If Preston fans had any delusions that they were a mid-table side then last night confirmed that Preston will be spending most of the season in and around the releation zone after they were outplayed by a very average Barnsley side.
It's not taken long to work out but we all know that Craig Morgan cannot defend and indeed his best asset seems to be his heading in the opponents box. The defender more by default than design curled a header over the keeper within the first few moments from a corner.
After that the game became very open. Barnsley were given ample opportunities to equalise with free attempts at goal from anywhere they pleased. The visitors fluffed most chances but then converted their most difficult opportunity as Hammil lashed in a 25 yard screamer.
Treacey was Preston's main threat but Preston coud not force another goal and so the game was heading for a draw until two of Preston's targeted players by Premiership clubs made a mockery of defending.
The board had gone up for injury time and instead of hoofing the ball down the field Lonergan played a short goal kick to St Ledger who had two men bearing down on him. He played the ball back to Lonergan, only about ten yards short of the keeper. O'Connor duly nipped in, rounded the keeper and slotted home.
Preston didn't deserve the points. They now face a long winter where even if the team plays well then a clean sheet seems an almost impossibility due to the individual errors of the team.