Top quality penalties, tears and tickets - the Preston North End talking points from epic cup win over Fulham
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)

Scintillating shootout
You couldn’t believe what you were seeing. A record 34 spot-kicks taken in total... the quality of Preston North End’s penalties was absolutely top drawer. Fulham too, but with international footballers and top flight players, you sort of expected that. Only one player missed the target and the longer it went on, the more desperate you were for it go to the Lilywhites’ way. When Freddie Woodman kept out Jorge Cuenca, it was over to Kaine Kesler-Hayden to win it, but his penalty was pretty poor.
At that point, you thought it might not be North End’s night - and when Ryan Sessegnon’s spot kick somehow squeezed in, that feeling set in even more. But, Timothy Castagne blazed over and Ryan Ledson couldn’t get there fast enough, to take the winning kick. Those who scored two penalties deserve huge credit - Sam Greenwood’s were particularly impressive - but big defenders Liam Lindsay and Jordan Storey showed immense composure from 12 yards. Not to mention Woodman, who put his laces through it and picked out the bottom corner emphatically. An unbelievable way to decide a great game.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEntertaining spectacle
Of course the obvious aim was to progress in the competition, but you just wanted to see another positive PNE performance and that’s what we got. Fulham’s superior quality was evident for large parts of the game, but Preston certainly had positive moments of their own - at both ends of the pitch. There was some outstanding last-ditch, box defending. Called in from the cold, Patrick Bauer barely put a foot wrong before he was forced off in the second half, with a shoulder injury. He left the pitch in tears, but was roared down the tunnel by the home faithful.
In the final third, Josh Bowler was lively on his full debut - playing a key role in Ledson’s opener and, generally, asking questions every time Preston got the ball to him, high up the pitch. Kesler-Hayden saw a header well saved at nil-nil - the Aston Villa loanee was dynamic once again. PNE had a couple of good chances to extend their lead, but Stefan Thordarson and Duane Holmes were both denied. There was a fearlessness about Heckingbottom’s team, but definitely not stupidity. They took risks over the course of the game and had a proper go - which is all you ever want in a one-off match. The manager made eight changes, but Preston looked strong, chances were taken and competition is fierce right now.
Another clear plan
Once again, we saw a really fluid approach from North End. Off the ball, Jordan Storey effectively played as a natural right back with PNE in a 4-4-2 - Kesler-Hayden at left back, Bowler right midfield and Holmes left midfield, with Mads Frokjaer right up alongside Milutin Osmajic. Then, when Preston did get on the ball, Kesler-Hayden pushed right on, Holmes tucked in slightly and Bowler held width on the right. Fulham did have joy in the final third throughout the game - they are slick and sharp in and around the box and kill you in wide areas - but there was a structure, bravery and commitment again about the Lilywhites - which was encouraging to see.
Attendance rewarded
Disappointing numbers, but certainly not surprising. Tickets for season card holders were £20 for this one, on the back of an away game and with Blackburn Rovers at home on Sunday. Plus, every single Carabao Cup match is available to watch on Sky Sports and Fulham were not an overly appealing opponent - given the quality of their squad and fact they were recently in the Championship. You could understand anyone who opted to stay at home on Tuesday night.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut, those who headed to Deepdale witnessed a game they won’t forget for a long time - a historic League Cup clash. It would’ve been great to see ticket prices lowered and supporters incentivised to attend. Nonetheless, the home crowd got right behind the team, especially in the closing stages of normal time. During penalties, Woodman’s name was sung every time a Fulham player stepped forward. And, when North End won, the feeling inside Deepdale was fantastic - and there may as well have been a bumper crowd, given the noise and jubilation.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.