FOOTBALL Live

Friday May 8, 2009 Finished

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Preston North End

  • St. Ledger 21’

Sheffield United

  • Howard 46’

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  1. Preston hold razor-sharp Blades

    Preston hold razor-sharp Blades

    Preston played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Sheffield United in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Preston North End
    • Sheffield United
    • - That's the final whistle, and that's a fair result - though the Blades will kick themselves at those missed chances. What a cracker the return leg will be - we'll see you then.
    • 90'+4 Beattie will be sitting on his own on the coach back home - he's missed a chance to win the game...
    • 90'+2 BEATTIE IS CLEAN THROUGH - BUT HE SQUANDERS IT!!! Well through on the keeper, Beattie has unmarked support ruunning in... but he selfishly shoots at an angle rather than passing into the path of Lupoli for a certain goal!
    • 90'+1 You'd have to fancy Sheffield to nick this if you had to pick - and here's a chance!!!
    • 89' Longerford grabs another cross out of mid-air - he's probably touched the ball more than anyone else on the Preston side in this half.
    • 88' That lengthy injury means we'll have five extra minutes - and the visitors will be loving that as they push again.
    • 87' Chance for Halford, well saved by Lonergan...
    • 85' Terrific shot from the edge of the box by Howard, but Lonergan dives to save at full stretch with his left-hand. That could very easily have been a winner.
    • 83' Nolan cracks a long effort in... but miles over.
    • 82' There's plenty of running now as Preston are enjoying their best spell of the half.
    • 81' Total, total waste as Wallace hits it straight to the first defender. Terrible.
    • 80' Preston win a free kick on the left edge of the box...
    • 78' Brown already looks livelier than the anonymous Mellor who he replaced, almost making space for a run into the box.
    • 77' More changes now as Brown comes on for the home side.
    • 76' Nice chance for Chris Morgan from a corner, but the ball is taken well by Lonergan.
    • 75' The draw looks more likely by the second now... and that would favour Sheffield to make it to Wembley.
    • 74' Another change now, as Lupoli comes on for Jamie Ward - who has in truth been the least effective of the Blades attackers.
    • 72' Long free kick in from the visitors... and it's a goalmouth scramble that looks dangerous until Halford is penalised for shoving a defender.
    • 71' Long throw upfield from Walker gives the Blades an opening - but Beattie decides that he won't run on to the end of it. Perhaps he's worried about getting his boots muddy.
    • 70' Carter off, Nicholson on...
    • 69' Still struggling to believe Beattie's appalling miss just now - anyway, on with the match and man-mountain Parkin is penalised while in a promising spot in the box for backing into a defender.
    • 67' Beattie runs through - beating the offside trap.. his shirt is pulled but he stays on his feet, then balloons the ball miles over from just 10 yards! He was more worried about appealing for the spot kick than gathering himself, that was a great chance to score...
    • 66' Montgomery booked for a shoulder charge... free kick to North End.
    • 65' It looks like the Blades have won a corner, but the ref signals for a goal kick. Yet Lonergan's kick gives possession away.
    • 64' The game is still running out of steam a bit - but now here come the Blades up the left...
    • 62' There's a couple of men down here after a clash - and as the physio runs on the home fans start cheering their boys on.
    • 61' Yellow for Kilgallon for a high boot - looked slightly harsh, but the ref errs on the side of caution.
    • 60' Craig Beattie makes a good run through the centre, his fresh legs looking useful now.
    • 58' The match has lost a bit of direction now - lots of aimless hoofing going on at the moment.
    • 57' Now it's long ball from the Blades again, and again the opposing defence is equal to the challenge.
    • 56' Preston try a pair of long balls into the centre but they come to nothing...
    • 54' Henderson comes off for Beattie, and he doesn't look too chuffed about it.
    • 53' Lonergan clears upfield almost into the arms of Paddy Kenny in the other goal; the Irishman returns the favout. Nice ping pong here,
    • 52' Sheffield try up the left now, and it's a good cross in for Halford to get to - but he can't control the ball. goal kick.
    • 50' Preston seemed stunned by the goal - they can't seem to get the ball moving the right way now and are being penned back.
    • 48' An incredible start to the half - and Howard's strike was as well-taken a goal as you'll see. It was a tough opportunity at full stretch... amazing! And here comes Sheffield again!
    • 46' The second half begins - and THERE'S THE EQUALISER!!! The Blades burst upfield from the whistle, with Henderson having a decent effort that Lonergan punches away - the ball is eventually whipped back in to the centre from where Brian Howard, who connects with a sliding left-foot volley to level the scores!!!!
