Kevin Davies was quoted in the localpaper as saying that the Yeovil match was a must win game. Preston didn't win. Grayson's comments suggest that the automatic positions are not out of reach but reality is that Preston have stagnated whilst others have passed by.
Less than 8,000 turned out for the home tie against Yeovil with the visitors bringing 76 fans who were treated to a pie and a brew for their efforts on a bitterley cold night when the snow came falling down.
Grayson made changes in personnel and formation as he went with three at the back. Bailey Wright started alongside Clarke and Huntington. Humphrey and Laird played wing backs with Gallagher more central supporting Beckford and Davies.
The first half was one to forget with Preston ebing poor and not working the visiting keeper. That may have been down to the sudden change of formation although last season Grayson used three centre backs to good effect.
The visitors took the lead ont he stroke of half time. Preston gailed to defend a set piece again and Ugwu out muscled his opponent to smash home and give Yeovil the lead.
Wiseman came on for Wright at half time as they reverted to a 4-4-2. The team were sent out early into the cold presumably Grayson having said all he could. The second half was an improvement. It was all Preston but again possession could not be converted into goals.
There were a number of chances including Brownhill and Davies who was unlucky when an unexpectant cross was not cleared by the defender in front.
The equaliser came from Ebanks Blake who scored his first goal for the club. Grayson said it would take time for him to get fit and for fans to see the best. Judging by his size it maybe another 6 months before we see anything like the Ebanks Blake of old.
The striker appeared to be a touch offside when he was put through. This seemed even more so when his lack of dynamism only slightly pulled him away from the chasing defenders. In fairness his instinct kicked in and he rouder the keeper with skill to slide the ball int he net although there was a slight moment after beating the keeper when he was looking like he was about to fall over.
Ebanks Blake was unlucky with a spectacular overhead kick near the end which was just over but Preston failed to convert again against another side int eh lower reaches of the table.
North End remain fourth and gain a point ont he leaders but in real terms having played a game more they are well beyond the top two who could open upa gap of double figures soon.
Grayson now has two games where the result is less important in the FA Cup and JPT to establish a confident eleven that can start to pick up points int he run in. Confidence is draining amongst the fans and players alike.
Preston, like last season, appear to be ahead of the chasing pack far enough to keep a play off place but like last season dropped points at the start of the year mean that automatic promotion is out of sight.