The men from Lancashire came away from stadium:mk with a very valuable three points after recording a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted rivals MK Dons. After both teams came away from the opening week with very promising results, this fixture had looked likely to be a well-fought and edgy contest between two teams who both won promotion from League One in May.

Preston, who drew at home to Middlesbrough last Saturday, started the game looking to defend and pounce on any mistake made by The Dons. However it was the home team who made the brighter start after some good work in the box by winger Dean Bowditch led to a chance for on-loan Southampton striker, Sam Gallagher, who couldn’t find the target.

It didn't take long for Preston to have a chance of their own with a poor pass from Dons keeper David Martin finding Will Keane outside the area. The striker should have done better, however with Joe Garner waiting in the area unmarked, Keane instead found Daniel Johnson who fired over wastefully.

Pickford denies Dons superbly

The greatest chance of the game was to fall to last season’s Player of the Year Carl Baker, whose headed effort deflected off Preston defender Bailey Wright. The shot however was to be pushed away in terrific circumstances by the Preston goalkeeper on loan from Sunderland, with the rebound also being blocked away. How Karl Robinson must have been wishing for the same clinical nature shown by his side last week away to Rotherham.

After a swift counter by North End, Johnson, picked out brilliantly by Paul Gallagher, fired his volley just wide of the post, to the great relief of the home support. He may have caught the ball a little too well, but it would have taken a very good shot indeed to beat martin at his far post from just outside the box.

Gallagher gives the Lilywhites the lead

Robinson’s men trailed after half an hour to a well-taken goal by Preston’s summer signing from Leicester City. Against the run of play, a quick counter attack by Preston allowed Garner to pick out Gallagher in the box. After moving the ball around the incoming defender, and with only the keeper to beat, the outcome was inevitable.

A similar chance for Johnson to the one he had earlier was all that was left of the first half with very little between the two sides.

Penalty appeals turned down at either end

The first was for the home side and also the more clear-cut. Gallagher, upon receiving the ball from Bowditch tried to turn Wright but the defender, who looked to be beaten, pulled the young striker down. Although it seemed a penalty had been given, the referee opted instead for a goal kick.

Shortly following the incident, Preston winger Chris Humphrey got caught in a tussle with Anthony Kay, however nothing came from it and little appeal came from the travelling fans.

Substitute Jordan Hugill lasted only a few minutes after coming on when he stamped on Dons defender Kyle McFadzean. A straight red was shown by referee Andy Madley and little complaint could be made. Preston manager Simon Grayson described the red card as “blatant” and said the player, who is still only 23, was “distraught”.

Dons made to rue missed chances

Though it would be bold to say the Dons should have won the game, they certainly had the better of the chances, especially in the first half. However a textbook performance from keeper Pickford, who came to collect every cross and corner, can definitely be given Man of the Match. In the end Preston simply took the chance given to them, and played well enough to keep the lead the rest of the game; time will tell how valuable these points accrued will be.

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About the author
Matt Viney
Football fan following the MK Dons. Hoping that his writing isn't as controversial as his club. For even more regular updates on football league and the dons, follow me @TheRealVinnie on twitter