Adam Lord's PNE in numbers

Simon Grayson’s side are averaging 1.33 goals per game ahead of Queens Park Rangers visiting Deepdale on Saturday.

North End have scored 44 goals in their 33 matches thus far, compared with 32 at the same stage last year.

After establishing themselves back in the Championship last year while being noted for being hard to break down, playing a more open and expansive style always had to be the next stage in this team’s development.

Jordan Hugill (above)leads the way with 10 goals while Callum Robinson has nine. It is a player like Aiden McGeady though that epitomises the direction this Lilywhites side is heading in.

The attacking focus hasn’t left North End completely open at the back though, 1.21 goals being shipped on average every game.

The top three in terms of minutes played are defenders too, which shows where some of the key men are.

Tom Clarke leads the way on 3,219, Greg Cunningham has 3,090 and Chris Maxwell 2,550 despite not starting the year as the club’s No.1 
between the sticks.

Paul Hungtinton has slotted back in nicely since Bailey Wright left and Tyias Browning has also impressed.