East Lothian Courier | Sport | Mistakes cost Preston points

Friday, 16th May, 2008

Published: Thursday, 1st May, 2008 08:00

Mistakes cost Preston points

Comments (0)

Print Article

Preston Athletic 1 v 2 Edinburgh University

A LATE goal was the difference between the sides in this Tyrmen Premier Division match last Saturday.

Preston weathered an early period of pressure from the University, who missed two good chances.

The home side took the lead after 25 minutes, when Bryan Wilson’s driven cross was half-stopped by Bennett. But Stuart Miller was on hand for a tap-in.

Matt Costello then tripped University striker Hazeldine in the box for a clear penalty. But Gilpin pulled off a tremendous double to keep his side ahead 1-0 ahead at half time.

The University had to win to maintain their title challenge, so it was no surprise that they threw an extra man forward.

After 50 minutes they were level. Preston captain Craig Scott lost possession on the halfway line. A cross from Hairto to the back post fell for Hazeldine to finish.

Preston then worked a great move down the left and a cross into the box was met by Mark Lockart who pulled out a fantastic one-handed save from Bennett.

That was to be Preston’s last scoring chance.

The University put them on the back foot for the final 20 minutes, but it looked like the home side would hold out for a draw.

Then another unforced error saw Preston lose possession in midfield.

The ball was crossed in from the right and Hazeldine scored from close-in for the decisive goal with only two minutes to go.

Afterwards, Preston boss Stevie Myatt had mixed feelings about his side’s performance. He said: “I can have no complaints at the final score.

“But I’m definitely disappointed in the manner it eventually came about.

“It was a very competitive, but sporting, game with two teams trying to play good football.

“We looked a bit jaded after four consecutive midweek games.

“But now have this midweek to recover before we face Whitehill Welfare this Saturday.”

On a brighter note for Preston, Sean McAuley has been picked to play in the semi-pro home international tournament that takes place in Wales from May 19 to 24.

The squad is made up of six East of Scotland and 12 Highland League players.

Comments