Arter returned in place of Gregory, and there was a debut for Steve Cook, on loan from Brighton, in place of the suspended Zubar.
After a cagey opening spell, the first serious attempt came from Pugh with a well struck volley from Thomas’ cross that was well saved by Turner. Shortly afterwards, yet another injury, as Purches was forced to go off and was replaced by Gregory. Flahavan made the first of a number of fine saves, turning over a powerful header from Tsoumou that was bound for the top corner. Unfortunately from the resulting corner Malone made a poor defensive header back across the goal and the ball eventually dropped for Tsoumou to score from a narrow angle.
There were few chances for either side in the rest of the half, the most encouraging aspect of which was the assured performance of new boy Cook. Although we were unlucky to be behind on the balance of play, nobody would have predicted what was about to happen in the second half.
The half got off to the best possible start when Malone picked out Thomas, who turned his marker with embarrassing ease, beat the advancing Turner and rolled the ball into the unguarded net from a narrow angle. Momentum shifted in our favour and as Pugh and Malone increasingly started to attack down the flanks it soon became obvious why Preston had been shipping so many goals in recent games – their defenders aren’t very good under pressure. Malone added a deserved second after 57 minutes. He cut in from the left flank, beat one defender, had his shot blocked, but the rebound fell nicely into his path for him to carry on his run and score with a low right foot shot.
Thankfully, given the obvious fragility of the opposition, we didn’t opt to sit back and defend the lead but kept pressing, which paid off with a real comedy goal after 68 minutes. Turner took a free kick outside the penalty area, playing the ball square to Carlisle who failed to control it and was easily dispossessed by the rapidly advancing Pugh, who rolled the ball into the undefended net.
Preston tried to up their game but with little effect, and when they did manage to hit the target they found Flahavan in fine form, most notably when saving at the feet of Nicholson and making a flying tip over from a long range effort from Coutts.
Perhaps the best of a number of good recent away performances, if only we didn’t have to play home games as well.
Mark Pugh - tormented the defenders, some excellent crosses and worked hard to get the ball back when not in possession. Flahavan, Cook and Thomas were outstanding too.
AFCB: Flahavan, Peters, Cook, Barrett, Cummings, Malone, Purches, Arter, Fogden, Pugh, Thomas
Subs: Jalal, Carmichael, Gregory (for Purches, 23 mins), Fletcher (for Fogden, 88 mins), Symes (for Thomas, 88 mins)
Richie Barker, Leyton