PNE midfielder Ben Pearson aims to cut down on yellow cards

Preston North End midfielder Ben Pearson admits he needs to listen to his mum in a bid to cut down on the yellow cards.
PNE midfielder Ben PearsonPNE midfielder Ben Pearson
PNE midfielder Ben Pearson

The 23-year-old cuts a fiery figure on the pitch and has been booked 33 times in his two-and-a-half seasons with the Lilywhites.

Keeping a cooler head on the pitch is what he is aiming for, something his mother has tried to preach to him since he was a youngster.

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Pearson told the Post: “If I could keep it below 10 yellows this season, that would good.

PNE midfielder Ben PearsonPNE midfielder Ben Pearson
PNE midfielder Ben Pearson

“In my position if someone gets past me, I might have to bring them down every now and again – it’s one of those where you will get carded.

“It’s the back-chatting and getting a little bit heated which I need to cut out.

“I’ve been like that since I was about 12 – my mum always hates that when she watches. She tells me every day to stop it by usually I ignore my mum because she has said it so many times!

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“I think it’s just in me to get riled-up for a game when there is something to play for.

Ben Pearson gets a yellow card in last season's win against Sheffield WednesdayBen Pearson gets a yellow card in last season's win against Sheffield Wednesday
Ben Pearson gets a yellow card in last season's win against Sheffield Wednesday

“But I need to cut it out so I don’t get suspensions and miss games.”

Pearson got 14 yellow cards last season, managing to turn over a new leaf in the final few weeks of the season.

He was booked just once in the last 10 games, and avoided trouble totally for the last six.

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Had he reached 15 yellows, Pearson would have got a three-match ban.

“I would have missed three games if I’d got to 15,” said the former Manchester United reserve.

“Had we got to the play-offs last season I could have missed those games, or I could have missed the start of this season.

“I was a conscious of that and had to take notice of it.”

Pearson and his Preston team-mates play their final pre-season game tomorrow.

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They face Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park, that trip a familiar one to Pearson.

He was born and brought up in the Chadderton area of the town.

North End manager Alex Neil is pleased with the way the pre-season has gone and the Oldham game will give him one last look at some of the squad in match action.

Whether he chooses to give a run-out to the side which will start the season against QPR a week tomorrow, remains to be seen.

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With injuries having been kept to a minimum during the pre-season, Neil has had a good look at all his players.

It is fair to say he has been impressed with what he’s seen from them.

Said Neil: “I’ve got a fair idea of where we are and there is not a lot between any of the squad, which is good.

“With selection, my job is getting more difficult due to us strengthening the squad well.

“That is a good position to be in.”