ITFC v Preston North End Match Report

ITFC v Preston North End

The 19,243 fans are excited and on their feet, the roar of the crowd deafening as Town and Preston North End step out into Portman Road.

Town had an early chance to take advantage of Preston's poor defending when Pablo Counago found a way through, only to see his shot saved by Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

Jon Walters was always a threat and had a left foot shot saved by Lonergan.

Not even Owen Garvan's free-kick could not find a way through, the Irishman's delivery saw no Town player find the back of the net.

It was no surprise to see Jon Walters involved in the first goal, Walter's cross turned home through a diving header by Alan Lee.

Fabian Wilins returning to the Town side, almost put through his own net, but the ball dropped a foot wide of the post.

Patrick Agyemang came on for Paul Gallacher and saw a header drop over the bar. Walters then saw a shot saved and Andy Lonergan could only watch as Billy Clarke hit the post.

Pablo Counago came close to scoring but he was unlucky in front of goal, just like Clarke and Walters.

Gary Roberts replaced Billy Clarke and suddenly Town were two up. Counago and Tommy Miller linked up, with Counago back-heeling the ball into the ground for Miller to strike home.

Danny Hanyes could have sealed the points but his shot hit Andy Lonergan, had it not been for the Preston goalkeeper, it could have been 3 or 4 goals.

Preston got a penalty after Neil Mellor had won a controversial penalty. Mellor, the former Liverpool player scored form the spot, but there was no way back for Preston. Jim Magilton getting one over Paul Simpson.

After disappointing defeats on the road for Town, it was good to get a win. This reporter hopes Town find their away form and step up a gear.

by William Medlock, a Town fan, aged 14.