The hosts defended in a lower block for large stretches against Hull, and to their credit, the victors managed to restrict the Tigers to just one big chance.
Head coach Paul Heckingbottom expressed relief that his team were able to capitalise on their opponents, saying: “We have been far more dominant than that in many games and only got one point. I am really pleased that, in one of those games where the margins are so fine, we’ve won.”
Heckingbottom’s side have been difficult to beat considering they have lost just once in their last eight fixtures, though they did five draw times in that period, results that include a 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on December 7.
Preston’s record of 23 goals scored and 29 conceded in the Championship makes them the league’s joint 18th best offensive and joint 10th best defensive team.
The visitors come into the clash having overturned a three-goal deficit in the first half to draw with Middlesbrough, though they might be disappointed that they failed to claim three points given the score was level by the 61st minute and Middlesbrough had been reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute.
Manager Danny Rohl attributed the second-half fightback to his tactical changes, telling reporters: “”We changed the shape to a 4-1-4-1 and controlled more their sixes and another in behind them to help us. Before the game, you always try to think what you can do and how a game might play out but we changed it and it was important that the players believed in it.”
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Rohl’s side have found the back of the net eight times in their last three games, as many as they had netted in their previous seven matches.
Sheffield Wednesday’s form has been strong considering they have triumphed in four of their seven most recent outings, drawing twice in that time.
The Owls’ record on the road is arguably more impressive, with the visitors having won three and drawn one of their past four away fixtures