    • 45'+2 That's the half-time whistle, and it's been a belting game of football - the more so when you consider the enormity of winning the play-offs. Let's hope we're in for more of the same in the second half!
    • 45'+1 Not quite sure where this injury time has come from - I don't think the ball has been out of play for more than a few seconds...
    • 45' Henderson seems to be through in space on the edge of the box, but St Leger flies in from nowehere to clear - he's having a storming game, quite apart from the goal.
    • 45' This time Preston clear the decks, with captain McKenna holding his men together well.
    • 44' Morgan heads the corner goalwards; it drops for Ward, who turns and shoots well - but St Leger cuts the ball out! Great stuff by the Blades, and it's another corner!
    • 43' Naughton has a throw on the left, and Preston concede a soft corner.
    • 41' The Blades try and build something down the left, with Naughton looking lively and energetic - but he's penalised after remaining on his feet in a 50/50 challenge and the move breaks down.
    • 40' Things slow down a little as half-time approaches - amazingly quickly it's come around as well, this has been a good game so far.
    • 38' Sheffield push back up once more, but Preston's blood is up and they simply pump the ball back up the park.
    • 37' Another chance for Preston - and it's Parkin again, but his shot is dragged weakly wide. He's probably still rueing that amazing earlier close-call.
    • 35' HUGE CHANCE FOR PRESTON - BUT IT'S OFF THE BAR!!! Parkin gets ahead of his marker to meet a corner, and rips a brilliant header... but it thunders against the post from just a few yards out! That could have been a half-step to Wembley!
    • 33' Howard whips the ball in well; it's cleared but comes back in and Henderson almost gets his head to it. Another good effort for the visitors.
    • 32' Things have calmed down a little after that flurry - but now here comes Montgomery, and the blades have another chance as Preston concede the corner.
    • 30' The Blades were close to automatic promotion - and the players' urgency now suggests that they are furious to be on the back foot already in this play-off encounter.
    • 28' Stunning effort for the Blades! Howard chips a gorgeous ball over the defensive line for Quinn, who collects brilliantly before firing a decent shot - and it's in the side netting! Terrific move from the visitors.
    • 27' Mellor tries to chase a ball from Wallace down the left wing, but the Preston striker isn't quite fast enough to get in ahead of the defence.
    • 26' Halford now has a long shot for the Blades - floated over, but this is cracking entertainment now.
    • 24' After Ward's narrow miss Sheffield grab possession again - and the ball across from Quinn very nearly gets past the defence and into the path of Henderson. Almost, but not quite.
    • 23' Sheffield charge back up, still shaken by that almost surreal goal - and Ward has a good long-range shot.
    • 21' GOAL FOR PRESTON!!! And it's an extraordinary one! A long free kick is punted in and gets deflected on to Sean St Legder, unmarked and open in the six-yard box... but miles off-side. Everyone in the ground is waiting for the whistle as he pops it in - but the linesman's brilliant observation had spotted that the ball was played back off the head of Blades defender Nick Montgomery!
    • 20' Preston try pushing down the right flank, but they are being closed down so quickly at the moment that they can't get near the penalty box, let alone the goal.
    • 18' The Blades push up again but this time Preston cut Halford off at source on the right.
    • 17' A ball in from Howard on the right wing looks good, but none of the Blades players are in the box to get on the end of things.
    • 16' We seem to be in slow-motion end-to-end mode, with each team having their brief spells in charge - but it's not really what you'd call frantic at the moment.
    • 14' Preston are getting themselves together well now, keeping possession more effectively and probing for gaps.
    • 12' The Blades comes up once more, but the North End defence close the door, and Lonergan dawdles over the goal kick to let his boys gather themselves a bit.
    • 10' Best move of the match for the home side sees a ball floated in, nodded down to Mellor - but the strike is blocked by the feet of the defender.
    • 8' You'd have to say that the visitors have edged the early exchanges, but they're frantically tracking back now as Preston push forwards to get things going.
    • 6' The first corner leads to a second for the visitors, but it's blasted too far.
    • 5' Ward has a speculative effort for Scunthorpe, but it's a good save from Lonergan to push it wide for a corner.
    • 3' It's a cagey start by both teams, with lots of sparring in mid-field but no chances as yet.
    • 2' The cheers around Deepdale are deafening this evening and the conditions couldn't be better for an evening kick off. This is what it's all about!
    • 1' That's kick off, and we're under way here in Lancashire.
    • - Welcome to our LIVE coverage of Preston against Sheffield United in the play-offs - and with a mere £60 million or so potentially to play for in this process it should be a cracker.

