SOUTHEND 3 PNE 2

NORTH END have no one to blame but themselves for not securing a third win away from Deepdale on Tuesday.

In poor conditions Preston got off to a great start with a goal after just five minutes.

Lee Cartwright produced a fine run down the right and he crossed perfectly for Tony Lormor to score with ease.

Six minutes later Appleton's corner kick found Lormor at the near post and he beat keeper Royce with a flashing header.

As North End came at Southend, Ashcroft almost made it 3-0.

Then, it started to go wrong. Parkinson brought down Jones in the box and Boere crashed home the spot kick.

Nathan Jones set up the equaliser with a classy run down the wing, putting over a powerful centre which Gridelet smashed passed Moilanen.

And then disaster for Preston. Gridelet got hit a tame shot from 35 yards which Moilanen had covered, but he allowed the ball to slip from his gloves and roll gently into the net.

Preston came out strongly in the second half.

Gregan's close range was cleared off the line by Harris and Kidd put the rebound wide as Preston battled for an equaliser.

Wave after wave of crosses stormed in to the Southend box, but Royce, in excellent form kept Preston out.

Preston's supporters who made the long, cold journey back to Lancashire were left wondering just how a two-goal lead was allowed to slip away.

Preston now turn their attention to the second round of the FA Cup when they meet Notts County at Deepdale on Saturday (December 6).

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