Ther eis no doubt that Preston have had some tough home fixtures to start the campaign against teams who are set to be at the top end of the table. Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Derby saw Preston only take a point from their first three at home and so it was expected that there would be some improvement against Bristol City.
Grayson started with the standard five atthe back with Humphrey filling the right wing back slot. Gallagher was still unavailable through injury and so Kilkenny continued in midfield with Welsh and Johnson. Stevie May was given his first start up front alongside Garner.
There is a set pattern to Preston's play this season. They play the ball well and at times some attractive football. The trouble is that it is always in front of the oposition and there is no penetration. The same was true against Bristol City.
In the first half North End had much of the ball and with a back five showed that they were resilient and tough to break down. Unfortunately, there was a lack of any opportunities for either side.
The second half started better thanks to Neil Kilkenny who scored with a curlign shot from outside the box which the keeper had no chance of saving. Savour the moment as that may well be his only goal of the season and it was against his former club.
Preston then sensed their opportunity and poued forward. Garner hit the bar and was frustrated by the woodwork for the second game in the row. He has yet to score this season.
With 25 minutes remaining Grayson went or the kill bringing on Doyle going to a 4-3-3. Unfortunately it backfired and left Preston open at the back.
Bristol City had chance after chance. The goal came from a cross with Wilbraham heading in from close range. Pickford had no chance and whilst a good move the markign was lacking.
Pickford save Preston on a number of occasions and a glaring miss at the end meant that Preston hung on for a point in a game which could have gone either way.
North End now travel to Brentford on Saturday looking to pull themselves up the table.