Preston North End were denied a deserved victory after an unfortunate own goal in the dying embers of the game meant the spoils were shared with Southampton.
The Lilywhites had fought back superbly after going a goal down to lead early in the second half but an own goal meant it finished 2-2.
It was an otherwise brilliant performance with high intensity and there are plenty of positives for Ryan Lowe to take.
Quality of officiating is embarrassing
Let’s get this one out of the way; Jeremy Simpson had a shocking evening. The referee never had control of the game and will realise he failed to give a blatant penalty to Preston when he watches the highlights.
Will Keane’s effort late in the first half was saved by Bazunu before bouncing up and hitting Shea Charles’ hand. It may have even been going in. Arguments for a red card but the referee didn’t even give a penalty.
Lowe mentioned after the game he would be expecting an apology from the officials.
The six minutes added on at the end of the game was also very questionable.
Osmajic was the answer
North End had a decent first half but Lowe felt the need to change things up. He brought on Milutin Osmajic for Mads Frokjær and he instantly made an impact. Within seconds he charged down a kick from Bazunu and a few minutes later he scored a peach of a goal.
After Ben Whiteman’s free kick was headed out Osmajic smashed a volley in to draw Preston level.
Just three minutes later he would turn provider for Brad Potts.
You could tell he was up for this match and confidence is growing in the Montenegrin. It will take time to adapt to a new country and a new language but Lowe got this change spot on and Osmajic is a handful especially against a high defence.
Potts epitomises this team
It’s very rare to see Brad Potts have a bad game now. He’s fantastic down the right hand side. His energy is relentless and very much like the rest of the team he keeps on going with a battling performance.
He’s such a reliable player defending and attacking and you could tell how delighted he was to get off the mark for the season. A memorable goal and celebration in front of the Town End.
He started the move that led to his goal. Intercepting the ball before Osmajic laid him off and Potts held off his marker fantastically before smashing the ball through Bazunu’s legs. A worthy man of the match.
Millar a great outlet for us
As expected Liam Millar came in for Robbie Brady on the left. He was consistently taking on Kyle Walker-Peters and getting the better of him on most occasions.
Playing out from the back we more often than not found Millar and he doesn’t need asking twice to have a run forward. His direct sprinting causes problems and he must have covered some miles on Wednesday night.
He very nearly found Osmajic to make it 3-1 and the only thing to let down his performance was a booking for an alleged dive in the area.
Quite simply he has to remain in the team if we want to attack.
Evans should have stayed on the post
It’s hard to see who got the final touch but ultimately it doesn’t matter and the players will be devastated they didn’t see the game out.
Bazunu went forward as the game was in the last minute and his flick came off Evans or Potts it seems and past Freddie Woodman’s near post.
Evans was stood on that post though as the ball came in. He got dragged out when he didn’t need to, leaving a gap on the line and getting in the way. Poor from the experienced player and devastating for the rest of the team.
Plenty of positives to take from this game. The intensity was high all match but it’s six games without a win now and teams are queuing up behind us in the table.
Hull City away next and we could do with a win.