Reading Versus Preston North End
Coca-Cola Championship Sunday 2nd May 2010 KO 13:00
The final day of the season beckons for what has been a topsy-turvy campaign for the Lilywhites. Darren Ferguson's last act of the 2009/2010 season will be to prepare his side for a trip to Berkshire to take on Reading.
Since the appointment of Brian McDermott, Reading have been on an excellent run of form and were even touted as outsiders for the final play-off berth. However, just like North End, the final game of the season means nothing other than to finish this term on a high.
Even with victory at the Madejski, North End won't even be able to finish in the top half, Reading on the other hand could finish as high as 8th, should results go their way.
Even when the Royals were enduring a torrid time, North End seemed to be having an even worse spell as, what was then, Brendan Rogers' side managed to record victory over North End when the two sides met at Deepdale.
In the last game of September, North End managed to lose their unbeaten home record by gifting the visitors with two first half goals which, in the end, proved costly.
Simon Church put the visitors ahead on 34 minutes after Richard Chaplow was caught in possession on the edge of the centre circle. Church got to a loose ball and neatly finished past a helpless Andy Lonergan, much to the dismay and disbelief of the Preston fans.
Reading's second had a hint of offside about it but, nevertheless, Jimmy Kebe showed good composure to slot the ball under Lonergan to send the Royals in at the break with a two goal advantage.
Jon Parkin replied for North End late on with a spot-kick but, despite a late onslaught, the Lilywhites couldn't find an equaliser.
Last season's trip to the Madejski finished in a 0-0 stalemate in what became a hard-fought point for the Lilywhites. Jon Parkin had Preston's best chance but couldn't convert from close range.
Team News
Goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan, who has managed to make 147 consecutive appearances for North End, looks set to sit the final game of the season out. The Preston-born stopper was substituted at half-time on Saturday after complaining of a groin injury. As he did on Saturday, Wayne Henderson is set to deputise and make his first start in two-and-a-half years for Preston.
Another former long-term absentee Barry Nicholson could also feature for North End. The former Aberdeen midfielder has been back in full training and will be itching for his first taste of action since August.
Rookie defender Bailey Wright is ruled out after picking up an injury in a reserve game. The Australian managed to impress his way into the squad for the trip to the Ricoh.
For the Royals, Ivar Ingimarsson (hamstring), Noel Hunt (knee) and Marek Matejovsky (stomach) are all out for Sunday's game whilst Chris Armstrong (knee) remains a doubt.