Preston played a lob sided formation with Ricketts on the right wing but this is not an excuse for another woeful day - much worst than was seen at Cardiff and at home to Wolves. In fact this was quite possibly the worst display of the season alongside our away match at Hull.
Most of the away fans will feel done by and if this was described as entertainment then I would like my money back.
The pitch was poor - but that was the same for both sides. Hull looked hungry without creating anything although Preston were so inefficient that they made Hull look good. The ball was rarely on the ground, Chilvers and Alexander guilty of playing to many awful long balls.
The game was dull to say the least and thanks to atrocious marking at a corner our old friend Nicky Forster had a free header from six yards out to give Hull the lead - probably deserved just for their effort.
Preston never looked like threatening. I cannot remember us testing the keeper to any great effect. Sedgewick had a shot over the bar and Nugent had the only threatening run down the right. Unfortunately we do rely to much on Nugent and once he went off injured Preston lacked any threat up front. Hopefully the injury is just minor and he should be back for Tuesday.
Ricketts looked disinterested. Mellor slow to the ball and Agyemang like the usual headless chicken. Without Mckenna in midfield passes went astray and everything was played in the air.
Windass caused Chilvers and St Ledger problems aloing with the referee favouring the home side with some decisions. The referee is no excuse for Preston's abysmal performance. Hull created the only decent move of the match which ended up with Livermore tapping into a virtually empty goal. Game over as Hull probably have not had an easier three points all season - the same side who have picked up 8 out of 33 points before yesterday and lost to Ipswich at home 5-2 on Tuesday - Ipswich being our next opponents.
Franck Songo'o came on to some good effect showing his pace but it was too little too late and he had no support.
Simpson has some tough decisions to make with little option available. He has to hope Nugent can be fit and Songo'o will surely start on the right. The midfield lacked vision without Mckenna but as a whole the team were outfought by Hull who clearly wanted the game more.
Preston miss there chance to close on the top two and now face a tough run in to keep a play off place.