Sunderland were forced to settle for a second 0-0 draw in as many games on a disappointing night at Deepdale on Wednesday.
Preston North End had the better of the first half and though Regis Le Bris’s side improved as the second half developed, they struggled to carve out significant chances throughout the contest. Some resolute defending and poor finishing meant that they ground out yet another clean sheet, putting another point on the board.
Le Bris had sprung a surprise with his starting XI by rotating both of his wingers, but it was Preston who started the more aggressive of the two sides. The Black Cats were struggling to cope with their attacking approach and in particular how high their wing-backs were getting up the pitch.
The hosts should have gone ahead when they sliced an effort from close range, with Kesler-Hayden then unable to connect with the follow up from just a couple of yards. Though Sunderland had an effort when Isidor drove an effort into the side netting, Preston continued to create the best chances.
They should have gone ahead when Frokjaer rose to meet a cross from Sam Greenwood, his header dropping just wide of the far post with Moore beaten. Riis then headed wide from a slightly tougher angle as Kesler-Hayden again found space to cross on the left.
The Black Cats did go close to an opener against the run of play when Hume almost found Connilly at the front post, only a superb covering challenge preventing him from scoring from close range. Moore then had to be alert at the other end to make an excellent stop high to his left, palming Riis’s effort wide. It has been a half in which Sunderland’s press didn’t really function and their poor ball retention gave the hosts openings throughout.
The second half began in much the same fashion, Preston looking the more dangerous and let down by a lack of composure when Frokjaer blazed over from a promising position on the edge of the box.
Unsurprisingly Le Bris intervened on the hour mark and introduced Roberts and Mundle, a decision which began to turn the tide of the contest as Sunderland began to see more and more of the ball in advanced areas. Turning that into chances proved a taller hurdle to overcome and in the end Freddie Woodman had only one save of note to make in the second half, denying an ambitious but impressive volley from Roberts at his near post.
9. Chris Rigg
Sunderland’s brightest spark in possession through most of the game without being able to fashion a big chance for himself or his team mate. Looked sharp enough after missing Saturday’s game. 6 | Getty Images
10. Aaron Connolly
Almost got on the scoresheet at the front post in the first half, denied at the front post by a brilliant covering challenge. Worked hard but was mostly isolated and struggled to make the ball stick as a result. Not an easy full debut in a poor team display. 5 | Frank Reid
11. Wilson Isidor
Couldn’t really get into the game from the left wing with just one effort on goal in the first half. More dangerous in the second with a couple of strong driving runs but to no avail in the end. 5 | John Walton/PA Wire
12. Eliezer Mayenda
Ran into good areas but gave away a couple of cheap fouls late on. 5 | Getty Images