Peter Taylor had said during the week that he wanted to give the fans something as a thank you for our great support all through the season, and in all honesty I think he gave us what we wanted in all but the result, even though let's be honest, a 1-1 draw against a team who had won the last 5 games and are safely in the play-offs is not a bad result despite them resting a lot of players.
So the game started and it looked good, both teams playing good football and at times we pressured quite well. We just looked like we needed that last player to put chances away when called on.
Then they scored. Honestly speaking it was a great finish and Delaney should have done better and not allowed it to bounce but you cannot take that away from the finish. Looking at it again this morning it was a great finish. 1-0 to Preston
So what would we do from here? Collapse like we have seen before? Thankfully not. We set out to try and get that goal back and looked more and more assured as the first half went on. Then just before half time we got what we deserved, all be it not from one of our own players. Greenie placed a teasing ball into the box from a free kick and in the muddle that went on from there the ball ended up in the back of the net. Half time 1-1 and in general we are all happy …
When I eventually got back to my seat (too many beers to drink!) the second half unfortunately had 1-1 written all over it. It had highlights, most notably Duffy coming on and looking very good. I think Peter Taylor may well be right in thinking Duffy will be our top scorer next year. You can see he has that intelligent football mind that unfortunately the players around him don't. I think Barmby, if he is still here next season, would work well with Duffy.
Player Ratings
Myhill – 7... Played well and could not do anything with the goal. Let's hope we keep him. I think he will go mind you...
Rogers – 7... This should be our first signing next season. He has showed us what a good defensive left back should be and will provide great competition for Dawson next year.
Cort – 7... Another good display and not a lot beating him in the air. This season over all has been solid although sometimes a bit weak when the ball is at his feet. Can see him, Coles and Delaney having good rotation to combat different forward lines. Let's not forget Collins either. Competition is looking good defense wise.
Delaney – 6... Made a terrible error for their goal, which is a shame when you look at what he has done this season. In my opinion he has been our player of the season, more so than Myhill when you look at his performances no matter where he has played.
Wiseman – 6... Not a great game by the lad but he is getting the experience needed. I think I would like Thelwell to get a contract next year. Wiseman's passing was pretty poor at times.
Green – 7... Carried his good form into this game well. Was not as effective as maybe he has been recently but showed if he carries this form over into next season he will be a key player.
Andrews – 6... Quietly got on with his job but maybe too quiet at times.
Ellison – 5... Last game at the KC I think for Kev. Thank you for your hard work and commitment and good luck where ever you end up. Will do a good job in league 1 or 2 but just not a CCC player. Looked like he was carrying an injury in the second half.
Welsh – 8... My man of the match. Got stuck in well during the whole game and will present selection headaches if we sign a centre midfielder and with Ashbee returning as well.
Fagan – 6... Ran all game long without doing too much in my opinion. Could that be his last home game for us? I think Taylor would accept a bid for him from another club but why oh why did you not just play on the right wing?
Parkin – 7... Was a bit more alive than he has been in the last couple of games. I just hope he has not been "found out" already in this league.
Subs
Duffy – 7... When he came on he added some spark to a dying game and had a couple of good chances. I think money on him being top scorer next year would be safe money.
Paynter – 6... Came on late and did not do too much to be honest. Maybe a loan spell in League 1 would benefit him as he will be a great player in a few years time with age being on his side.
Thelwell – 6... Again a bit too late on to make any impact but deserves a contract next year.
Where to from here? Off to Watford we go next week to complete a rollercoaster season. I think Duke and Fry will both get chances and let's just have a fun day out with hopefully a fun game to watch, and who knows, maybe a point to make us only losing 1 game in ten at the end of the season?