In the international heatus Preston signed Vermijl, Baptiste as well as Mcgeady on a season long loan. It may have been desperation but Grayson started all three in an odd change of formation.
Wright was out and so Baptiste started alongside Clarke at the back. Vermijl and Cunningham occupied the full back posiitons but it was ahead that caused some confusion.
Spurr appeared to be playing on the left wing whilst Welsh andGallagher were central. Mcgeady floated from the right to play alongside Robinson as Doyle played up front alone. The latter was baffling given Doyle's lack of height and his inability to score against anyone above League One status.
Preston only started the game after 30 minutes by which time a better team than Barnsley may have been three or four up. The visitors took the game to Preston with a high tempo attacking, almost gung-ho style.
Barnsley have had a good start to the season and have drawn on their momentum from their play off victory. It was a stark contrast to Preston's approach 12 months previously which was ultra conservative. Perhaps, if Grayson had been more like his opposite number Preston may have finished higher than 11th.
As it is, Preston have been poor since February with wins against Bolton who were relegated, Blackburn who are this season bottom and a dead rubber at Reading. The only anomaly is the victory at QPR this season.
This game changed nothing from what was seen before. Barnsley created multiple chances in the first 30 minutes although Lindegaard and the defence did keep them at bay.
It seemed the storm had been weathered when Barnsley struck. It was actually a mis-hit shot which dribbled across the six yard box. Noone was marking Winnall at the far post who tapped home.
Preston did hit the post in the opening half an hour but it would have been unjust if Gallagher's free kick had given Preston the lead. Barnsley to the game to Preston and deserved their half time lead.
North End did dominate the second half. Hughill came on which gave Preston a focal point. Mcgeady looked poisitive and was the source of many attacks which looks good for the rest of the season.
It was Mcgeady who scored the equaliser. His shot from outside the box curled into the net. The keeper may have saved it on another day as he flapped at the ball.
It seemed Preston were going for the winner but they were hit on the counter attack. Baptiste was faced with Armstrong and the defender made a hash of the situation. He got tangled up and allowed Armstrong through. The finish was superb but he should not have been afforded the position.
Preston could not come back into the game. It was a slender defeat much like the others this season. This means nothing and it is only the points tally that counts. Whilst North End are not cut adrift and are not being outplayed the situation cannot continue for much longer.