More goals are needed from Preston’s strikers, says former PNE captain Ian Bryson

The bulk of PNE’s goals this season have come from midfield and the wings, Tom Barkhuizen and Daniel Johnson having netted 11 each.

Josh Harrop has scored seven times in all competitions and Paul Gallagher six goals.

Bryson was North End’s captain when they won the Third Division title in 1996.

The Scot is a matchday host in the hospitality lounges at Deepdale and has taken PNE to his heart since signing for the club in 1993.

Bryson told the Lancashire Post: “The goals this season have tended to come from midfielders or wingers.

“Daniel Johnson was given an opportunity to play in a slightly different position this season and his goalscoring has really helped the side.

“That is one of the biggest issues, scoring goals.

“Preston’s strikers haven’t been scoring enough goals.

“That is not necessarily the strikers’ fault, sometimes it is just down to the way they like to play and set up.

“It tends to be one up front and two wide players floating in. That works in some games but doesn’t always get the strikers the chances.

“Sean Maguire has been played more often out wide and hasn’t really got into goalscoring positions.

“If they could add a few more goals to their game, they have got as good a chance as anyone to get a play-off place.

“This has been a very good season so far, I’ve seen a lot of progress.

“The two centre-halves have a good understanding, I think Ben Pearson has had a better season disciplinary wise.

“Pearson has always been a good player and he’s helping himself more in terms of being available for more games.

“Alan Browne has had a decent season, to be honest most of the lads have done pretty well.”

Bryson doesn’t think that fitness will be much of an issue when the players finally get back to training and playing after the Covid-19 outbreak.

A resumption in June has been tentatively spoken about but there’s nothing set in stone officially.

“These days players keep themselves fit, whether they are playing or not,” said Bryson.

“When I was playing, in the summer we would go off on our summer holidays and not do a thing for a few weeks.

“During this lockdown the players will have their fitness programmes to do at home, they will watch their weight and know what to eat.

“This is a different situation to a summer break but they will have the right guidance from the club.”