Is Preston Draw A Starting Point For Town?

Manager Mick McCarthy said afterwards that he was disappointed that we did not get all three points at Deepdale and on this occasion, I think it was a fair comment.

Town had their chances to wrap up all three points but were profligate in front of goal – apart that is from a wonderful individual strike from goal crazy Tom Lawrence!

Freddie Sears and Brett Pitman were responsible for scorning most of our chances and yet in the end, it was Tom Lawrence who was feeling a little guilty, when his shot lead to the break that lead to the goal.

New signing Toumani Diagouraga made his debut for the Blues and impressed in a first half that Town largely controlled.

Steve Taylor will not play tomorrow night against Derby County at Portman Road because his international clearance has not come through, having played recently in the United States. I am looking forward to seeing him in action though because I think he will solidify our defence.

New Forest Green giant Kieffer Moore could get a look in but it is more likely that he will enter the fray from the bench, as McCarthy has no new injury worries at this stage in proceedings.

Winger Danny Rowe is not fit enough to make his debut, as he is recovering from a minor hip flexor problem apparently.

Mick McCarthy knows that the clock is ticking on his quest to bring in a new striker before Tuesday’s 23.00 hour deadline.

I would hope he has a long list of possibilities and not just Jordan Hugill because he has already wasted a lot of time and energy getting nowhere with the Preston marksman, who got that late equalizer on Saturday afternoon.

McCarthy said after the game that although he felt his team warranted all three points, a draw away at in-form Preston is at least ‘a starting point’ and if we play as well as home tomorrow night against Derby County then we may even be able to sneak a win! Tuesday Night’s at Portman Road has “atmosphere” but if supporters start to protest, then maybe the wrong sort?

Lady Luck might be on our side as well? Town nemesis David Nugent; who has just signed for Derby for 2.5 million pounds, is not fit enough to play, as he is recovering from a knee injury.

That is perhaps just as well. Astonishingly, he has scored 15 goals in 15 games against us over the years and in the colours of a number of different teams!

I have an inkling that Town might just win this one tomorrow night so I am predicting a 2-1 victory for the Blues.

Frank Weston – Editor of Vital Ipswich