Sorry home form is a serious cause for concern, says Preston supporter Tim Mercer

A fifth home defeat on the trot equalled an unwanted league record stretching back to the 1958/59 season.
Preston North End's Darnell Fisher battles with Birmingham City's Jonathan LekoPreston North End's Darnell Fisher battles with Birmingham City's Jonathan Leko
Preston North End's Darnell Fisher battles with Birmingham City's Jonathan Leko

If the League cup defeat to Brighton is included, this is probably the first time that the club has ever lost six in a row on the patch of ground bought from Deepdale Farm in its founding years.

North End did themselves no favours by going behind in under two minutes. A simple ball over the top caught out Jordan Storey, who allowed a Birmingham player to get in behind him and create the opportunity that, after a parry from Declan Rudd, was returned across the goal area for an easy strike into the net.

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After this shaky opening spell the hosts did start to play much better and deserved the equaliser taken in emphatic style by Jayden Stockley a little before the half-hour mark. Bringing the ball down and under control off his chest, he allowed it to bounce once before unleashing a wicked half-volley that gave the keeper no chance.

By the end of the half, it was fair to say that the Lilywhites had just about edged it.

This pattern continued after the break, but Preston were unable to convert a great opportunity following good play down the left before the ball broke in the box to an unmarked Alan Browne.

With his back to goal, he chose for a rushed back-heel rather than a control and turn that the time available would have allowed.

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With little between the sides it did not take much for the tide to turn back into the Blue nose’s direction. Darnell Fisher had played well on his return from injury, but had to make way for Joe Rafferty after pulling-up with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

With one substitution left, Alex Neil sent on Emil Riis in a bid to push-on for the win. Unfortunately, this meant that Andrew Hughes had to stay on the pitch when he also pulled-up with a hamstring a few minutes later.

The advantage allowed Birmingham back into the game and it was no real surprise when a cross into the box reached an unmarked player who headed in the winning goal.