But it would be fair to say that it was hardly a vintage performance from Preston, Hartlepool created the more clear cut chances throughout with Thorsten Stuckmann again pulling off some very good saves to show why he is arguably the signing of the season with his sixth clean sheet in the 17 games he's been at the club which works out at around 16/17 clean sheets in a season (only around 8 short of the club record) which is very impressive given the defensive problems we've had this season after conceding 44 goals in 25 games before Westley was appointed manager which is roughly two goals a game and pretty much no team will get promoted with that sort of record. The new look defence was particularly solid tonight if shaky at times but considering that Chris Robertson and Nicky Hunt were making their debuts, and Jamie McAllister and Alex Marrow have only made a handful of appearances for the team it was a very good showing and given time they (along with the other Preston defenders like the suspended Morgan) will hopefully gel into a very solid defensive unit, something we have lacked since the 2009 Play Off team.
It was very encouraging to see the improved work rate of the players last night as they didn't stop working for 90 minutes, more often than not I have commented on the up and down performances of Adam Barton in my blogs and said how he didn't get stuck in and try to win the ball and get play moving, but last night (for the first time) he actually did these things and was arguably would have got man of the match had it not been for Mayor's match winning strike, it appears that Westley might have put some steel into Barton which is desperately needed as it is obvious that Barton has potential but has seemed too lightweight for that potential to be realised, if he can push on from last night he can be one of the best midfielders at the club. It is also obvious how Westley wasn't lying when he said that fitness levels were starting to improve, it was probably the first time this season where the players didn't look tired after 70 minutes, and this is something that is crucial when defending a 1-0 lead like we did last night, after games like Scunthorpe back in August where the players tired and they eventually got a last minute equaliser, this is a promising sign, it is by no means anywhere near the completed article, but it shows that we've taken the first steps and that progress is being made, no doubt under the previous regime (Brown) we wouldn't have come out of the game with a win as Hartlepool would probably have nicked a goal at the end, which they almost actually did after having a shot cleared off the line and then hitting the post and then narrowly heading wide in stoppage time.
But on Saturday, Westley will face the biggest test of his new look squad as we travel away to second placed Sheffield United who have only lost twice at home all season and with the Steel City Derby the following weekend, they will be keen to ensure they are in the best possible shape going into their biggest game of the season at Hillsborough. For Preston it will be a very formidable task at a ground where we haven't had much luck in recent years having not won at Bramall lane since 1978 with the game being very much a home banker and only the most optomistic fan can see Preston changing that this Saturday, but as Preston have proved at times this season (most notably at MK Dons in December where Preston are still the only team to win at Stadium:MK this season)
It would be completely unfair when talking about yesterday to not mention the very emotional events which ran alongside the football. As many of you are no doubt aware, Jordan Grant unfortunately passed away after suffering a sudden cardial arrest on 4th February, you couldn't have met a much nicer person if you tried and he was one of the most popular person around. The funeral was a very moving and emotional affair and it's a testament to Jordan that the service was completely full, there were people stood up on the sides because they couldn't fit anymore people in. It was also very nice to see Peter Ridsdale and Graham Alexander as well paying their last respects to Jordan, that alone shows what an amazing person he was. The tributes made by the club were fantastic and literally every single person in Deepdale stood to give him a minutes applause when it got to the 17th minute and it's fair to say there were hardly any dry eyes both for the funeral and the tributes during the game. I can't even begin to think what his parents and close friends are going to, but it is a massive loss and Jordan will be sorely sorely missed. Rest in peace mate.
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