The home side have a JPT final at Wembley coming up and their star man, Murphy, who cut open Preston early in the season was not int he starting line up. Preston are a much changed side then since the ariival of Grayson but this was the poorest performance to date under his tenure.
Changes were made with Garner partnering Cummings up front as Monakana returned to the wing. Keane paired up with Wroed int he centre of midfield whilst Connolly filled the right back slot.
It was a cold day and as in recent games the wind did not help either side witht he pitch not being conducive to any type of passing play whatsoever. This was no excuse though for some aimless balls played from the back.
Crewe took the lead largely thanks to some poor defending and in all honesty there was little threat from the home side apart from little spurts throughout the game.
The visitors too did little to warrant anything from the game. They looked lightweight up front with Garner often spending more time on the floor than his feet. Half chances did arrive but they were spurned.
Preston have lacked a goalscorer all season and without Beavon they do find it difficult to find the net. Wroe has been lacking without Welsh in midfield and so the creativity with goals has been a long way away.
Holmes came the cloesest when he drilled a thirty yard shot against the post. It was out of character for the game and merited a goal as it was the only decent strike Preston seemed to have all game.
There was the odd penalty should which on another day might have gone Preston's way. The Whites became more potent late on when King came up front and the formation almost switched to a 4-3-3 but still there was not enough penetration.
Hopefully this was just a blip for Preston. Whilst they only conceded one goal they will want to eradicate defensive frailties and Grayson must work on Preston's attacking third if they are to mount any kind of challenge next season.
Preston now have tow importnat home games coming up against Scunthorpe and Oldham who are below them in theh table. Six points are needed in order for them to secure safety.