Glimmer of light

Step in the right direction

A draw at Cardiff was perhaps the most unexpected result of this disasterous season for PNE. But for a questionable 5 minutes of time added on, we could well have come home with three points instead of one.

I’m not saying that we played great or that we have turned the corner, to use a much quoted managers’ phrase – but maybe there was a small glimmer of light at the end of what is now a very dark tunnel.

North End played with much grit and determination and restricted a talented Cardiff side to just one late, late goal. Not great football but a result nonetheless. The whole team played much, much better than of late and special mention goes to Michael Tonge and Darel Russell.

The stats don’t show the full picture. I know that Cardiff should have taken a few of their chances but Preston did create a few themselves with Parkin and Hume unlucky not to have profited more from their efforts up front.

survive

A long, long way to go yet. Similar performances will gain us the odd point or two, but more wins will be required if we are to survive in this division. The North end players were dead on their feet at the end of 90 minutes and be very disappointed that they did not hold out until the final whistle.

They will be pleased that they played so well and earned a point against all the odds. But now Darren Ferguson will have to sit them all down on Monday morning and say ‘you all gave 100%, but I need you now to give 110%’.

Four matches to go before the end of 2010. I believe we have a chance to win them all. Realistically, we must be looking for at least 8 points from 12. Then maybe we can have some hope that 2011 will be more productive.