Preston North End player ratings vs Sheffield United

Preston North End were defeated once again by Sheffield United on Tuesday.

Preston North End were defeated 3-2 by Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

placeholder image — CameraSport - Lee Parker

It was a similar story for Preston, who started well and actually took the lead this time. Leo Leroy firing in after just two minutes.

Yet, Graham Alexander’s side again conceded a soft goal and crumbled. By half-time, Sydie Peck had a hat-trick.

North End did do well to stay in the game and fought back into it through Callum Lang, but the damage had been done.

Here’s how the players rated.

Daniel Iversen - 3

Has made a lot of good saves in recent weeks but was caught flat-footed on the first goal and then got lost in no-man’s land for the second when he didn’t commit to a challenge. Got away with recklessly coming out of his box twice late on.

A couple of smart stops but the damage was done.

Odel Offiah - 4

Had shown good pace early on but gave the ball away for the second and was then caught on the wrong side for the third.

Jordan Storey - 3

Taken off at the break tells the story. Had one important challenge but was dragged too far out of position for the second goal and didn’t get close enough to the crosser for the third.

Andrew Hughes - 5.5

Did really well in creating overloads and it was his positivity on the ball that created the opener. Made some really good challenges, too, early on. Missed the ball when the cross came in for the third, though.

Stanley Mills - 5.5

A lot of hard work on the right and put some good tackles in defensively, while being a threat with his skill and distribution.

Jordan Thompson - 3.5

Had one great pass over the top but porous in the middle, with Preston having too soft an underbelly. A prime example being a weak challenge for for a loose ball in the build-up to the second goal and he then couldn’t keep up with Peck as he went through on goal.

Leo Leroy - 5.5

A lovely finish and always tried to be positive on the ball but he too was far too easy to play through repeatedly.

Andrija Vukcevic - 5

A threat with his deliveries, including setting up the goal with a nice low cross, but struggled against Tahith Chong’s pace at times and lost Peck for the third. Taken off at the break.

Andy Moran - 6.5

Big chance after finally being given his first league start of the season and was really positive, always looking to pass the ball forward and make something happen. That did lead to some wayward passes, yet he continued to link-up well throughout and he then won the ball high up for Preston to score their second.

Jusef Erabi - 4.5

Looked sharp early on and gave the forward line some sticking power on the ball. Got into good positions, but could never actually take advantage of them as he struggled to compete against the defenders.

Johnny Kenny - N/A

Sadly, Kenny’s game was over by the 13th minute as he pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury while chasing an inviting ball over the top. A hammer blow.

Substitutes