaggar on the right. As we reorganised we nearly fell further behind as a raking ball from the back found the right winger again racing in but again his shot across goal went wide.
As we entered the last 15 minutes we got an equaliser. Fletcher was fed 25 yards from goal and spun his marker beautifully. His burst through but was halted by a challenge in the box. Our lads appealed, their lads stopped and Chris Anderson continued his run unchecked, picking up the ball and hammering home.
We then took a shock lead as Brown rode a foul challenge and powered up the wing. He played it to Knowles who moved across field and passed to Michael King, whose cross to the back post was met by Craggs to smack it home.
We then brought on Ed Williams to shore up at the back and held on for a slightly undeserved win.
Team:- Dan McDonald, Dan Brown, Jake McEneaney, Nik Kudiersky, Chris Lynch, Dil Chaggar (Dom Knowles), Oliver Devenney, Chris Anderson, Michael King, Liam Newman (James Craggs), Wes Fletcher (Ed Williams).
Not used:- Woodhead