Preston North End player ratings vs Oxford United with four 7/10s as visitors dig deep to win

Preston North End battled to a 2-1 win over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Here’s our player ratings from the early kick-off.

Starting XI

Daniel Iversen: Made a fantastic save in the first half to keep out Ciaron Brown and then another in the second with a strong dive to his left. Oxford’s goal was powerful into the left corner - little he could’ve done. Looked a tad shaky when coming out for crosses in final half hour. 7

Odel Offiah: First time he’s started at right centre-back in the league, his more natural position. Allowed him to put Oxford’s forwards under pressure, and great positioning to throw off a Lankshear effort early in second half. His foul throw led to an extended spell of pressure from the hosts in the first half. 6.5

Jordan Storey: Took his goal well, much deserved after visible efforts to try and add to his tally in recent weeks. Assured at the back and was the most reliable of a back three that dealt with wave after wave of U’s crosses. He made 15 clearances on his own. 7

Andrew Hughes: Dispossessed too easily by Romeny for Oxford’s goal. Became quite frustrated early on with a couple of reckless challenges but made some crucial clearances and blocks over the piece. 5.5

Pol Valentin: Cleared well from set plays and made an important block from a yard or two out late in the first half. Won most of his duels. Was limited going forward. 6.5

Harrison Armstrong: Superb double clearance off the line to deny Oxford an equaliser from a corner in the first half. The hosts’ midfield pair made it tough for him at times. De Keersmaecker got free for his goal. Usual energy and intent about him. 6.5

Ben Whiteman: Another impressive display from the skipper, who made clearance after clearance in the second half and played some nice forward passes in the first. 7.5

Thierry Small: An excellent delivery for Storey’s goal which caused chaos in the Oxford box. Sometimes struggled to make the most of opportunities to drive and deliver. 6.5

Alfie Devine: Put it on a plate for Jebbison for the second, after a lovely one-two with Dobbin. Looked to create moments at times when North End were being kept at bay. Worked back well, defensively, on a few occasions.. 7

Lewis Dobbin: Played his part in Jebbison’s goal. Had a string of chances around the half an hour mark but just couldn’t provide the final action in decent areas. 6

Daniel Jebbison: Another proper striker’s finish from the number nine. Worked hard up top again. The goal will have been a boost after a frustrating first half in which long balls couldn’t really find him. 7

Substitutes

Andrija Vukcevic: Held the ball up well down the left hand side and was sensible in his general play. 6.5

Jordan Thompson: Brought on to make life tough for the home side and did so, biting into tackles and reducing risk. 6.5

Michael Smith: A tactical introduction to give North End someone to aim for. Did what was asked of him. 6

Mads Frokjaer: Opened up Oxford’s defence once or twice. Unfortunate to see a smart pass hit the heel of his team mate late on. 6

Stefan Thordarson: Fine cameo, knitting things together and winning free-kicks. 6.5