Preston North End’s draw with Millwall provided six talking points, one of which was a nasty incident
|PNE shared the spoils with the Lions on Saturday afternoon
Preston North End’s 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday afternoon put an end to their recent losing streak.
These are the six topics we discussed during the game.
1. Mads making progress
After just three minutes, Frokjaer scored a lovely first goal. His third goal while wearing Preston’s colors was another expertly placed finish using his right foot’s instep. The Dane’s technical skill and flare were immediately apparent, but he has to continue on his current trajectory as he gains more off the ball.
He has the potential to be a key offensive player for Preston, and his goal threat is obvious to all. After the game, Lowe remarked, “Yeah, he’s got to work hard and get used to the English league.” “The Danish league may be a little bit slower and more passive, without meaning to offend. His sprints and recuperation runs are now evident as he moves about people.
But again, he’s still got lots of work to do like loads of them have. When you come from a different league, culture and everything else, he knows what it means to wear the Preston North End badge.”
2. Back on the pitch
Following the revelation of his terrible medical condition in April of last year, few would have predicted that Ched Evans would be back on the field wearing a Preston North End shirt. However, now that his lengthy recuperation process is over, Evans hopes to make a significant impact on PNE’s season once more.
His excitement for the game will be immense; you witnessed him electrifying the crowd as soon as he stepped onto the field with a powerful performance. When the ball came up to him, the number nine was a pain in the ass. “He was always going to feature, especially against Millwall,” Lowe stated in reference to the striker. He was excellent in everything, in my opinion.
To have him back on the pitch and in the dressing room, I’m really pleased to see him back at it because it’s been a long time coming and it was a special moment for him. He’s a warrior isn’t he?”
3. Really?
Maybe there will always be one, but Robbie Brady is now going through a difficult period, and things went too far on Saturday. Brady performed admirably in the first half but less so in the second. There were applause when his name was called when he was replaced inside Deepdale.
Brad Potts experienced it a few years ago, and you never want to hear about it. Brady might not be playing at his best right now, but a Preston player in no way should have to put up with that from his own supporters. It was probably a minority on Saturday and a humiliating experience for everyone involved.
4. Him again…
At halftime, Preston must have been kicking themselves since Zian Flemming is a top player. Despite Millwall’s missed opportunities, PNE maintained their lead. However, Flemming made some space far too easily and scored a brutal equalizer at the halfway point. He now has five goals versus Preston total, including a hat-trick at Deepdale the previous season. Key moments are what define championship games, and North End will rue this one.
5. Lucky boy!
Late in the second half, a deep free-kick was whipped in, and referee Mr. Donohue brushed aside PNE’s vehement claims for a penalty. Milutin Osmajic felt that Preston ought to have received a penalty when the ball collided with Brooke Norton-Cuffy’s hand. Furthermore, Preston was really unlucky not to receive a spot kick with six minutes remaining in regular time, according to a second viewing. The ball obviously struck the defender’s hand because his arm was jutting out.
6. Selection and substitutions
After their international successes, Lowe benched Osmajic, Alan Browne, and Liam Millar after working with the other players all last week on the game plan. Preston supporters did not take kindly to Duane Holmes’ second-half substitution, and Lowe cited exhaustion as the reason for Frokjaer’s late second-half substitution. He attempted to find a winner by using all five of his substitutes, but it was not to be. There was no doubt that Frokjaer and Holmes posed a threat.
The game did feel well suited for Alan Browne and Liam Millar to come on and impact. Introducing Osmajic for Keane was an understandable change too, with the number seven not having his best day on the whole.