CHAMPIONSHIP
McGLYNN THE MAESTRO AS POTTERS PILE MISERY ON NORTH END
The American makes one and scores one, and Preston go home without a shot on target and six points adrift
By the time the 21,772 inside the bet365 Stadium headed home, the only question was why it was just 2-0. Stoke had 18 shots to Preston's three. Preston didn't manage one on target.
Stoke had gone two home games without a win, beaten in the last minute by leaders Middlesbrough and then held to a goalless draw by Bristol City in last weekend's storm. Jack McGlynn put that right.
Robert Bozenik, the only change to the side, had a penalty appeal waved away inside five minutes, and Ben Johnson dragged one just wide. Former Potter Jordan Thompson's free-kick was about as close as Preston came all afternoon.
Blood and a bullet header
Ben Wilmot needed treatment for a nasty cut above his right eye, and soon afterwards he scored. McGlynn's corner came back to him, he swung in a second inswinging cross with his left foot, and Wilmot rose highest to power it into the top corner. It was his second goal of the season.
Daniel Iversen kept it at one with a fine save from McGlynn's deflected drive before the break. Early in the second half he came for a Galbraith cross and missed it, and Luke Graham's header hit the outside of the post.
Game over at 53
The second came eight minutes after the restart. Wilmot won the ball high up the pitch, McGlynn played a one-two with Ethan Galbraith, and from the inside left of the box he slotted it into the bottom corner.
After that it was all Stoke. Bozenik raced clean through and shot straight at Iversen's boot. Justin Devenny was denied by a desperate Iversen save when it looked certain to go in. With three minutes left, substitute Million Manhoef somehow shot wide from point-blank range.
We talked about having more set-piece goals this season and Macca's deliveries have been excellent since he's come in.
Ben Wilmot, Stoke City defender, to Sky Sports
The only black mark was Galbraith's booking for a foul near halfway. It was his fifth of the season, and he'll miss the midweek trip to Blackburn.
It's a big, big week. We've got two away games now trying to pick up six points to go into the international break. We'll miss Ethan, it's a daft yellow card but he's been a terrific signing.
Mark Robins, Stoke City manager
Alexander: "a confidence issue"
Preston replaced Paul Heckingbottom with Graham Alexander in September, and he has taken one point from five games. He didn't hide from it.
We responded well to the goal we conceded, but there's obviously a confidence issue. That would be stating the obvious, though.
Graham Alexander, Preston North End boss, via Sky Sports
But you can still be a competitive team without confidence and you can still do the basics right.
Graham Alexander, Preston North End boss, via Sky Sports
It's something we have to change on the mentality side. The mindset is a strange phenomenon. Bad things happen to everybody, but its how you respond to them. We have to make sure we respond well. Today was a reality check.
Graham Alexander, Preston North End boss, to BBC Radio Lancashire
Five points and one win from 13 games by Halloween is a frightening place to be.