Clarets pay the Fuller price

Star Geezer - Robbie Blake

Clarets took to the rain soaked pitch with Little and Cox returning to the starting line up, Stan retaining the three attacker option in a 4-3-3 formation, with centre half cum striker cum full back cum winger - Graham Branch cum substitute. A poor first half performance saw Clarets fail to get to grips with Preston lacking in the desire stakes department, as Preston appeared the more keen to win the loose ball, particularly in midfield where Clarets were once again out numbered, out thought and out fought.

Marlon was picking the ball out of his net in less than three minutes of the start for the third consecutive away game, as Clarets gave the ball away and then paid the ultimate price for doing so. A poor pass from Cox put Arthur in trouble, he failed to deal with the ball and Clarets were caught out of position allowing Lewis to raid down their left. With no sign of West, Lewis intelligently cut the ball square to an unmarked Fuller, who had the relatively simple task of finishing from ten yards out. Cue the Deepdale band and that bloody Duck.

Clarets tried to rally and Murdock was deservedly booked for a late challenge on Ian Moore as Clarets looked to break up field, referee Mr Cain's performance decreasing from this point forwards. On ten minutes, more sloppiness from Clarets defence saw West get caught on the half way line and in the rush to get back Cox was clearly struggling and would take no further part in the game, the gamble to play him so soon after injury an obvious failure, Davis reverting to a commanding centre half role Grant taking the vacancy in centre midfield.

Grant got his due comeuppance to Mr Cain on the quarter hour, courtesy of a late tackle on Skora, Mr Cain's policy one of a booking per challenge at that point, one that was to change five minutes later when Murdock scythed Weller down, but was not even spoken to, quite how Murdock saw the final whistle was down to Mr Cain's dubious and inconsistent judgements.

A neat Little/Blake combination saw the latter turn the wrong way in the area and in turning away from goal the clear chance that would have been was gone. This was a brief interlude from the dire stuff being served up in the main from the Clarets, where there was a clear lack of cohesion running throughout the team, content to waste possession whenever gained and a desire to keep Little and Blake from contributing to the game.

By contrast, the home side enjoyed much the better of the first half with their policy of bypassing their midfield with early balls to the eager pairing of Fuller and Cresswell. Edwards managed yet another foul before Fuller caught Beresford, who after lengthy treatment, looked dazed for a short while, Mr Cain of course taking no action against either offender. A quick counter attack saw Blake neatly set up Ian Moore whose low diving header curled just around the wrong side of Lucas' post. Ian Moore returned the favour a minute before the break with a neat pass into Blake who in taking the ball round Lucas' challenge shot in from a tight angle only to see Murdock clear the shot off the line. Had Blake gone down under Lucas' lunge, ala Papa...., then it would have been very interesting indeed to see how Mr Cain would have handled the situation. So off to a half time roasting from Stan as Clarets surely could only improve in the second half.

A much improved second half began in comical fashion, Weller and Grant falling over one another on the penalty spot as both went to finish off Blake's incisive pass. Immediately, play swung to the other end and Clarets had an almighty let off in the second minute as Cresswell failed to finish off a dangerous ball across the goal from the McKenna.

Star Gazer - Paul Weller

Ian Moore should have made it two in two when, after rounding his man, he shot over from the apex of the six yard box, with Lucas well beaten. Weller was dragged back by his shirt by none other than Edwards and you've guessed it, Mr Cain did nothing as the game reached its boiling point in what was by now a very exciting encounter with Blake involved in everything positive about the Clarets, his neat footwork and close control causing havoc for the PNE defence.

Somewhat against the run of play at that point Preston took the lead on the hour mark and once again dubious defending from the Clarets was to blame. Fuller's run into the area went unchallenged and he was allowed to get to the bye-line before dragging the ball back for McKenna to finish with ease from six yards out.

Within a minute, Clarets should have been level and but for a despairing finger tip from Lucas, Ian Moore's shot would have found the back of the net. It was not to be and PNE fortunately got another goal only a minute on from that key save. Fuller's step overs allowed him to gain on to goal and from just inside the area he tried his luck with a low shot that took a wicked deflection looping high and over the stranded Beresford and into the goal for a decisive third goal, rocking the Clarets who were very much in the game to that point.

Alan Moore came in for a disappointing Briscoe then Papa.. replaced Ian Moore, before Rankine replaced Skora in a quick succession of tactical switches. Still Clarets continued to push forwards in a pulsating game and Blake should have finished off a fine run into the area but shot straight at Lucas. He repeated the feat moments later, though Lucas still managed to fluff his save, the loose ball scrambled away as the police presence grew behind his goal to ridiculous proportions. Marlon made a great interception when Clarets were caught out pushing forwards and as the game moved into time added on for refereeing mistakes, Alan Moore should have taken a touch instead of volleying wildly wide when in acres of space. But it was not to be, it was that sort of derby match and the hectic proceedings were brought to a close by the inept man in green.

Att:- 16,047

Paul Weller. Clarets have clear problems in midfield, when all too often they fail to compete against their opposite numbers and here was another example of that. Weller, clearly has a current confidence problem and is seemingly content to play passes into trouble, rarely gets forwards and shooting seems to be a task delegated to others. Come back the Paul Weller of last season please.

Defensively Clarets have big problems, the main one being that everyone thinks defending is someone else's problem. It is only two weeks since the magnificent shut out at Leicester, but it seems light years ago when watching the Clarets this week. The full backs in particular are reading from a script containing plot and lost and it is far too easy to draw them out of position, exposing the central defenders and midfield players, whoever they may be. Only Grimsby have conceded more goals that Clarets currently.

Robbie Blake. Involved in everything good about the Clarets in their second half surges. His control, time on the ball and awareness is at times a joy to watch, allowing him to bring Little and Ian Moore into the game and avoiding at all times the needless punts from the back from his ability to find space whatever the situation.

Enjoy this carefree attacking mode Stan has deployed over recent weeks whilst it lasts. The goals scored column is looking healthier and Clarets cause problems when going forwards whoever the opposition, their bright passing play is very enjoyable to watch. If Ian Moore had a little of Andy Payton's ruthlessness in front of goal then Clarets could have taken the lead when this game was in the balance.