  • Summary

    • 90'+2 BEATTIE IS CLEAN THROUGH - BUT HE SQUANDERS IT!!! Well through on the keeper, Beattie has unmarked support ruunning in... but he selfishly shoots at an angle rather than passing into the path of Lupoli for a certain goal!
    • 85' Terrific shot from the edge of the box by Howard, but Lonergan dives to save at full stretch with his left-hand. That could very easily have been a winner.
    • 67' Beattie runs through - beating the offside trap.. his shirt is pulled but he stays on his feet, then balloons the ball miles over from just 10 yards! He was more worried about appealing for the spot kick than gathering himself, that was a great chance to score...
    • 46' The second half begins - and THERE'S THE EQUALISER!!! The Blades burst upfield from the whistle, with Henderson having a decent effort that Lonergan punches away - the ball is eventually whipped back in to the centre from where Brian Howard, who connects with a sliding left-foot volley to level the scores!!!!
    • 44' Morgan heads the corner goalwards; it drops for Ward, who turns and shoots well - but St Leger cuts the ball out! Great stuff by the Blades, and it's another corner!
    • 35' HUGE CHANCE FOR PRESTON - BUT IT'S OFF THE BAR!!! Parkin gets ahead of his marker to meet a corner, and rips a brilliant header... but it thunders against the post from just a few yards out! That could have been a half-step to Wembley!
    • 28' Stunning effort for the Blades! Howard chips a gorgeous ball over the defensive line for Quinn, who collects brilliantly before firing a decent shot - and it's in the side netting! Terrific move from the visitors.
    • 24' After Ward's narrow miss Sheffield grab possession again - and the ball across from Quinn very nearly gets past the defence and into the path of Henderson. Almost, but not quite.
    • 23' Sheffield charge back up, still shaken by that almost surreal goal - and Ward has a good long-range shot.
    • 21' GOAL FOR PRESTON!!! And it's an extraordinary one! A long free kick is punted in and gets deflected on to Sean St Legder, unmarked and open in the six-yard box... but miles off-side. Everyone in the ground is waiting for the whistle as he pops it in - but the linesman's brilliant observation had spotted that the ball was played back off the head of Blades defender Nick Montgomery!

Live Team Line-Up

  • Referee: Andre Marriner

  • Preston North End

    Manager: Alan Irvine

    Starting line-up

    • A. Lonergan
    • B. Jones
    • S. St. Ledger Goal
    • Y. Mawene
    • E. Nolan
    • C. Sedgwick
    • P. McKenna
    • D. Carter Yellow Card Substitution Out (70′)
    • R. Wallace
    • N. Mellor Substitution Out (77′)
    • J. Parkin

    Subs

    • B. Nicholson Substitution In70′
    • L. Chilvers
    • C. Brown Substitution In77′
    • S. Elliott
    • C. Neal

    Injured

    • R. Chaplow
    • M. Hart

    Suspended

    • L. Williamson

  • Sheffield United

    Manager: Kevin Blackwell

    Starting line-up

    • P. Kenny
    • K. Walker
    • C. Morgan
    • M. Kilgallon Yellow Card
    • K. Naughton
    • N. Montgomery Yellow Card
    • B. Howard Goal
    • S. Quinn
    • G. Halford
    • D. Henderson Substitution Out (54′)
    • J. Ward Substitution Out (74′)

    Subs

    • I. Bennett
    • L. Bromby
    • C. Beattie Substitution In54′
    • A. Lupoli Substitution In74′ Yellow Card
    • D. Cotterill

    Injured

    • G. Naysmith

    Suspended

    None

Comment 1 - 10 of 70

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  1. d_a_atkinson... take it your a wednesday fan?? who have­ you got in the playoffs then??

    From COLIN, on Tue 5 May 8:44PM

  2. 3-0 pne pakin st ledger and wallce

    From Angela, on Tue 5 May 7:37PM

  3. Same joke theme different words. Thought nice and­ topical & I am told that Sheffield United are known­ as the pigs because they have red in their shirt just­ like bacon. Will however watch out for mexicans in the­ moor heading south when I'm next passing the sty.

    From David, on Tue 5 May 6:55PM
  4. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    COME ON YOU BLADES.

    From myspoonistoobig86, on Tue 5 May 1:29PM

  5. come on north end i am in Italy hoping to watch the­ game, no matter what the stats and all that, lets carry­ on the good form of wins and get to wembley, I've­ been waiting 21 years for us to be in the top flight,­ since I was four going on the pne. I need this and so­ does the club.
    COME ON YOU­ WHITES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

    From pne in italy, on Tue 5 May 12:57AM

  6. d_a_atkinson - I seem to recall you made the exact same­ *joke* on the game between Palace and United, you think­ your funny but clearly your NOT. I hope you catch swine­ flu, then we'll see whos making a joke of it.­ Idiot.

    From wb, on Mon 4 May 5:11PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    0-0

    From Angela, on Mon 4 May 9:12AM

  8. pne for ever i went to watch them yestoday

    From Angela, on Mon 4 May 9:12AM

  9. Hope that the good people of Preston have enough­ tamiflu pills with so many swine coming to the city

    From David, on Mon 4 May 5:19AM

  10. what was the score last time?

    From db001v4969, on Sun 3 May 4:39PM
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