Josh Harrop claiming free-kick in Preston's draw with Sunderland

Josh Harrop insists he's claiming Preston's first goal against Sunderland after his free-kick appeared to get a helpful deflection.
Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.
Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.

The former Manchester United man’s in-swinger was flicked by Jason Vaughan beyond Jason Steele in the 2-2 draw at Deepdale.

George Honeyman had completed a well-worked first-half move to open the scoring for the visitors before Harrop’s set play 10 minutes into the second period kicked off a crazy spell.

Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.
Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.
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Jordan Hugill’s thumping volley put PNE in front two minutes later before Aiden McGeady went up the other end and scored on his Deepdale return as the game ended honours even.

“I’ve gone for it and it was on target so I’ll take it,” Harrop said of his free-kick.

“They came out at it straight away and it was a tough game.

“You could tell from the start that they were up for it and it seemed like a cup final to them.

Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.
Sean Maguire congratulates Josh Harrop on his goal against Sunderland.

“We went 1-0 down in the first half but we came out in the second half fighting and got back on good terms.

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“The gaffer told us a half-time just to go out there and show a bit more, try and win second balls.

“We just had to start putting ourselves out there.

“We just needed to compete a bit more and I think we did that.”

On another afternoon Harrop’s effort would have been the pick of the day, but Hugill’s stunning strike on his weaker left foot is an early contender for goal of the season.

“It’s a brilliant strike and it’s on his left peg as well,” said the 21-year-old.

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“He’ll be delighted with that, it’s great for him and it’s a great goal.”

Overall, despite the difference in league positions between the two sides, PNE heading into the international break sixth and Simon Grayson’s Sunderland second from bottom, Harrop believes the Lilywhites can be pretty content with a share of the spoils.

“I’d say it’s a good point,” he said.

“Every point’s a good point and Sunderland are a good team.

“We want to win every game and we come to win every game but we’ll take a point out of the game because they were at it.”