Preston North End fell to their third home defeat in a row as Hull City eased to a 3-0 win on Tuesday night.
The result felt like it was coming before the game had even started but not many would have predicted the manner in which it arrived.
If the heavy defeat wasn’t bad enough the actions in the last few minutes of the game compounded a terrible situation and could potentially have catastrophic ramifications for one player.
Defeat was on the cards
Recent displays had been poor. Aside from the win against Bristol City, North End had struggled and looked a shadow of their former selves earlier in the season.
Defeats to Wigan Athletic and Derby County had left fans feeling low and it looks like the players confidence has dropped as well. There’s no doubting the pitch is not helping us and other teams are happy to let us have the ball, do nothing with it then hit us on the counter.
The starting line up didn’t do much to fill the crowd with much hope. We have seen how limited Michael Smith is, and leaving Lewis Dobbin on the bench does not make sense. Start your strongest players.
It’s now one win in our last eight home games – the lack of creativity in this side is clear to see and our defence seems to be weakening. Lewis Gibson has not looked the same since returning from injury.
The first goal was embarrassing. We played a corner out along the bobbly pitch to Jordan Thompson of all players. Not exactly known for his edge of the box wonder goals. He scuffed the ball and Hull were quickly able to scamper up the pitch, with Liam Millar able to apply the finish.
Millar looked a threat throughout the game and reminded us what an actual winger can do. If only we could have promised him that role, but we continue to suffer with wing backs.
Transfer window
Rip up the shopping list if there was one. Add two wingers to it. I’m sick of this formation that asks so much of our wing-backs. Thierry Small looks burnt out and whilst Pol Valentin has been a good signing, I’d much prefer him at full back with a proper winger ahead of him.
We struggle so much to create chances and rely heavily on Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin.
There’s not long left before the window shuts again. Do Everton want to send Harrison Armstrong back? Would he want to come? It looks unlikely. Did we have a plan to replace Will Keane? Does anyone want to play on that pitch?
A midfield without Armstrong is painful to watch. Ben Whiteman and Jordan Thompson are the most beige of players you can find in this league, only offering a bit of fight and getting a yellow card when in the dying embers of a defeat. When will Whiteman realise he can kick the ball without side footing it?
Déjà vu
Preston North End have often offered hope at this level since the turn of the millennium. In the last decade though we have always failed to build on the hope of a strong start.
Good spells and exceeded expectations are quickly followed by poor performances and a collapse in form. The collapse seems to be arriving in many different ways this time. The pitch, injuries to Daniel Iversen and Brad Potts which could signal the beginning of the end for the latter. A tumble weed of a transfer window. Another ban for Milutin Osmajic. All in addition to a lack of creativity in recent games and a tough fixture list which shows no signs of stopping.
The familiarity of mid table is only around the corner.
Milutin Osmajic
With the game practically done and dusted, Osmajic was coerced into an exchange of words with John Lundstram. Milly responded with a headbutt and the groan that followed around Deepdale summed it all up. Milly was sent off, apologising to fans before punching the tunnel numerous times.
I’m despondent and upset that I have backed Osmajic through his various trials and tribulations only to be let down again. He’s clearly got talent and obviously too much passion but North End fans were desperate for him to be a success at the club. Unfortunately there may be no way back now.
The Montenegrin has scored some crucial goals for us, winning the fans over early into his career. He has been loved and adored by fans who hoped he could be capable of firing the club up the table.
Even after an eight match ban for biting and then another nine game suspension for the racial allegations he was welcomed back with open arms. North End fans had made their bed and it was clear we needed him on the pitch.
His actions on Tuesday though will probably prove to be the final straw for many. Another ban will be on its way. He’s let the club, his manager, his teammates and the fans down. It’s hard to see how a road to redemption can even begin for him now.
Staff discipline
Paul Heckingbottom has been on the end of a few charges and bans in his time as Preston manager. Peter Murphy has also been involved in a few disagreements on the touchline.
Following the red card for Osmajic both teams benches were involved in some handbags. Half of our bench eventually headed down the tunnel but it looked like Murphy was red carded. It’s not the first time he’s lost his head, what does he actually offer us?
If the staff can’t keep their discipline then it’s not a good look for the players. It may be an underlying problem at the club and needs to be addressed.
Tuesday night summed up where we are as a club. Unable to consistently compete at the top end of this level. False hope is soon followed by a realisation that we will go nowhere without significant investment.