Preston North End player gradings vs Wrexham... Kenny bright and Devine scores but defence weak again

Preston North End were defeated 4-1 by Wrexham in the Championship on Saturday.

Graham Alexander is still waiting for his first win since taking charge of Preston as the third time did not prove lucky in the slightest.

He at least saw his team finally score with Alfie Devine briefly levelling after Joe Worral’s opening header.

Yet, the joy was short-lived, with former Lilywhite Ben Whiteman predictably putting the home side back ahead six minutes later.

Another collapse followed after the break, with Sam Smith and Worral scoring within four minutes.

Here’s how the players graded.

Daniel Iversen - C

Wrexham would have scored much sooner if not for him. Was twice quick off his line to clear danger and made two fine saves. Not much he could do with the goals.

Jordan Storey - F

Moved to the right of the back three and read the game well at points, but could have done more to stop Worral’s header and part of a defence that shipped four.

Liam Lindsay - C-

Brought in for his height against Kieffer Moore and won a lot of headers. Some mis-timed challenges and also could have done better for the first goal. Went off injured in the second half before the third and fourth.

Andrew Hughes - F

A tough game for the veteran. Made some wild challenges and missed a lot of tackles, with Wrexham getting a lot of joy in behind him. Weak at set pieces with the rest.

Odel Offiah - D+

Looked better suited to the right wing-back role than in the back three, with some nice play when he managed to get forward, but it wasn’t nearly enough. Some good defensive work which counted for little ultimately.

Leo Leroy - D-

Some nice first half moments and battled hard, but little impact.

Jordan Thompson - D-

Didn’t get much of the ball, a tough afternoon against Callum O’Hare.

Andrija Vukcevic - D-

A dangerous cross in the opening minute and the 86th, but little else afterwards.

Callum Lang - D

Some nice turns on the ball and tried to make things happen, but hardly ever actually had a pass on for him to try and make. His work went to nothing more often than not. Caught flat-footed as Whiteman scored.

Johnny Kenny - C

A welcome return and the only Preston player who looks capable of really making this happen. Shooting radar was off in first game back and should have done better in some good positions, but it was his deflected shot that teed up Devine.

Alfie Devine - C

A clinical finish in the bottom corner. Had one good run in the first half, too, but little else. Really weak against Smith as he headed in the third.

Substitutes

Brad Potts - D+

Made his first appearance of the season after injury, missed a great chance when the game was still in reach but looked lively. Headed over.

Jusef Erabi - D

Ineffective.

Delano Burgzorg - D

Likewise.

Ed Nolan - D

On for his debut.