Press On

“Now that’s how you supposed to drive! From now on, that’s how you drive!” – We feel it is important that Mike Lowrey (Will Smith’s character from the seminal 1995 police fillum Bad Boys) makes a point about Tuesday’s victory against Brentford. It must be regarded as a watershed; the revived norm and not the exception. Boro’ are much more capable than it has appeared in recent weeks, so let’s kick on from here and prevent any further fannying around.

Simon Grayson is now the chap in charge at Deepdale, having replaced a former Stevenage employee of note in recent weeks. Not that it really makes any difference who manages the opposition. We’re the ones in control here. We’re the ones coming off the back of a morale-boosting victory. We’re the ones six points and two places above t’other. And that’s despite whatever similarities that could be drawn between us.

We could read into stats about Preston’s home form or how we perform on the road but it’s a game that has changed. So let’s have a bloody good go at Preston this weekend. We kinda owe them for mauling us in our own back garden and it would be a funny legacy from their GW era if we were to go there and repay that favour. For the avoidance of doubt, however, we are not advocating that we WILL win 4-0. But it would be lovely to do so.

Changes? We’d be keen to see the young Jeffrey start on the wing, maybe at the expense of suspended James Dunne. He’s going to be hungry for the chance to make an impression and it will be a decent stage on which to do it for the Gooner starlet. Otherwise, as you were please Smiffy. Sam Hoskins has to start, Charles and Eddy Robbo at the back, Mahon the beating heart. It makes so much sense that it could be the meaning of life.

FIFA 13 Verdict:
On this evidence, Sam Hoskins will only be getting better and better. Two goals and a Man of the Match performance for the Southampton striker here at Deepdale as Boro’ made the running and ran out 3-1 victors. The visitors led 1-0 at the break and there were some fears that Preston would take advantage of the slender lead. They didn’t and only scored when it was too late. If this were ’05, we’d be chanting “EEEEEEASY!”

Bookmakers’ Verdict:
The home team are making the running in the market and are longest at 7/8 with Pinnacle should that tempt you. Or if you fancy Boro’ to make it two on the spin, you can get 15/4 at Bet365 and Boylesports. Both Teams To Score is 10/11 with Coral and William Hill; Evens is the best price to the contrary at Skybet/Paddy Power. Any time scorers? John Mousinho is fives at Coral, while Marcus Haber is 10/3. Everything correct when written!

Last Season:
Preston North End 0-0 Stevenage

Team Tarot (4-4-2):
Hey Arnold!

Gray, Roberts (c), Charles, Comminges

Jeffrey, Tansey, Mahon, Freeman

Hoskins, Haber