Preston North End got back to winning ways on Tuesday night with Jack Whatmough turning in a strong performance against Huddersfield Town.
North End went into Tuesday’s game with just two wins in 13, putting some pressure on boss Ryan Lowe.
PNE were at it from the off against Huddersfield though and took the lead through Alan Browne’s header.
Will Keane made it 2-0 from a superb Liam Millar assist and whilst Huddersfield pulled one back, PNE sealed a 3-1 win with Ben Whiteman finding the net.
This was a strong and professional display from North End, who will now hope to take some momentum from this away day victory.
Jack Whatmough taking his chance in PNE side
One of the real positives over the last week has been defender Jack Whatmough.
Snapped up after walking away from Wigan Athletic in August, Whatmough has had a fairly quiet start to life at PNE.
Whatmough joined when PNE had a fairly settled back line and then had a really tough debut against Salford City in the Carabao Cup.
The 27-year-old then picked up a hamstring problem against Ipswich Town and we even saw him come on as a midfielder in the defeat at Middlesbrough last month.
Whatmough came into the back line at Norwich City and helped PNE keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw, turning in a solid performance.
North End did concede at Huddersfield but Whatmough played well again, defending strongly and looking comfortable on the ball in the heart of PNE’s back three.
Whatmough recorded one interception, three successful aerial duels and five clearances to help North End win.
This was just Whatmough’s sixth start of the season but it came after racking up 12 clearances in the 0-0 draw at Norwich City.
Whatmough had to bide his time and wait for his opportunity, but he is seizing it based on the last two games – and he could now be in line for a run in the side as the festive period approaches.