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| Goalkeeper Jon Stewart - outstanding debut |
That the scoreline wasn't any more was mainly down to goalkeeper Jon Stewart. He didn't have a faultless night and twice dropped balls that should have stuck, but he more than made up for that with a string of fine saves that including one from the penalty spot.
We started with three trialists in the side. Anthony Glover, formerly of Crystal Palace and son of new scout Bryan, was in the centre of defence. He's previously played at right back but tonight swapped places with central defender Alex Coleman at right back.
At left back was former Aston Villa youth player Ellis Deeney and on the right hand side of the midfield, in a 4-4-2 formation, was Frenchman Anthony Ihou.
With just 13 minutes gone we took the lead with Wilson finishing well after good play from Dominic Knowles. If we thought that was a foretaste of what was to come we were sadly mistaken.
Preston were, by some considerable distance, the better side. They were more experienced with the likes of Ian Ashbee and Darel Russell and it showed, so it came as no surprise when they drew level with Michael McLellan heading home unchallenged from a Russell cross.
By half time they probably should have been in front but the woodwork and Stewart kept out other efforts and so we went in at 1-1.
The second half, however, saw Preston really take command. They were soon in front when Juvhel Tsoumou netted and the same player should have made it three from the penalty spot. His kick was a poor one and Stewart saved.
The goalkeeper then made a series of saves, the best of the lot when he came off his line and got down to save a well drilled shot that was heading for the bottom corner.
In truth he saw them off and in the latter stages we had more of the play, but never really suggested that we might get a second goal to earn a point with Steven Hewitt's long ranger as close as we got.
The teams were;
Burnley: Jon Stewart, Alex Coleman, Anthony Glover, Tom Anderson, Ellis Deeney, Anthony Ihou (Mehdi Lazaar 67), Steven Hewitt, Dave Lynch (Archie Love 76), Ross Wilson (Shay McCartan 80), Dominic Knowles, Alex MacDonald. Subs not used: Josh Cook, Aryn Williams.
Preston: Andreas Arestidou, Seanan Clucas, Conor McLaughlin (Reece James 60), Ian Ashbee (George Miller 45), Craig Morgan, Bailey Wright, Darel Russell, Adam Barton, Juvhel Tsoumou, Danny Mayor, Michael McLennan. Subs not used: Dominic Comrie, Jamie Douglas, Luke Clark.
Attendance: 308.