The Tim Mercer column: Frustrating not to get the win against which our display deserved
An entertaining game for the neutral as North End left it late to equalise in a game they probably should have won.
Not for the first time this season, a defensive lapse in concentration allowed our nemesis, Kieffer Moore, to steal in at the back post for a simple tap-in from a few inches; surely one of the easiest goals he has ever scored.
With this being inside the opening five minutes, it was an unnecessary shock to the system that this fan could have done without.
In response, Preston rallied with a number of positive forward moves, often led by one player above all others in the form of Lewis Dobbin.
He was at the heart of everything as he continues to be the main creative spark in a Lilywhite shirt.
In one move, a super run down the right wing ended in a peach of a cross that only required the in-running Michael Smith to get some leather on it for a certain goal.
Agonisingly this was missed, but better was to follow when Dobbin went on a mazy run after bursting through the midfield, taking on five players in the process, and getting off a powerful shot that was blocked by a panicking and retreating Wrexham defence.
More near-miss drama was to follow just before half time, when the Wrexham keeper made an incredible double save to keep out two excellent strikes by Thierry Small.
Not to be outdone, in the second half Daniel Iversen made up for his part in conceding the opening goal with two smart saves on the bounce; the first at his near post was then accompanied by a lunging dive for his second across the face of goal from the follow up.
Whilst the visitors always threatened on the break, it was the hosts who continued to have the edge as more chances went unrewarded, including a Small shot that came back off the inside of the post with the Red Dragons’ keeper well beaten on this occasion.
Justice in at least getting something from the game came from substitute Harrison Armstrong, with the Everton loanee keeping his cool as he always does to score at a second attempt, after his first effort from a header was parried back into his path.
It is a joy to watch this young man of only 18 and who must be one to watch, hopefully in an England shirt, in the not-too-distant future.
A wee bit frustrating by the end, but a win midweek against top of the table Coventry would be a good return from this seven day period.