Cod Army fall to 4-0 loss against neighbours Preston
Fleetwood Town slipped to a 4-0 defeat in a Lancashire derby away at Preston North End on Saturday morning.A first minute goal from Jonathan Lunney, which was added to by second half strikes from Luke Pritchard, Eddie Dsane and Ben Roberts gave North End the three points.
The home side got off to the best possible start through Lunney when winger Pritchard skipped past Matty Williams, before crossing for Lunney who made no mistake and calmly tapped home.
Fleetwood looked to find an equaliser, and carved out their first real chance after 10 minutes, however Mamadou Djabi saw his goal bound effort blocked by defender Sean Whelan.
The Cod Army continued to pressure, and were presented with another opportunity minutes later when Louis Myers’ looping header went just over the crossbar.
North End looked to double their advantage through Dsane, however he saw his strike from a tight angle curl wide.
Craig Madden’s side were being reduced to half chances, with Djabi and Wes Nelson both having efforts on goal.
Town goalkeeper Elliot Wynne denied the impressive Dsane with a sprawling save with his legs after the attacker had raced through on goal
As the interval approached, Fleetwood looked for an equaliser, and came closest through Liam Wood who dragged a long range effort wide.
The Cod Army started the second half strongly with substitute Shane Glean, who had replaced Djabi, assisting Nelson, but the latter shot wide of Ross Dalton’s post.
Dsane, in the thick of the action for North End, almost scored his side’s second soon after as he profited on a loose ball and attempted a back-heel which came off the post.
Preston did eventually double their lead on the hour, as Pritchard rifled a brilliant left footed free-kick into the top corner.
The Fylde Coasters still looked for a way back into the game, with winger Jordan Hancox forcing Dalton to parry the ball over the bar.
North End found a third with six minutes remaining, as Dsane connected with a lofted ball before volleying beyond a hapless Wynne.
Victory was wrapped up for the home side as the clock edged towards 90, with Ben Roberts coolly firing into the bottom right corner.