Grayson believed that everything that could go wrong did go wrong and that pretty much summed up the day as Preston conceded three goals against an average outfit. Preston rarely concede three goals and to let in three against a team not challenging for promotion will hurt.
Things appeared to be doomed from the start. The manager changed from the 4-51/4-3-3 formation to 4-4-2 with Little starting up front with Garner whilst the youngsters were dropped from midfield so King could play alongside Kilkenny. The formation didn't work and the personnel were not up to the job.
Preston went behind early on when a cross was allowed to be fired across to the edge of the box. Sawyers was there in acres of space to pass the ball through a number of bodies into the back of the net.
The reaction from the bench was striking with Grayson rushing from the bench head in hands asking where the marking was. It was a sign of things to come as Preston defended poorly all afternoon.
North End did come back into the game more in the first half and the only moment to remember came from Garner who fired home a wonderful shot from outside the box to level the score.
Preston went into the break on top but came out as a team unknown to each other as thehome side re-took the lead just after the break. Another cross from the right and Bradshwa unmarked int he centre headed home. Questions have to be asked over the back four of Woods, Buchanan, Clarke and Wright.
The game then exploded due to a combination of factors. Hughill was fouled by Butler who was all over the attacker. The referee someghhow did not see it that way and as both got up from the ground Butler stuck his face to that of Hughill. The youngster showed his lack of maturity and headbutted the defender.
Hughill was rightly sent off but what then ensued was less than savoury. The Walsall keeper rushed a full 40 yards to then slam Hughill tot he floor. The referee deemed that O'Donnell's reaction was fair game only booking the keeper instead of a straight red as per the letter of the law.
It was almost irrlevant as Preston wre lacklustre and Walsall scored a third again a header due to poor marking with Downing accredited with the goal.
Not one single player reached anywhere near the mark on Saturday which was fairly disappointing. Hopefully this is a one of otherwise if this type of performance continues the season will be over before it gets going.